Muscat: The Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced that the Omanisation rate has reached 34 percent among the workforce of over 75,000 employees in the 22 economic, free, and industrial zones under its supervision.
During a media meeting, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones highlighted its significant achievements in 2023 and outlined its goals and plans for the current year.
According to the Authority, the total cumulative investment committed in all regions until December 2023 amounts to OMR 19 billion, with OMR 6 billion specifically allocated to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
Dr. Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al Sunaidi, the Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, emphasized that the opening of the Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Project has led to an increase in private sector investments in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
Furthermore, approximately OMR 800 million worth of investments were added to the free zones in Sohar, Salalah, and Al Mazyouna in 2023, as stated by His Excellency.
In line with the growing demand for industrial projects, the Sohar Free Zone Administration has initiated procedures to expand the current phase by reclaiming 630 hectares of land, ensuring it keeps pace with the increasing requirements.
The Salalah Free Zone successfully localized several projects, including three projects in the food and mining industries as well as medical supplies. These projects have attracted an investment of approximately OMR 24 million.
According to Al Sunaidi, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates "Madayn" has managed to attract a total of 226 projects across various industrial cities. The estimated investment for these projects is around OMR 203 million, with seven projects specifically focused on the plastics industries sector.
The number of agreements signed in Khazaen Economic City has surpassed 100 agreements across different economic sectors. One notable development is the upcoming opening of the central market for vegetables and fruits within the city, expected to take place this year.
His Excellency highlighted the Authority's achievement in achieving financial savings of approximately OMR 38 million in the projects it has undertaken. These savings have been utilized to support various projects aimed at enhancing the lifestyle in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.
Last year, the regions generated direct revenues amounting to approximately OMR 61.6 million, marking a 15 percent increase compared to the set target for the same year. The Authority is currently finalizing the necessary procedures for overseeing and implementing the eight regions currently under development.
The Authority has announced that efforts are being made to enhance the satisfaction rate of beneficiaries of services, aiming for a remarkable increase from 86 percent in June 2023 to an impressive 92 percent by the end of December 2023.
Furthermore, significant progress is being made in the development of various economic zones across the region. These include the integrated economic zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate, the economic zone in Niyabat of Al Rawdah, the free zone at Muscat International Airport, and several industrial zones operated by Madayn. Notable cities within these industrial zones include Mahas, Ibri, Saih Al Suriyah, Mudhaibi, and Thumrait.
