Muscat: New investments in special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities have surpassed RO 1.4 billion in 2025, elevating the total committed investment in areas overseen by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to RO 22.4 billion, marking a 6.8% increase compared to 2024. This announcement was made during a media briefing held by OPAZ today.
According to Oman News Agency, OPAZ revealed that 325 new investment agreements were signed in 2025 across various economic sectors in special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities. Additionally, new areas for industrial investment were released, and development is underway for four new industrial cities in Al Mudhaibi, A'Suwaiq, Thumrait, and Madha. These developments aim to accommodate industrial activities, enhance the local manufacturing base, and create employment opportunities for Omani youth.
Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, highlighted the authority's ongoing efforts to cultivate a competitive and attractive investment environment supporting economic diversification and financial sustainability. The OPAZ strategy focuses on establishing special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities as preferred investment destinations by organising a business-friendly environment, offering incentives, and maximising project value.
Al Yousef emphasized that economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities serve as integrated platforms supporting economic diversification and investment attractiveness. He also noted OPAZ's strengthened international presence through membership in the World Free Zones Organization, connecting with a global network and benefiting from international management practices.
He confirmed OPAZ's continued development of specialized economic clusters, including the Integrated Cold Chain Economic Cluster in Duqm, the Integrated Aluminium Economic Cluster in Sohar, and plans for the Integrated Mining Economic Cluster in Shaleem. A study is also underway to establish a silica and mining industries complex in Duqm.
Eng. Ahmed Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of OPAZ, reported multiple achievements in 2025, including advancements in planning, regulation, marketing, and operations. The legislative environment saw improvements with the issuance of a new law unifying the framework across zones and providing incentives for strategic projects. Royal Decrees established new special economic zones in A'Dhahirah and Al Rawdah.
Developments in these zones include construction progress and agreements with small and medium enterprises. The Muscat International Airport Free Zone saw infrastructure advancements, while Duqm initiated a master plan for a coastal tourism area to attract investment.
Al Dheeb noted OPAZ's engagement with over 500 companies to increase foreign investment, targeting sectors like pharmaceuticals, food, logistics, and renewable energy. The Strategic Projects Tracking platform was launched to monitor project progress, with 294 projects registered by year-end.
OPAZ's visual presentation highlighted investment indicators, with the Salalah Free Zone and Sohar Free Zone leading in growth due to significant agreements in manufacturing and logistics. The industrial sector received the largest investment share.
Khazaen Economic City recorded the highest growth rate, and the Sohar Free Zone saw increased agreements, including the Shurooq Solar Energy Agreement. The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) also experienced investment growth.
In employment, the zones provided 4,467 job opportunities for Omanis, exceeding targets and achieving a localization rate of 36%. The number of SMEs operating in these zones reached 4,774.
During the briefing, OPAZ launched the updated OMap Platform for spatial data and master plans, enhancing decision-making and investment procedures. The RABT platform was introduced to connect local suppliers with industries and integrate local products into government tenders.
OPAZ's one-stop shop achievements in 2025 included the issuance of numerous licenses and permits, reflecting increased service volume and streamlined procedures.
In Duqm, a wind turbine project worth RO 70 million was signed, and significant projects in the Sohar Free Zone and Duqm are ongoing, including the ACME Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia project and the Green Steel Plant by Jindal.