New partnership inked to develop major aquaculture projects in Oman

Oman's Bahwan Services and Trading LLC (BSTL) and Muscat Investment House (MIH) have entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Blue Aqua International with the goal to 'support the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry and address food security concerns globally'. The partnership plans to develop Oman's first state-of-the-art aquafeed mill with a production capacity upwards of 30,000 tonnes of feed, a trout farm capable of producing 3,000 tonnes and a super-intensive shrimp farm using Blue Aqua's patented 'Mixotrophic System' to produce 1,000 tonnes of shrimp annually. With this partnership, BSTL, MIH and Blue Aqua International aim to support Oman's Vision 2040 and contribute to the economic diversification and growth of Oman, while also addressing the increasing demand for sustainable seafood products globally. The partnership is poised to make a significant impact in sustainable seafood production. The shared commitment to responsible aquaculture practices will not only benefit the environment but also provide high-quality, nutritious seafood to consumers in Oman and around the world. In addition to BSTL's stake in Blue Aqua Singapore, MIH owns a 10 per cent stake in the same entity established under Blue Aqua International.

Investors invited for 2 fuel stations planned in Oman

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) is offering two sites for establishment of integrated fuel stations in North Sharqiyah. Two plots of land, each measuring 15,000sqm, are being offered for integrated fuel service stations in Ibra and Bidiyah, North Sharqiyah.
Bidders must be Omani, male or female, aged not less than 23 years at the time of bidding. The bidding company must have at least 30 per cent stake of an Omani or an oil operating company in Oman. Additionally, bidders must be registered through the electronic system - Real Estate Development Services Centre – using ID number or commercial register. The two stations must each include a building for restaurants, main services, restroom, an electric car charging station, shops, parking lots, a fuel filling station, and a car repair workshop. The last date for submitting bids is June 8.
Establishment of the two integrated fuel stations is in line with MHUP's efforts to achieve the objectives of population and economic growth, including commercial and industrial real estate units. It also aims to enable the private sector to attract investments in various governorates to contribute to the development of integrated and sustainable urban communities.

New contract signed to build first commercial development in Oman

Tibiaan Properties and Al Tamman Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Muscat Overseas Group, have signed a contract to develop and market the first commercial development of its kind in the Dhofar Governorate specifically in Al Saada area, Salalah. This project will include commercial units dedicated to various activities such as office spaces, retail spaces, restaurants, cafes, etc. This cooperation comes into place to deliver premium projects in Dhofar Governorate, where demand is rising for quality real estate projects. The project name 'Ajwaa' is an Arabic word refers to the beautiful weather Salalah is enjoying throughout the year, thus reflecting the opportunities this project offers to investors in both corporates or individuals' capacity. The project location was carefully selected within one of the most active areas in Salalah directly on Sultan Taimur Street in Al Saada, with an easily accessible routes to all parts of Salalah. Ajwaa will represent a distinctive investment destination, as it will allow individuals and institutions the opportunity to own a commercial space for their own business or to rent it and obtain returns from it. It was designed on a land area of more than 20,000 square meters and includes more than 220 various commercial spaces making it an integrated commercial destination for work & leisure alike.

Agreement signed for privately owned transmission line solar project in Oman

Two independent Omani companies operating in the renewables space have announced a collaboration to support the delivery of a sizable portfolio of small-scale solar PV based projects for a number of public and private sector customers. Muscat-based Solar Wadi and Nafath Renewable Energy, both well-established players in the solar PV segment, signed a framework agreement during Oman Sustainability Week (OSW), which took place at Oman Convention and Exhibition. The pact was inked in the presence of Minister of Energy and Minerals.
The pact commits the two sides to collaborating in the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a portfolio of private-wire solar PV projects of an aggregate capacity of around 30 megawatt-peak (MWp). This is the first of a number of 25-30 MWp portfolios of projects planned as part of this collaboration between our two Omani companies to serve the Commercial & Industrial sector within Oman. Each portfolio comprises of a number of individual private-wire distributed generation solar PV plant ranging in scales of 1 to 15 MWp and using various application types (roof, ground, car-park, wadi etc.) to reach the combined 25-30 MWp capacity. The announcement attests to a burgeoning uptake of mainly solar-based power generation by a diverse mix of industrial, commercial, agricultural, retail and hospitality-based customers to help, on the one hand, offset the cost of subsidy-free electricity supply from the grid, and on the other, to meet their sustainability goals. According to Solar Wadi, the collaboration will also enable local and international businesses to embrace renewable energy to improve their competitiveness and achieve their environment goals as well. Additionally, this switch to green energy will help Oman achieve its goal to source around 40 per cent of its power requirements from renewable resources by 2040.

Proposals invited for managing and developing a fort in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has called on companies and institutions in the private sector to manage and develop Al Mirani Fort in Muscat with the objective of stimulating cultural tourism and encouraging investments. The fort in old Muscat overlooks the Sea of Oman and was the first where cannons were installed in Oman. This Fort existed prior to the Portuguese invasion and was later rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1587.
Competing companies aim is to submit a study that proposes ways to market the fort commercially and culturally, ideas for cultural workshops and organising artistic and cultural events, and plans for various activities to revive the fort. Competing companies must highlight the architectural uniqueness of the fort and involve the local community in various cultural and social events. The deadline for submission of bids is April 13, 2023.

Plans underway for tourism complexes in Oman

Ten Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) are being planned in the sultanate. Minister of Heritage and Tourism plans to build ITCs with the aim of developing the tourism sector as well as providing investment opportunities and housing solutions. ITCs will include hotels and entertainment centres. These will attract foreign investment, enhance the national economy, and create tourist destinations. On the management of the complexes, Oman has good legislation for the management of ITCs and there is coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to implement regulations related to real estate and its development in all governorates of the sultanate. On the role of the private sector in preserving and showcasing Oman's architectural heritage, the sultanate has a successful model to leverage the architectural heritage in promoting tourism.
Oman have success stories in Nizwa and Misfat al Abreyeen in Dakhliyah. This model will expand to the other governorates through partnerships with the private sector. Developers are invited to initiate such projects as these serve the architectural heritage and tangible and intangible heritage. A balance between tradition and heritage, and urban development will help achieve sustainability of Oman's architectural heritage, provide job opportunities and create exceptional experiences for tourists.

Announcement of land allocation for first hybrid hydrogen station in Oman

Oman Shell and Oman Airports Management Company announced land allocation for Shell's green hydrogen for mobility project. The land assigned for this project is owned by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is located near Oman International Airport. Construction will commence as soon as the necessary permits are secured, with the station expected to be on stream in 2024. This station will be the first station in Shell globally to have the hydrogen production unit on site, which will help achieve the maximum energy efficiency. Taking an integrated energy approach, the station will be partially solar-powered and will include multiple mobility solutions including electric vehicle (EV) charging units, hydrogen fuelling units as well as other fuelling products and non-fuel retail products and services. The vision of Oman Airports' environmental sustainability strategy is to work together with all our stakeholders towards a greener Oman for generations to come. The green hydrogen for mobility project in partnership with Oman Shell is an important investment in the existing infrastructure, which will reduce carbon emissions and provide a more sustainable environment for the residents around Muscat Airport.

Work to commence soon for green steel complex in Oman

Jindal Shadeed Group will commence work on setting up the proposed 5 million tonnes (MT) green hydrogen-ready green steel complex in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Duqm this year. The new facility will be the largest green hydrogen-ready steel plant in the world, and the first of its kind in the GCC region to produce premium quality auto-grade flat products catering to the auto, wind turbine, and domestic appliances industries across Europe, Japan, and other countries. The over $3 billion complex will have two production lines of 2.5MT, each consisting of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Hot strip mill, and downstream facilities. The first and second lines are expected to commence production in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industries like steel is vital to combat climate change. The company expects a 'very strong demand' for green steel in the coming years. Driven by the decarbonisation priorities of ESG-conscious consumers, a double-digit growth rate for green steel demand in Europe is expected in the coming decade.

Agreements signed for green hydrogen deals in Oman

In a major development towards achieving decarbonisation and sustainable energy goals, Oman signed multiple term-sheet agreements for the development of six major green hydrogen projects. The projects will see installation of 15GW renewable energy capacity and more than US$20bn worth of investments over the next seven years. The agreements were signed by Minister of Energy and Minerals and Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), with leading developers of global green hydrogen projects. This milestone follows preliminary agreements signed with these energy companies (referred to as Legacy Initiatives) before a clear regulatory framework was issued by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The commercially binding agreements signed on Tuesday include six major green hydrogen projects located in the proximity of Duqm and Salalah ports. The agreements were signed with BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited (for one project in Duqm and another in Dhofar), Green Energy Oman, Green Hydrogen and Chemicals SPC (owned by ACME), Hyport Duqm consortium, and SalalaH2 consortium.
These projects are expected to provide over 700,000 tonnes of green hydrogen which would be further processed in local industries into energy carriers for export. The signing of the term sheets and the commercial terms are in compliance with Royal Decree 10/2023 issued on February 16, 2023 stipulating a clear process to structure clean hydrogen projects and directing the method of land allocation on principles of equal opportunity, fairness and equitability for developers, while acknowledging the role of Legacy Initiatives and earlier commitments made with investors. The sultanate is targeting to produce 1mn tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

New agreement signed to design future cities in Oman

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning signed 7 agreements to assign the designing of layouts and future cities distributed over various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. These agreements come in implementation of urban regional strategies and to pursue balanced urban development in all governorates. Agreements were signed with consulting companies for the projects of 'Future City of Salalah', 'Bawshar City' and 'Future City of Sohar'. A number of other projects were also awarded to companies, such as the layout of Greater Nizwa, layout of Haima City, developing downtown of Ibri city and Khor Grama layout at Sur City. Future cities provide an integrated model for various uses, with multiple features, represented in being easy to access, flexible, healthy, smart, developed, highly efficient, safe and sustainable. The total area of such cities exceeds 20 million square meters, and they all accommodate more than 150,000 people and about 40,000 housing units, which is a new model for modern life that keeps pace with changes and meets the needs of the population. The main goal of future cities is to provide services before distributing or investing in land plots. As many as 40,000 housing units are targeted by these agreements, benefiting more than 150,000 people in different areas in the Sultanate of Oman. Ownership of these units will be available for Omanis and non-Omanis. Moreover, since the beginning of 2023, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has approved the allocation of 51 land plots through the usufruct system for various uses in different governorates. The ministry has also inked contracts worth RO 10.5 million during the Real Estate Development Conference.

New submarine cable project launched in Oman

Omantel and UAE's du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have come together to link Oman and the UAE through a newly activated 275km international fibre optic submarine cable named the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG). The OEG project will meet the evolving market demands, scale up speed, expand connectivity, deliver enhanced customer experience and provide wider commercial offerings. Oman and the UAE are currently connected through terrestrial and submarine routes. The new cable system of OEG will serve as an express connection between both countries and the partnership will reiterate Omantel's and du's position as leading wholesale players supporting the region to evolve into the new promising global communication hub. This direct and dedicated corridor will synergise the goals of Omantel as the global wholesale hub and of du as the regional data hub, bringing huge benefits to our wholesale and enterprise customers. Both companies will also be able to further expand their networks with higher efficiency and improved connectivity which will result in a significant positive impact in terms of services quality and product variety. 
The importance of this partnership is reflected by the fact that it is the first of its kind regional fibre optic submarine cable which connects two international data centres - Equinix MC1 in Barka, Oman and datamena DX1 in Dubai, UAE. This link will act as a major facilitator for hyperscalers, content providers and international carriers that are currently hosted in these data centres to avail improved connectivity services and higher capacities and will be able to directly link their Point of Presence (POPs) in the region. Increased connectivity between the two data centres will also attract more global players to the region, improve the quality of connectivity, which will in turn, boost customer experience. The agreement comes from a common vision for a new strategic direction that will help both companies optimise their assets and positions in the local, regional and global markets & transforming the region to a global telecom hub and will introduce cutting-edge solutions to the customers.

22 usufruct agreements signed in Oman

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) signed 22 usufruct agreements of a total investment value of over RO4.5mn in several governorates. Of the 22 agreements, four are for industrial projects and one commercial-cum-residential project in Muscat; two industrial, five commercial and four commercial-cum-residential projects in Dakhliyah; three industrial projects in South Batinah; one industrial project in North Sharqiyah; one industrial project in Al Wusta; and a residential commercial project in Dhofar.
The ministry is offering 41 plots of land, between 150sqm to 2,000sqm, and 15 investment sites, between 3,113sqm and 108,000sqm, via public auction in several governorates to develop the real estate sector and stimulate investments. This is with the aim of supporting growth of the GDP and supporting the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040.

Planning underway for exploration of mines in Oman

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals reaffirmed that work is underway for preparation of a new concession area for exploration in the mining sector as a step for tendering during the first quarter of the current year 2023. The new concession area targets chromite raw materials, copper, limestone and other raw materials. The ministry is at the final stage of negotiations with specialised companies on a number of concession areas the majority of which focus on potassium chloride and exploration of lithium raw material.

New 17 MW solar farm to commence test run in Oman

A first-of-its-kind solar farm that will power an existing seawater desalination plant in operation at Sur on Oman's South Al Sharqiyah coast is set to enter the testing phase before it brought fully online. The 17 MW peak-capacity solar photovoltaic-based farm has been built by the renewable energy arm of French energy major TotalEnergies to help decarbonize – at least partly – the water desalination operations of Sharqiyah Desalination Company. The latter – a publicly traded firm backed by French-based global water and environmental services specialist Veolia – currently operates a modern 80,000 cubic metres/day capacity desalination project at Sur.
The solar farm has passed a key commissioning step. Now the Solar Farm is entirely energized and producing green energy. This is one of the last stages before the trial run test leading to the Commercial Operation Date (COD). This plant is now producing 17 MW DC green energy for our Sur desalination plant. Covering an area of 130,000 sq metres, the solar farm features around 32,000 high-efficiency solar panels with a capacity to generate around 30,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green electricity annually. This output will reduce the desalination project's dependence on gas-powered electricity by around a third of its energy requirements. In the process, it will also eliminate around 300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum.

Work progressing on new downtown projects in Oman

Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has affirmed that work on several projects is progressing at a steady pace and is in various stages of implementation. They are currently working on the Masterplan for the Sustainable City Yiti project of the flagship 'The Nikki Beach Resort' that will be ready for guests early next year 2024. This property will have 140 hotel rooms and 30 villas and an array of facilities, including the beach club, restaurants and swimming pools with unique panoramic views. The Sustainable City Yiti will be developed within the Phase 1 of the Yiti Integrated Tourism Development Masterplan. The project will be developed in three phases on an area of 3.5 million square metres comprising of residential units of medium-sized villas, townhouses and low-rise apartments.
The Four Seasons Resort at the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha is a long-term development and is currently in the design stage. Apart from bringing the Four Seasons brand to the Sultanate, the project will add 200 rooms to the market and also upgrade facilities at the marina. The project will be ready by the end of 2026.
Madinat al Irfan would be developed as a premium downtown hub, which will bring more footfall to the area.
A three-star Ibis hotel project is under the implementation stage by the investor while for the Business Park, one building is under construction and three others are in the design stage.
Omran is also working with the local other authorities in other governorates to develop tourism facilities and one of the eagerly-awaited ones is the World Class Theme Park in Barka developed by the ASAAS, in which Omran is the stakeholder.
Hayy al Sharq will be spread over a multi-cluster 1.5 million square metre entertainment and leisure theme park, which will boast an integrated theme park, wildlife and water parks, an equestrian centre, and an edutainment centre, as well as retail areas that will offer a range of retail, leisure and dining options. It will also feature hotels, with a residential zone and retail areas.
Zipline in Musandam is part of the Oman Adventure and will be replicated in other parts of the Sultanate of Oman. All the future tourism projects will be just hospitality centric but also a pure leisure lifestyle.

EGP 8.4 billion water supply project completed in Oman

Egyptian construction firm Societe Egyptienne D’entreprises (S.E.D.E), a subsidiary of the Holding Company for Construction and Development (HCCD), has executed a water supply project worth EGP 8.4 billion in Oman. The project covered establishing a 230-kilometer water transmission pipeline, 15 storage tanks with a 451,000 cubic-meter capacity, and 4 pumping stations with a maximum capacity of 144,000 cubic meters per day.

Lowest bid submitted for an aviation strategy contract in Oman

Dutch aviation consultancy To70 submits lowest bid for preparing Oman Civil Aviation Strategy 2040. Dutch aviation consultancy TO70 has submitted the lowest bid ($479,059) for preparing the Oman Civil Aviation strategy 2040 followed by London Economics ($499,475). The other bidders in the fray are: Alton Aviation Consultancy, Consulum, AT Kearney Middle East, KPMG, Pricewatercoopers, ALG Global Infrastructure Advisors SL DMCC, and Pegasus Aviation Advisors, which submitted the highest bid ($1.03 million).

Restoration work begins for a Museum in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has started the first phase of the restoration and maintenance work of the Omani-French Museum building as per the best international practices that are followed while restoring historical buildings. The laboratory examinations of the building were conducted to determine its load capacity and structural condition. Accordingly, the work on the project started in line with the nature of the building to ensure its sustainability. The ministry is also working to ensure the reuse of traditional and approved construction and restoration materials and methods in ancient buildings, which will help preserve the original structure.
This project comes as part of the minThe museum, which was opened to visitors in 1992, is located in the Wilayat of Muttrah, Muscat Governorate. It is located in an ancient house, which is about 170 years old. It consists of 8 halls and a collection of documents and collectibles that chronicle Omani-French relations dating back to the 18th century. With galleries detailing relations between the two countries, this museum provides an interesting snapshot of mostly 19th-century colonial life in Muscat. Of particular interest are a series of old photographs and maps documenting the capital in the last century. In addition to the Hall of Maritime Navigation, the museum rooms include models of Omani and French ships, a traditional costume hall, and many other artifacts and pictures that reflect the cultural connection between the two countries.

New mining deal signed in Oman

In Oman's first mineral exploration deal with a foreign investor, the sultanate has signed an agreement with the UK-based mining company Knights Bay for the extraction of nickel and its derivatives. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals signed the mining concession agreement with Knights Bay to obtain the concession rights in mining area No 21 located in the Wilayat of Ibra in Governorate of North Sharqiyah. The agreement aims to extract nickel and its derivatives with high purity. The extraction process will be carried out without any carbon emissions (zero carbon). The agreement was signed by Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals and Knights Bay. The agreement comes in line with the government's approach to allocate mining concession areas to develop investment in the mineral sector. This agreement with Knights Bay is the first mining agreement with a foreign investor. the initial investment related to the exploration and appraisal phase are estimated between US$25-30mn in the first three years.
The investment will cover an area of 1,444 square kilometres. This phase includes geological surveys and drilling of a number of exploratory and appraisal wells, as well as chemical analysis to confirm the quantities of mineral reserves according to approved international standards. the agreement is important towards achieving the sultanate’s strategy represented in looking forward to strengthening non-oil industries and contributing to economic diversification based on Oman Vision 2040. The agreement is important towards achieving the sultanate’s strategy represented in looking forward to strengthening non-oil industries and contributing to economic diversification based on Oman Vision 2040. The signing ceremony of the agreement was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, officials at the ministry, representatives of the British company and the Charges d'affaires of the British Embassy in Muscat.

Revived sea bidge project to tap tidal energy in Oman

Oman’s revived Masirah sea bridge project plans to tap into wave energy. The Government of Oman has no plans to invest in the project, but a memorandum of understanding signed with a consortium of companies to invest in the project has been extended for a period of one year. A study on the economic feasibility of the project will be presented at the end of that period with primary investment objective being to generate wave power. The plan for the sea bridge was mooted in 2010 and an Omani-Korean joint venture worked on the feasibility study, initial design and financial plan in 2015. However, the plan was put on hold due to the hefty price tag of 500 million Omani rials ($1.3 billion) until it was revied in 2022.

Major agri-industrial city under planning in Oman

A first-of-its-kind agri-industrial city centred around large-scale crop cultivation and food processing is planned for development in the Najd area of Dhofar Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman. The initiative is being spearheaded by Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj), the food sector investment arm of the Omani government, represented by Oman Investment Authority (OIA). Also supporting the landmark project is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. This initiative aims to establish an integrated agricultural-industrial food city through which the country can reduce the percentage of the food gap for strategic crops, in addition to creating an agricultural area in Najd containing all the facilities (farming, industrial and logistical) to provide the country with various fresh and manufactured crops, as well as serve a model in the future to implement in other cities in different (governorates). As a first step in the implementation of this ambitious venture, Nitaj has invited consultancy firms to submit their qualifications in response to a competitive tender for a contract to undertake a feasibility study into the Agri-Industrial Food City project.
The successful bidder will be required to provide advisory services encompassing the technical (master-planning as well), legal, commercial (marketing) and financial aspects of the project. According to Nitaj, Najd’s advantageous geographical location and climate characteristics makes its 'one of the most promising agricultural areas' in the Sultanate of Oman. Proposed to be located in Al Mazyouna, the project will also unlock a wide array of socioeconomic benefits for the country, among other beneficial knock-on effects. The initiative is expected to have several effects, most notably: providing job opportunities for Omanis, creating added value for the crop that will be produced in the City, provide contract areas for cultivate and manufacture of different food products for small and medium enterprises. In essence, the project will serve as a hub for agricultural cultivation and processing as a year-round economic activity. In addition to large-scale crop cultivation, Nitaj envisions the potential for investments in food processing and added value factories, such as ketchup and fruit drying plants etc), local manufacturing of agricultural and farming implements and tools, and activities focusing on agricultural inputs, such as seeds, irrigation items, and so on. Crops targeted for cultivation in the new cluster will include those that can address the current food gap and are suitable for Najd’s environment. The area has been described as ideal for the cultivation of (i) Fruit crops (citrus, mango, banana); (ii) Vegetable crops (potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, zucchini, okra, eggplant...) and (iii) Field crops ((wheat, sunflower, corn, canola...). It is expected that this city will attract various types of advanced and newly innovative technologies in the fields of agriculture and related industries. Importantly, as an integrated city, the new agro-centric industrial hub will also pull in investments to support the provision of educational, healthcare, shopping, retail and other commercial services. The deadline for submission of qualifications is April 26, 2023.

Plans announced for over 1,300km of strategic road projects in Oman

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has announced that it will undertake several strategic road projects in 2023. Continuing and new road projects in 2023 will be of more than 1,300km. The projects include the Dibba-Lima-Khasab Road, completion of the Batinah coastal Road (Barka- Suwaiq), the Harweeb-Al Mazyouna-Metin Road, completion of the Sharqiyah Expressway project, dualisation of the Haima-Thumrait Road, the Raysut-Mughsayl Road and the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali-Jaalan Bani Bu Hasan Road. The ministry seeks to develop Omani ports and roads in order to make the sultanate an international logistics hub. Ports in Oman received 9,800 ships, 5.2mn containers and 205,000 tourists in 2022, and the volume of bulk and general cargo rose to more than 90mn tonnes. The ministry provided more than 83,000 services through the 'Naql' platform, including issuing more than 30,000 new operating cards for land transport, 4,000 licences for land transport, and 15,000 permits to foreign vehicles. In 2023, the ministry will start road projects totalling 128km, including the Aflaj road in Mudhaibi, restoration of roads like the Al Hazm-Rustaq road in Rustaq, the Tawa Ateer-Rakah-Jabjat and Aqbat al Shuwaymiyah roads in Shaleem and Hallaniyat Islands, and the Bidbid-Nizwa road, and construction of the Khor-Mughsayl bridge on the Raysut–Mughsayl road, and Wadi Afoul bridge in Dhofar.
The cost of periodic road maintenance and repairs following adverse climatic conditions in 2022 amounted to more than RO250mn. The ministry will implement and complete over 60km of logistical link roads, including Phase 1 of the dual carriage Empty Quarter Road, roads of the Khazaen Economic Zone, roads in Sohar, and design of the Saih al Khairat-Al Shasr road in Dhofar. The ministry will also complete tourist link roads of over 55km in Dhofar and South Batinah, and the Jabal Shams Road.

First licensed private museum & first heritage hostel opened in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism opened 'Communication of Different Generations', a private museum in Dhofar. This is the first licensed private museum and the first heritage hostel in Dhofar. The museum will help highlight cultural heritage and promote historical tourism in the governorate. The ministry grants licences to individuals wishing to invest in such activities after ensuring they follow the special requirements for the establishment of new tourist facilitates. The new tourist hostel is called 'Koofan Heritage House'. The house was converted into a heritage hostel following several renovations. Guests will be able to learn about the traditional way of life and history, and explore Omani architecture in the old neighbourhood in the wilayat of Taqah. It has rooms with traditional décor and high ceilings made of local wood, a garden, a terrace and free parking. It also has a sharing kitchen, room service and a currency exchange for guests. The house is close to 150 years old and considered one of the most beautiful traditional houses in the wilayat. The property is a fine example of an old Dhofari house and has clothes, furniture and kitchen ware that document the life of the people of the wilayat of Taqah in the old days. The three-floor house was a family residence and a shelter for many others who sought refuge in it during crises and difficult climatic conditions and also had shops. The house has numerous antiquities, including pottery, copper and metal ware, tools for dairy production, kitchen utensils, handicrafts, jewellery and perfume.

40 projects under planning for adventure tourism in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is working on more than 40 projects to develop the adventure tourism sector in Oman. The ministry launched an executive plan to stimulate adventure tourism in 2022. The plan will continue beyond 2025. Work is currently underway on developing a cable car project in the Botanical Garden, and construction of zip lines in different locations in Dhofar, including Wadi Darbat for the khareef season, and a suspension bridge in Wadi Shab in South Sharqiyah. A zip line in Musandam is complete and was opened last week. The ministry will also develop several mountain trails. These are planned in Hawar village in Wadi Bani Khalid and in Wadi al Arbaeen, which is famous for its gushing perennial springs. These trails help adventure enthusiasts and visitors enjoy the beauty of mountainous areas and wadis.
The ministry is currently also working on paving a road to Al Sogara, an isolated mountainside village in Jabal Akhdar inhabited for more than 500 years. The village has a heritage inn and attracts many tourists. There is also a plan to take advantage of the land near the mountain trails in Jabal Shams and transform these into camping sites. The ministry is also studying the prospect of setting up service facilities on the mountain tracks in Wadi Bani Awf. Plans are being finalised for construction of changing rooms, camping sites, a cafe and a restaurant. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year. These facilities will be offered to SMEs to operate, which will provide good returns to the local community. The ministry has agreed to pave 15 mountain trails in all, most of which are in the Hajar Mountains, including Jabal Shams, Jabal Akhdar and Wadi Bani Awf. Youth teams who discovered 37 new mountain trails have been allowed to engage in adventure activities. There are 53 approved mountain trails in the sultanate. On the scope of caving, Oman boasts of several spectacular caves and that establishment of recreational facilities in caves requires detailed studies and technical consultations, besides significant amount of funding. Twenty tourism companies have applied for licences to organise adventure activities. Work is underway to complete all procedures related to security and risk management to conduct adventure activities at various sites and projects, and training tour guides in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, in addition to evaluating some sites for their suitability for adventure tourism.

Container Terminal upgradation project to commence soon in Oman

Port of Salalah, the nation’s premier transshipment and logistics hub overseeing the Indian Ocean, says its investment in the upgrade of its Container Terminal is key to attracting a new generation of Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) to the maritime gateway. Work on the Container Terminal Upgrade project is set to commence during the first half of this year and will run until Q1 2025. The publicly listed owner and operator of the port invested around $66 million in suitably upgrading the Container Terminal to support the installation of a fleet of 10 special cranes to enable the handling of these mega containerships. The cranes will be leased from APM Terminals, one of the world’s largest port operating companies, which also owns a 30 per cent stake in Salalah Port Services (SPS). A separate agreement reached with global shipping and logistics giant Maersk commits the latter to channeling large volumes of containers to Salalah Port by routing its mega containerships via the Omani hub.

MoU signed for battery recycling project in Oman

A leading Indian-based global recycling company has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the establishment of a battery recycling plant in the Sultanate of Oman. Mumbai-headquartered Gravita India Limited stated that its Netherlands'-based subsidiary plans to set up a 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity battery recycling plant in partnership with Oman-based investors. Gravita Netherlands BV (GNBV) has executed a MoU to this effect and will be holding 50 per cent of the equity in addition to management control in the project. The remaining equity will be held by Oman-based partners. Total investment in this Joint Venture for Phase-1 will be approximately Rs 40 crore (RO 1.86 million approx.) and GNBV will be investing approximately Rs 20 crore (RO 930K) towards its share in fixed capital and working capital as its contribution. The planned Muscat project will be Gravita's first recycling related investment in the Middle East.

Ghuzayn copper project inaugurated in Oman

The Ghuzayn copper project was inaugurated in the Wilayat of Al Khaboura under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals on February 23, 2023. The project aims to extract about 6.5 million tonnes of copper ore. The mine operates with modern underground mining techniques that take into account the requirements of security, occupational safety and environmental preservation.

First thoracic surgery unit inaugurated in Oman

The Royal Hospital inaugurated a thoracic surgery unit. It is the first of its kind in Oman and aims to provide advanced and comprehensive care. The unit will deal with lung and esophageal cancers, pleural diseases, tumours of the mediastinum, thorax, diaphragm problems, lung diseases, and benign esophagus and chest injuries, in addition to surgeries and diagnostic and treatment services through pulmonary and gastroscopy endoscopy. The opening of the thoracic surgery unit is realisation of one of the most ambitious plans to expand the services provided by the hospital. The unit targets various segments of society, especially since the hospital is one of the most important reference institutions in Oman. That inauguration of the unit reinforces the Ministry of Health's commitment to provide specialised, high-quality healthcare, keeping abreast of developments in the field and pioneering the use of new surgical techniques. The unit works closely with the departments of oncology and radiology to evaluate diagnosis and treatment options to ensure patients receive the best and most appropriate treatment for cancer. The unit also works to improve public awareness on diseases of the chest and esoph- agus, and encourage people to seek care when symptoms of cancer appear.

New briquetting plant project planned in Oman

A new briquetting plant proposed by Brazilian mining conglomerate Vale SA at its iron ore pelletising complex in Sohar Port promises to further reinforce the Sultanate of Oman’s importance as a major distribution hub for feedstock targeted at steel plans in the region. Vale’s wholly-owned Omani subsidiary Vale Oman Pelletising Company (Vale in Oman) Board approved the new investment. If indeed the initiative gets the greenlight, it will culminate in the addition of a briquetting plant that churns out relatively low-carbon hot briquetted iron (HBI) - a high density raw material for the steel industry containing 90-94 per cent iron in a nearly pure form. Produced by reducing iron ore with natural gas, these briquettes are considered environmentally friendly relative to feedstock produced with the use of coal as the reducing agent. With many steel mills switching to Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) for environmental reasons from conventional blast furnaces, the demand for briquettes as the primary feedstock has soared in recent years. For Vale in Oman, the addition of a briquetting plant at its Sohar Port complex will lend further flexibility to its operations to serve a wider choice of steel mills in the Middle East. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAL). Based initially on the use of natural gas for the production of briquettes, these plants will eventually switch hydrogen and other renewable energy resources when the availability of these low carbon energy fuels becomes competitive and widespread. Through these decarbonisation initiatives, Vale aims to reduce to reduce 15% of net scope 3 emissions by 2035. The goal is to reduce its absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

Plans underway to establish sustainable greater cities in Oman

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) announced that it has set out to establish sustainable Greater Cities or future cities in Salalah, Nizwa, Sohar and Muscat. MHUP has formed an executive committee to implement the urban strategy for different governorates. The committee has started work on preparing structural plans for Greater Muscat, Greater Salalah, Greater Nizwa and Greater Sohar, in addition to accelerating development in the wilayat of Jabal Akhdar. The cities, spread over 5mn sqm, will have 10,000 to 30,000 housing units and accommodate 50,000 to 130,000 people. MHUP is preparing the Jabal Akhdar development plan, which will be completed in 2023. The project is a mixed-use investment destination aimed at stimulating the economy.

Foundation to be laid for a central health laboratory in Oman

The Ministry of Health (MoH) will lay the foundation stone of the Central Public Health Laboratory costing about RO18.2mn and spread over 18,155sqm in Seeb, Muscat. Medical laboratories constitute a basic pillar of healthcare systems, epidemiological investigation and disease monitoring. In June 2020, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik ordered the establishment of a new central laboratory for public health that keeps pace with technical developments and the latest technical systems in order to cover requirements in all circumstances. The main building of the central laboratory will have several departments, including chemical, biochemistry and bacteriological laboratories. 
The main building will also include a department for quality and risk management, public health affairs, and a virology laboratory (Regional Polio Reference Laboratory, Regional Measles and Rubella Laboratory, National Influenza Laboratory and Regional SARS-Covid Virus Laboratory among others). Its facilities will include a pulmonary tuberculosis reference laboratory, epidemiology and surveillance laboratory, besides administrative and financial departments. The ministry seeks to establish a modern, integrated building for the laboratory with the latest technologies and equipment required for lab tests in speciality facilities. This central laboratory will be the first one of its kind in the region, which confirms the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman in several sectors and success in many health initiatives and programmes.

$3 billion green steel venture to come online by 2026 in Oman

A green hydrogen-ready integrated steel plant planned in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has the potential not only to position the Sultanate of Oman as a pioneer in green steel production in the GCC region, but also drive the growth of a flourishing downstream steel-based sector. Suhar-based Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel (JSIS) says the $3 billion green steel venture due to come into operation by 2026, along with its existing integrate steel complex in Sohar Port, will together contribute an aggregate of around $3.5 billion annually to the national GDP. This contribution will represent a 20 per cent increase in Oman’s non-oil GDP. Last December, the steelmaker, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian business conglomerate Jindal Power and Steel Ltd had signed agreements with Omani authorities for the establishment of a green steel cluster in Duqm with a capacity of 5 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) of green steel targeted primarily at the automobile, wind energy and consumer durables sectors locally and globally.
Based in Duqm, which is dubbed the Powerhouse of Modern Oman, new sustainable steel plant can produce 5 mtpa of green steel with 80 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than today’s global emission averages. This is an unmatched feat in the GCC thus far. Energy for the project will come from an ecosystem of solar and wind farms offering 7 – 9 gigawatts of capacity. This will enable the plant to achieve record-low emissions of less than 0.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of steel versus the current global average of 1.8 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of steel. Additionally, green hydrogen output from the renewable energy ecosystem will be used in the direct reduction (DRI) process, based on Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, thereby keeping CO2 emissions to a minimum. When functional, we will operate the first plant in the GCC producing auto-grade steel that will support valuable sectors including automotive, wind, and domestic appliances across Europe, America, Asia and other regions. Significantly, the greening of the steelmaking process will eliminate the production of a staggering 225 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) over the Duqm project’s overall lifecycle, according to the company.

19 tenders issued for development projects in Oman

In order to achieve sustainability in agriculture and self-sufficiency in food, Buraimi has allocated more than 6,000 acres of land for cultivation of various crops. The governorate has designated 6,200 acres for agricultural activities. Of the total, 3,500 acres are in the niyabat of Al Rawdah, 700 acres in the wilayat of Mahdah, and 2,000 acres in the wilayat of Al Sunainah. The initiative aims to enhance food security in the governorate by supporting farmers to cultivate various crops. 
In the governorate’s efforts to set up various projects, 19 tenders have been offered for development and implementation. The governorate has also invited bids for a consultancy study on the establishment of an entertainment centre in the wilayat of Buraimi, development of a gate at the entrance of the governorate, and development of Falaj Buraimi and Mahdah Oasis. Tenders have also been announced to construct a walkway in the Al Rawdah area in the wilayat of Mahdah, playgrounds in Al Hail in the wilayat of Buraimi and one in the Al Khadraa area of the wilayat of Mahdah, and development of a municipal park with a cycle track also in the wilayat of Buraimi. The developments are being under taken under the Governorate Development Programme for which His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik raised the amount from RO10mn to RO20mn for each governorate for the current Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), starting from 2022.

Bids invited for 17 development projects in Oman

In order to stimulate the economy and implement recreational facilities, Dakhliyah is offering 17 projects for development in the governorate. Bids are invited for a variety of projects, including public parks, recreational areas, and livestock barns. Dakhliyah is calling on bidders to set up a recreational game area in the wilayat of Al Hamra on an area of 2,500sqm, a game area with electronic rides in Adam Park on 9,000sqm and another in Manah Park on an area of 5,000sqm. Dakhliyah Municipality is also inviting bids to establish an agricultural nursery in Nizwa of 560sqm and another in Izki of 1,439sqm. Development and operation of Tanuf Park in the wilayat of Nizwa, spread over an area of 10,789sqm, is also open for bidding. Tenders have also been announced to set up barns for livestock in Nizwa (1,500sqm) and Manah (270sqm). Bids have been invited to establish a municipal park in Manah on an area of 7,787sqm, and separately, a recreational area for bicycles and electric scooters in Manah Public Park on an area of 448sqm. A number of cafes in Nizwa and Jabal Akdar are also being offered on rent. The last date for submission of bids is March 30, 2023.

Latest business park project launched in Oman

Al Mouj Muscat launched Al Mouj Business Park, with a vision to reimagine how business success is delivered. The new business destination is situated within Al Mouj Golf, one of the World top 100 golf courses, with an exemplary location not seen anywhere else in the Middle East. At the launch, a group of esteemed business leaders from across the Sultanate of Oman were presented with the premier lifestyle destination’s vision for a park where its occupiers will enjoy an oceanfront setting and a delightful outlook across the golf course. They will also benefit from superb connectivity and transport links and the support of Al Mouj Muscat’s world-class leisure, commercial and tourism amenities. The state-of-the-art complex offers 39,000 square metres of office space within eight mid-rise buildings set across two districts, three in Business Park East and five in Business Park West. Built to exacting Grade A standards, the buildings are separate yet seamlessly connected by beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces designed to be convivial to business networking. Offices range from 3,990 to 5,320 square metres with flexible floor plans and where the average floor plate is 1300 square metres. There will be rooftop gardens and each building will have controlled access basement car parking of between 115 and 148 spaces per office block, one of the most generous in Muscat. Companies choosing to locate at Al Mouj Business Park can take advantage of a sophisticated meetings and events ecosystem within neighbouring 4 and 5 star hotels and event spaces including those at Al Mouj Golf which has both a restaurant and an events marquee. The Okura Hotel and St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort are adjacent to the park and the Kempinski, the Mysk and Rotana are in close proximity. In addition to providing a top-quality environment inside and out, transport links are excellent as the park is directly accessible through the Muscat International Airport’s intersection and only 10 minutes to Muscat City Centre, and 15 minutes to the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. A joint venture between the Oman government and Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Al Mouj Muscat is a dynamic and diverse community, now home to 8,000 residents and which attracts 4.9 million annual visitors to its coastal setting, boulevard style retail and dining experiences, luxury hotels, 400-berth marina and multi award-winning golf course.

First phase of luxury beach resort completed in Oman

SSH, a leading master planning, infrastructure, building design and construction supervision firm in the region, has announced that it has completed the work on the Phase 1 of its luxury tourism development Dhorfar Beach Resort. The 5-star resort features 64 villas, a reception building, two restaurants, a swimming pool, the entire back of house, parking, operator offices, male and female gyms, a kids club, external works, and landscaping. Despite several challenges, SSH worked steadily and continuously to accomplish this significant milestone - of finishing the entire Phase I project within less than 14 months after the project resumed. The Dhorfar Beach Resort boasts a total built-up area of 61,530 sq m - with hard and soft landscaped areas spanning 32,850 sq m, including communal areas, water features, and gardens that will provide a pleasant environment in which the private villas are to be located in family clusters.

3 new wind power projects to be developed by 2026 in Oman

Pressing ahead with its strategy to harness renewable energy resources for its electricity requirements, the Sultanate of Oman – represented by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has unveiled plans for the develoment of as many as three wind-based Independent Power Projects (IPPs) at key locations around the country. Wind-based IPPs are envisioned for implementation in Duqm (Al Wusta Governorate), Jaalan Bani Bu Ali (North Al Sharqiyah Governorate), and Harweel (Dhofar Governorate). All three schemes are scheduled to be brought into operation during 2026, the company – part of Nama Group – noted in tender announcements seeking legal, commercial and financial advisory support in the procurement of these projects by competitive tender. In line with Sultanate of Oman’s vision to diversify fuel sources through the use of clean energy for power generation, OPWP wishes to initiate the procurement process for three wind projects (Duqm Wind IPP, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali Wind IPP and Harweel Wind IPP) with a target Schedule Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) by Q2 2026 for Duqm Wind IPP and Jaalan Bani Bu Ali Wind IPP and SCOD by Q4 2026 for Harweel Wind IPP.
OPWP is seeking proposals from interested bidders to provide commercial and financial consultancy services for the development of the Projects and to advise on the competitive tendering of the Project. To ensure the suitability of the selected locations, OPWP has been gathering meteorological data and other inputs – part of wind resources assessment studies to help underpin the overall bankability and deliverability of the projects. A number of 100-metre tall meteorological masts and monitoring stations have been installed in place at the proposed sites in Duqm and Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. Although power generation capacities for individual wind farms have not been disclosed yet as part of the latest tender announcements, OPWP had previously discussed the potential for a 100 MW capacity wind farm in Jaalan Banu Bu Ali, with a larger project of up to 200 MW envisioned in Duqm. In Harweel (Dhofar Governorate), OPWP had previously outlined the potential for a new wind farm of around 100 MW adjoining the site of Oman’s maiden wind-powered project at Harweel – a modest 50 MW venture that came into operation in 2019. Owned by the Rural Areas Electricity Company (Tanweer), a subsidiary of Nama Group, Harweel-1 comprises of 13 wind turbines. Interest bidders have until February 25, 2023 to collect the tender documents to participate in the consultancy services tenders. Submission of final offers is March 22, 2023 for Commercial & Legal Services bids and March 23, 2023 for Legal bids. Oman has a target to secure a 10 per cent contribution from renewables to its electricity requirements by 2025, rising to 39 per cent by 2040.

RO 41 million water supply networks opened in Oman

A major water project capable of supplying 1.760 million gallons of water per day to the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar has been launched by Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. Initiated and implemented by the Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company (OWWSC), the water project is one of its kind in the Middle East as is executed under extreme terrains at the height of 2,980 metres and encompasses the Saiq Plateau at 2,000 metres above sea level. The project consists of six pumping stations aiming to strengthen water pumping. In addition, it includes four main water reservoirs with capacities ranging from 1,800 cubic metres to 5,000 cubic metres. In addition, it contains 23 sites for installing pressure equalisation devices to ensure the stability of the operational pressure of the water distribution networks around the clock. This project is a standalone one in the region as the plant. The water networks are built under extremely harsh circumstances on a mountain that stands above sea level at a cost of RO 41 million. It will provide 1.760 million gallons of water per day to the Wilayat as the new distribution networks have been successfully put into operation.
The company had completed all works on the readiness of the pumping stations and works related to the completion of the main line of the pipeline supply project. The project is considered one of the most important one the company is implementing as it crosses rugged terrains such as high mountains and steep slopes. The project also has water transmission pipelines with a length of 36 km branching from the main from the desalination plant to Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, in addition to water supply networks with a length of 248 km to serve all villages, communities and modern infrastructure plans. The project also includes an integrated administrative building and advanced systems for water sterilisation and quality control. This project of independent water supply project for Al Jabal Al Akhdhar aims to make the area self-reliant in terms of potable water and to support tourism in the area, which is the highest peak in the region. The construction, which took years, was strenuous due to its geographical location. Although there are many pumping stations in the country, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar's supply was managed by the pumping station located in Barka. The Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Water supply project, part of an investment initiative to provide drinking water to all of Oman's villages and towns, is also expected to spur tourism and economic development in this popular holiday destination in the governorate. When fully operational with a network of pipelines running a total length of 120 km, it will cover all parts of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar.

Major mining projects progressing in Oman

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals is seeking to attract foreign investments represented by international companies specialized in the field of minerals, which have advanced technologies and capabilities that make them able to explore for the mineral resources latent in the Sultanate of Oman. The ministry’s direction in the mineral sector in the next stage is to complete the strategic directions that serve the ambitions in terms of developing and strengthening the geological portfolio, digitizing it, raising the volume of investments and promoting them, especially with the emergence of good mineral indicators in Oman, in particular through the Ministry's identification of 12 mining concession sites for Minerals Development Oman (MDO) of the Oman the ministry has adopted several projects in cooperation with partners in the minerals sector, including a project to offer ready sites for marble ore and building materials for bidding with the award (the first package), with the aim of creating competitive investment opportunities for marble ore and building materials by the bidding system in order to achieve the principle of transparency, equality and financial efficiency. And technical by organizing the process of granting licenses and bringing in the serious investor to create real and sustainable investment opportunities for the sector, and it is expected that the project will be completed as a preliminary package during the end of the first quarter of this year.
Omani mining firm Kunooze aims to produce up to 3 million tons annually of raw dolomite in stages. The initial geological study shows that the volume of resources at the site It may reach more than 250 million tonnes of dolomite ore. The project is intended for implementation in 2026. Another key project is underground mining for copper at Al Ghizain in Wilayat of Al Khaboura in Al Batinah North Governorate. The project aims to extract about 6.5 million tons of copper ore with a purity of 2 per cent over a period of 6 and a half years. The completion rate of the project reached 21 percent. Regarding the project to develop the Shaleem mining site, the project aims to mine gypsum, limestone and dolomite ores for export to the global market initially, stressing that the project has reached advanced stages in the economic feasibility study. Deposits of high purity are found in an area covering 3,314 sq km. The project is slated for completion in 2026.
Likewise, the Naqaa Salt Project aims to produce salt with high quality and purity for commercial and industrial uses. Meanwhile, Mazoon Mining has uncovered commercial discoveries of copper and gold ore at many locations in Block 10 in Yanqul Wilayat. The amount of copper produced by this project is estimated at more than one million tons annually and with good revenues. It aims to complete the implementation of the project by 2025. In the Wilayat of Al-Mudhaibi, a copper ore project aims to produce concentrated copper with 24 per cent copper per tonne in the new processing plant.

13 MoUs signed for economic & industrial sectors in Oman

The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding worth millions of rials for investment in various economic and industrial sectors. The agreements include cooperation and investment in the fields of oil and gas, petrochemicals, renewable energy, green hydrogen, mining, tourism, fish farming, stock exchange, logistics and transportation.
Oman’s Ministry of Finance and the Saudi Fund for Development signed a MoU to finance the construction of an integrated economic zone in Dhahirah, at a cost of about RO122mn in its first phase.
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed a MoU with the Special Economic Cities and Zones Authority of Saudi Arabia in the field of economic and investment development to enhance the competitive advantage of cities and economic zones, and develop institutional capabilities between the two sides in a way that achieves mutual benefit.
Siham Development and Investment Company and a Saudi company signed an agreement worth RO60mn to establish an entertainment project in Muscat.
Oman’s Tanfeedh for Global Business and Saudi Clear Vision signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of research, development and innovation.
Omani United Investment and Development Company and Saudi al Rajhi Holding Group signed an agreement to establish an investment company engaged in the fields of oil and gas, logistics, electronic payment, furniture and information technology between the two countries.
Voltamp Transformers Oman and Saudi Gulf Laboratory Company signed an agreement worth RO5mn in the field of electrical transformer services.
Delta Green Energy Company and Saudi External Consultants Group signed an agreement worth RO4mn to invest in the field of green hydrogen production. The agreement aims to prepare economic, investment and financing studies, and attract investment partnerships between the two countries.
Visit Oman and Saudi Almosafer Company signed an agreement worth RO100,000 in the field of travel and tourism.
Oman Construction and Engineering Company and Tharawat al Manajem of Saudi signed an agreement to operate and manage mining sites, while Colossal Engineering and Construction Company and Saudi Desert Technologies signed an agreement to implement solar energy projects in Oman.
An Omani company and Saudi International Company for Marine Industries signed an agreement to support the marine industry in the kingdom, and lastly Omani Golden Integration Solutions Company and Saudi Specialised Industrial Services Company signed an agreement in the field of oil and gas services.

Funding agreement signed for an Economic Zones infrastructure in Oman

The Ministry of Finance and the Saudi Fund for Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to finance the infrastructure construction project for the integrated economic zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate in Oman. The first phase of the project costs around OMR122 million. The project includes the construction of infrastructure, roads, electrical installations, water and sewage networks, treatment of industrial waste, and the setting up of basic facilities, in addition to providing engineering consultancy services for the project (design and supervision).
The establishment of the integrated economic zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate seeks to maximise benefits from its strategic location on the borders with Saudi Arabia. The new zone will augment trade exchange between the two countries, attract Saudi companies to set up projects in Oman and consolidate economic partnerships. It will also cut down the cost of production and export, facilitate the supply of goods and products, attract quality industries and provide new employment opportunities. The new integrated zone will enhance development efforts and upgrade investments and economic diversification by opening inroads for industries in both countries.
OPAZ already completed studies of the master plan for the development of the integrated economic zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate, scheduled to occupy an area of 388 square kilometres, with options for future expansion of investment lands. The integrated economic zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate is situated at about 20 km from Al Rub El Khali (Empty Quarter) border checkpoint with Saudi Arabia, at 100-km from Ibri Industrial City.

LNG carriers tank design order placed for Oman

Korean shipyard Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) has ordered the tank design of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from French LNG containment specialist GTT. The tank design order was placed on behalf of a Middle Eastern shipowner at the beginning of 2023. The tank design order was placed on behalf of a Middle Eastern shipowner at the beginning of 2023.
The new 5th generation LNG carriers, due for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, will be added to ASYAD’s fleet as part of an expansion plan to bolster energy logistics capabilities and meet increasing global demand.GTT will design the tanks of these two vessels, which will each offer a capacity of 174,000 cbm. The tanks will be fitted with the Mark III Flex membrane containment system developed by GTT.

MoU signed to utilise advanced water technologies for oil sector in Oman

Well-known Omani oilfield services company Alshawamikh Oil Services signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with IDWT Group (International Desalination and Water Treatment Group and their partners represented by the Austrian company DEW (Devise Energy & Water) and Devise Engineering, a Greek company, specializing in advanced water treatment and recycling solutions. The agreement aimed to exchange cooperation in providing the latest technologies and methods related to water sustainability for uses related to oil sector operations. IDWT has extensive experience in desalination and wastewater treatment solutions, and is active in the water industry providing reliable solutions to a variety of water-related issues, noting that IDWT has implemented 23 projects in the Sultanate of Oman over the past 15 years.

MoU signed for innovation in energy & water sectors in Oman

Centralised Utilities Company LLC (Marafiq), a joint venture owned by OQ and Gulf Energy Development Corporation of Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens Energy LLC, to cooperate in the fields of innovation in the energy and water sectors. The MoU provides opportunities to work on advanced technologies, research & development and accelerate the local, Omani capabilities and knowledge in line with Oman Vision 2040. Marafiq and Siemens Energy have a Long-Term Services Agreement (25 years) for the gas turbines and this MoU will expand the cooperation, emphasize the long-term relationship and maintain the ongoing mutual collaboration. It is worth noting that Marafiq manages the power and water sectors in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) under a long-term agreement with OPAZ and enjoys the capability to produce power exceeding 400 megawatts to serve Duqm Refinery, Oil Storage Park in Ras Markaz, industrial, commercial and tourism projects, and residential properties in the Zone. Moreover, Marafiq operates ta potable water desalination plant with production capacity of up to 9,000 cubic meters per day. Marafiq also provides industrial cooling water for Duqm Refinery and has the capacity to provide for future industrial projects at SEZAD through an industrial water desalination plant with a capacity of 36,000 cubic meters per day. Furthermore, Marafiq operates seawater intake facilities with a supply capacity of 1.5 million cubic meters per day and a water outtake line with a capacity of 1 million cubic meters per day.

Bids invited for mining pier project in Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has announced the launch of a competitive tender for the award of a contract for the construction and operation of a pier dedicated to the handling of minerals at Manji in Dhofar Governorate. The project will enable the large-scale commercial development of the prodigious reserves of gypsum and other industrial minerals found in the pier’s hinterland, a sprawling area encompassing the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands in the southeast of the Sultanate of Oman.
Interested local and international companies with proven experience in port development and operation have been invited to bid for the Ministry’s contract to design, build, operate, manage and maintain the proposed Mining Pier at Manji overlooking the Arabian Sea. Locally roughly midway between the well-established ports of Duqm (Al Wusta Governorate) and Salalah (Dhofar Governorate), the proposed Mining Pier at Manji will enable, on the one hand, the costeffective export of industrial minerals like gypsum to international markets, and on the other, the transportation of these raw materials to processing plants located elsewhere within Oman. The latter option is in line with government policy espousing in-country mineral processing to support employment-generating and value-creating downstream investment opportunities. Interested parties have until April 6, 2023 to submit their offers in support of their bids for the Mining Pier project.

Metro on track as Greater Muscat development project takes off in Oman

The upgradation of the public transport system will be key as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning embarks on the ambitious Greater Muscat Development Plan. The project aims to accommodate the increasing future population, attract investment, develop transportation, raise the quality of services, strengthen infrastructure and protect the environment. The Greater Muscat project will focus on making the capital easy to navigate with the provision of an integrated transport network suitable for sports and health activities. Giving importance to transport and logistics sectors such as roads, ports and airports, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), announced that studies have been conducted on the economic impact of the Muscat Metro through a special technical team established in this regard to avoid any problems in the long run.Apart from Muscat, the Greater Cities project will also be implemented in Nizwa, Suhar and Salalah as the government plans to introduce the Urban Planning Law in the second quarter of 2023. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Greater Muscat will include all parts of the current Muscat Governorate and parts of South Al Batinah, especially parts of Barka, covering an area of 137,218 hectares, 80 km from Muscat in the West to Barka in the East with a 100-km coastline. The stage 1 and 2 of the project have been completed while phase 3 (planning of the structural phase) is in progress with phase 4 yet to be started.

Deal signed to build & deliver 2 LNG carriers in Oman

Asyad Shipping the shipping arm of Oman’s global integrated logistics service provider Asyad Group signed an agreement with Korean first-class shipyard Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries to build and deliver two state-of-the-art fifth-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in 2026. The fifth-generation 174,000 cbm LNG carriers meet the highest international standards of environmental and commercial sustainability, as well as boasting 58 per cent less fuel consumption than the older, second-generation 138,000 cbm LNG carriers. Furthermore, Asyad Shipping’s investment comes at a time when green energy demands are growing, exacerbated by international geopolitical developments and the dire need for decarbonized logistics and energy sectors. With significant new production of LNG and export capacities coming on stream in 2025 and 2026, the addition of these two world-class LNG carriers will reaffirm Asyad Group’s standing as an integrated energy logistics provider trusted worldwide for offering sustainable tailored solutions to meet the demands of customers across the globe.

Construction in progress on lavish waterfront in Oman

The ongoing construction of a lavish waterfront in the wilayat of Shinas is going on in full swing with almost half the project nearing completion. 40% of the project has been completed and the work for the remaining part is going on in full swing. North Batinah Municipality is implementing the Shinas waterfront project, which is being built over an area of 35,250sqm at a cost of RO389,000. The focus is to support domestic tourism and increase the national income. The project includes the construction of various facilities such as a bikeway and a walkway, in addition to green spaces and areas designated for children’s games and sport equipment.

Bids invited for development & management of important monuments in Oman

Dakhliyah Governorate has invited bids for development and management of Nizwa Gate, a huge arched signature gate that stands on Highway 21 along the original Muscat-Nizwa Road. Nizwa Gate was built in 2015 and is one of the most important monuments in the wilayat, which showcases its resplendent heritage. Dakhliyah governorate is looking to partner with private sector entities for managing and developing the gate for which a tender has been floated. The tender documents can be collected till February 15, 2023 while the last date for submission of bids is March 30, 2023. This development project has been taken up with an intention to attract tourists and support domestic tourism in Nizwa, an ancient city which is renowned for its silver jewellery and excellent Khanjar making. Nizwa Gate project would cost RO350,000. It would have a tourist information centre, including electronic screens that display the cultural history of Dakhliyah governorate.

Deal signed to set up Pharma City in Oman

Khazaen Economic City has signed an agreement with Invest in Oman to help attract new investments in a Pharma City currently under development in the hub. The Pharma City aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sultanate's strategy for pharmaceutical security. It aims to attract expertise and advanced technology, in addition to achieving integration between educational qualifications and market demand in the pharmaceutical industry. Investments in Pharma City currently total around RO 25 million as of 2022-end. The Pharma City is being established on around half a million square metres to support investments in pharmaceutical factories, integrated stores, laboratories and advanced medical research centers in addition to medical centers of Import and export specialized in the health sector.

Proposals issued for PPP-based drug rehab Centre of Excellence in Oman

Plans by the Omani government to rope in the private sector in the development and operation of a drug rehabilitation centre in Suhar on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis continue to make headway. Ministry of Finance which is overseeing an ambitious and well-diversified PPP programme on behalf of the government issued a Request for Proposals from suitably qualified companies operating in the healthcare services sector to bid for its license to build and operate the facility in the Wilayat of Suhar in North Al Batinah Governorate. The proposed Taafi Suhar Centre is envisaged to be a modern deaddiction and rehabilitation facility designed to enable users of narcotics and psychotropic substances to reintegrate back into the society. The Ministry of Finance is overseeing the procurement of the PPP based project in coordination with the Ministry of Health. The longer term goal is to establish the facility as a Centre of Excellence for drug rehab services in the Sultanate of Oman.
The selected developer will be granted a long-term contract for the Design, Build, Finance, Operation and Maintenance (DBFOM) the Taafi Suhar Centre. It will include a provision for the expansion of the complex as well at some point in the future. Request for Proposals (RfP) builds on an Expression of Interest (EoI) issued by the Ministry of Finance that elicited a significant number of responses from private sector developers registering their interest in bidding for the competitive PPP based tender. Interested bidders must have proven experience in the development and operation of at least two centres set up on a PPP model and dedicated to detoxification and rehabilitation services. They have until April 13, 2023 to submit their firm offers. latter is working with a number of subject matter experts in psychiatry and drug addiction, as well as architectural and legal consultants, to support the Ministry in the successful procurement and delivery of the drug rehab project.

Construction work of Space Launch Complex to start this year in Oman

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology also signed a similar usufruct contract with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the National Space Services Company. The usufruct provides for the construction of a space rocket platform to benefit amateurs and researchers (low-scale) and to develop a scholarly climate for scientists, researchers and specialists. The project will begin towards the end of 2023 in the Wilayat of Duqm on an area of more than 250,000 sqm.

Design competition launched for Oman pavilion at Expo 2025 Japan

His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said announced the launch of a competition to design Oman’s pavilion for Expo 2025 Japan. The contest will be adjudicated by the Bilarab bin Haitham Award (BHA) for Architectural Design in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. A technical guide was prepared for this competition. The guide lists conditions and criteria that must be adhered within a specific timeline. The competition was launched today and its results will be announced during the month of February 2023. An area of 1,763 square metres has been allocated for Oman’s pavilion. The winning project will get a cash prize of OMR10,000. Expo 2025 Japan seeks to unite people from different cultures under its official slogan Designing Future Society for Our Lives. Its rationale focuses around building an ideal future society, achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring the sustainability of life quality.

OMR505million worth of tenders awarded in Oman

The total value of tenders and projects awarded by the Tender Board in 2022 increased to OMR505.3 million, compared to OMR252.5 million in 2021. The five largest tenders in terms of cost were distributed over the sectors of health, infrastructure, education and information technology. The tender for the provision of catering and nutrition services, hygiene services, laundry and pest control for hospitals, complexes and health centres affiliated with the Ministry of Health ranked first for OMR59.9 million. A tender for the supply of medicines, vaccines and serums for the Ministry of Health ranked second for OMR52.1 million, and in third place came a project to construct a dam to protect against flood risks on the mountain gorge in Wadi Adai in the Wilayat of Al Amerat in Muscat Governorate, at OMR38.6 million, and a project to design and implement 13 schools in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman ranked fourth. For OMR26.7 million, the tender for the supply, design and installation of the government financial system for a period of (5 years) for the Ministry of Finance came in fifth place for OMR21.3 million.

RO 9 million electrical equipment O&M contract awarded in Oman

Galfar Engineering & Contracting has been awarded a contract valued at around RO 9 million for the maintenance and operation of the electrical and mechanical equipment at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), as well as overall civil maintenance work for a period of two years.

Deal signed for two integrated residential projects in Oman

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has signed agreements to support the development of two new integrated residential neighborhoods (Souroh) at Halban and Al Amerat at a total cost of RO 160 million. A number of integrated service stations and a new electronic real estate platform will be established as well. The first integrated residential neighbourhood will come up in the Wilayat of Al Amirat in the Governorate of Muscat on a total area of 445,823 square metres. Offering 1,050 housing units, the RO 60 million project will be constructed over seven years in 3 stages. The second Souroh project will come up at Halban in the Wilayat of Nakhal (Halban) in the Governorate of South Al Batinah. Covering an area of 637,044, it will offer 1,350 housing units. It will be built with an investment of RO 100 million in four stages over eight years. Both projects have multiple housing options including detached villas, attached villas, semi-detached villas, and apartments. Other services will be available such as a mosque, a commercial area, and green spaces, in addition to infrastructure works related to basic public services.
The Ministry has also offered several sites under the Sorouh programme in each of the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah in the Wilayat of Sur (Nesma), in the Governorate of South Al Batinah in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq (Al Hazm), in the Governorate of North Al Batinah in the Wilayat of Sohar (Muwaileh), in the Governorate of Dhofar in the Wilayat of Salalah (North Sahannut) and in the Governorate of Musandam in the Wilayat of Khasab. 
4 new agreements also signed to expand the network of integrated service fuel stations in the governorates of Muscat, North and South Al Batinah under the usufruct system for residential, commercial and tourist lands. Agreements to establish two integrated service stations was signed concerning two locations in North Al Batinah Governorate, one of which is to the right of Al Tayeb city in the Wilayat of Liwa at a cost of RO 2 million. Another station will be located in Al-Rawdah in the Wilayat of Saham. Total investment is around RO 2.6 million. Two other integrated service stations in the Governorate of South Al Batinah - at Al Uqdah in the Wilayat of Barka. The integrated survive stations include fuel filling facilities, air-conditioned main building that houses various restaurants, shops, a motel, a park, a prayer area for men and another for women, ATMs, automotive maintenance and service center, separate parking spaces for buses and trucks, andother public parking spaces to be provided as a basic service for road users and to revitalize the economic and tourism movement along the highway. Further, to enable real estate transactions electronically, the Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding to set up the Aqari platform based on blockchain. The pact was signed with Frontech, affiliated with ITHCA Group. Aqari platform is intended to provide a smart way to buy and sell lands and real estates through digital means as an easy-to-use interactive system that allows the purchase and sale of land and property through an application compatible with a mobile phone, tablet or computer. It is concerned with the trade of agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial lands and properties. The application will be developed using the latest technologies such as NET Core. for API, Native android and IOS for mobile applications. It allowsusers to deal with ease and confidence in buying and selling real estate, communicating with each other, and bidding on available lands. Among the application's features are user interface, land registration, access to land available for sale, as well as the full approval processes required for thetransfer of land ownership. The App is associated directly with Google Maps, which helps in locating lands.

Premium waterfront residential project unveiled in Oman

Leading Omani developer Muriya has announced the launch of its premium waterfront residential resort development, Amazi, located within its flagship destination, Hawana Salalah, in the sultanate. Spanning 1 million sq m area, the project will boast luxurious villas and residences offering exquisite waterfront living proposition. A leading real estate and tourism projects developer, is a joint venture between Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) and globally-acclaimed developer of fully-integrated towns, Orascom Development Holding (ODH). Renowned SB Architects has been signed up to design the project. Situated along Oman's stunning Indian Ocean coastline, Amazi, will offer spectacular vistas juxtaposing turquoise waters and white sand beaches with breathtaking landscapes. Each thoughtfully designed residence will capitalise on its prime location with access to an array of hotel resort-like amenities and personalised services that will make future residents feel like they are on a vacation. Oman's largest and fastest growing tourism destination, Hawana Salalah boasts freehold homes, stunning marinas, hotels, dining activities and more spread across 7km of beautiful sandy white beaches. The residences and villas will be ideal for holiday home owners who want to celebrate the art of living, as well as visitors from the GCC and Europe looking for amazing curated experiences. The word 'Amazi' can be generalised as 'the source of all good things', while the residential resort has been designed to become a true water sanctuary, bringing its residents and visitors closer to nature. The resort-style community will constitute multiple residential districts: Amazi Rise, situated on a natural hill; Amazi Cove, with canals surrounding all units; Amazi Islands, allowing for waterfront living on a ribbon of smaller connected islands; and Amazi Beach, offering oceanfront living just steps from the white sand beach.

2023 Budget gives major boost to PPP projects in Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Finance has unveiled a sizable portfolio of projects and initiatives for implementation under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme during 2023. Proposals listed in the 2023 State Budget for development via the PPP route span the Education, Health, Transport & Logistics, Communications & IT, Fisheries, and Infrastructure sectors. The Ministry of Finance, in coordination with various government units, seeks to engage the private sector in the implementation of PPP projects in order to encourage the private sector to invest in infrastructure projects and public services. Notable is an initiative to procure the development of 42 schools for the Ministry of Education to help cater to growing demand for educational infrastructure in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The successful developer will secure a concession to undertake the design, finance, construction and maintenance of the package of 42 schools under the PPP model. In the healthcare services sector, the Ministry has outlined plans for the procurement of a Hemodialysis Services Project supported by the private sector. This project aims at establishing and developing a number of dialysis centres in order to benefit a larger number of patients, in addition to reducing the costs borne by the Ministry of Health. Separately, the Ministry has sought a qualified company to operate and manage the Al Taafi Suhar Centre, which has been set up to provide advanced levels of treatment and rehabilitative care to recovering drug addicts. In addition to financing and provisioning the facility, the successful bidder will also be required to expand the centre at the appropriate time. Also set to make headway in 2023 is Oman’s first PPP-based road dedicated to heavy vehicles and trucks operating between Thamrait and Salalah City in Dhofar Governorate. The selected developer will secure a concession to ‘Design, Finance, Construct, Operate and Maintain’ the 67-km carriageway, while recouping its investment via the installation of a first-ever toll system along the route. The private sector will also play a key role in the development and operation of a fisheries seaport and food-centric industrial complex at Liwa in North Al Batinah. To be procured in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the PPP-based venture will seek to upgrade Liwa’s existing infrastructure to attract investments in a full-fledged fisheries and food processing hub. Other PPP opportunities lined up this year include proposals for the construction of a new head office for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; development and operation of its Invest Easy platform; and construction of new centres for the Oman Women’s Association in Muscat and Seeb.

Oman LNG signed agreements with ITOCHU, JERA & Mitsui

Oman LNG signed three binding sheet agreements with Japanese firms for the production and delivery of LNG starting from 2025. The total amount of LNG to be delivered is 2.35 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). The new agreements will see Oman LNG supplying LNG based on contracts varying from 5 to 10 years. The amount of LNG to be delivered is as follows: 0.8 MTPA to ITOCHU Corporation, 0.8 MTPA to JERA Co., Inc. and 0.75 MTPA to Mitsui and Co. Ltd. Such a step comes as a significant milestone for Oman LNG, as it complements the company’s strive to renew its contracts with a strong interest to leverage partnership with Japan. The agreements were signed after the end of the current contracts. The new contracts take into consideration the notes submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals regarding the previous MoUs and agreements. The notes were submitted by the State Audit Institution (SAI) and the Shura Council.

Two dams approved to control floods in Oman

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued two Royal decrees reading as follows: Royal Decree No. 2/2023 ascribes the public utility status to the project of constructing a dam for protection against flood water in Wadi Adoubab (Project A1B) in the Wilayat of Salalah, Governorate of Dhofar. The project of constructing a dam for protection against floods in Wadi Adoubab (Project A1B) in the Wilayat of Salalah, Governorate of Dhofar, as defined in the memo and diagram attached to this decree, is henceforth deemed a public utility project.
Royal Decree No. 3/2023 ascribing the public utility status to the project of constructing a dam for protection against floods in Wadi Anaar and side protection for the Port of Salalah, Governorate of Dhofar. The project of constructing a dam for protection against floods in Wadi Anaar and side protection for the Port of Salalah, Governorate of Dhofar, as defined in the memo and diagram attached to this decree, is henceforth deemed a public utility project.

RO18mn worth infrastructure projects underway in Oman

Dakhiliyah Governorate is currently witnessing the implementation of various service projects at a total cost of RO18mn as part of the development programmes for governorates. The projects aim to stimulate the commercial and tourism movements and create entertainment spaces for families in all the wilayats of the governorate. It has recently signed many agreements to implement 55 projects worth over RO18mn. The projects include paving of internal roads, construction of parking lots in tourist areas, lighting, and enhancing services and beautification facilities. Development of the entrance to the wilayat of Nizwa, improvement and establishment of markets, parks and municipal slaughterhouses are also part of the ongoing programme. Separately, the governorate has taken up projects to enhance services, create jobs, strengthen the role of small and medium enterprises, besides advancing the governorate’s economy.
The governorate has completed the implementation of internal road maintenance projects in the wilayats of Izki, Samail and Manah, and work is underway to repair cracks on damaged roads in different parts of the wilayats of Nizwa and Al Hamra. Work is underway to construct a road and parking spaces for the Nizwa municipality slaughterhouse. The road would be 700m long, while the parking lot will be built on an area of 10,000sqm. The wilayat of Bahla witnessed the implementation of a number of projects, including the paving of 31km of internal roads (the second package) distributed among various regions, with a completion rate of 15 per cent. Work is also underway for the construction of parking lots in the Misfat al Abriyeen area, and a commercial area in Al Alam in the wilayat of Izki, with a completion rate of 60 per cent. Work is underway also for the construction of waiting areas for taxi drivers and passengers in the wilayats of Samail, Izki, Bidbid, Bahla, and Al Hamra. The governorate is also running outlets for selling local products in Jabal Akhdar. The governorate will witness implementation of many more projects, such as construction of commercial area in Tanuf; 1.3km long road for the Samail municipality slaughterhouse; a vegetable and fruit market and commercial area in Al Touq in the wilayat of Izki. The wilayat of Al Hamra will witness the construction of a municipal slaughterhouse; internal roads (the second package); a walkway; a place for prayer and toilets in some tourist sites in the wilayat of Jabal Akhdar. The governorate will also establish a market for artisans in Al Madrah in the wilayat of Samail, and another in Fanja in the wilayat of Bidbid, in addition to a project to re-plan the internal roads in various wilayats of the governorate.

Bids invited for key tourism project in Oman

Oman has invited bids from local firms for the development of Silver Jubilee Park at Sohar, a major tourist attraction for the sultanate featuring an open park with a lot of green spaces and picturesque water bodies. The tenders, issued by the Office of the Governor of North Batinah, are exclusively for Omani companies, in a major boost to the domestic tourism sector and in line with the Oman Vision 2040 which promotes utilisation of public land for investment purposes. The Silver Jubilee Public Park is a very good place for walking and sports, and there are also some free areas for children to play, as well as the opportunity to ride and enjoy water bikes. The park with its natural scenic settings is an ideal place for people to unwind – taking a break from their hectic city life. The deadline for submitting the bids has been set at February 12, 2023. Apart from the Silver Jubilee Park, which will boast new facilities once complete, Sohar Municipality is working on to develop other parks in the city with modern facilities.

Consultancy bids invited to develop a port in Oman

With an aim to develop the fisheries sector and support fishermen, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has decided to establish a port in Mahout in the Governorate of Al Wusta. The ministry has invited specialised companies to provide consultancy work to set up the port and buildings of the fishermen’s village in the Sarab area in the wilayat of Mahout as well as buildings in the fishermen’s village in the wilayat of Ras Mudrakah in Al Wusta. The deadline for submitting bids is January 19, 2023.

$104m semi-trauma centre to come up in Oman

Plans are being finalised for setting up Oman’s first private-led Spine & Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre semi-trauma centre at a cost of OMR40 million ($104 million). The proposed partner for the semi-trauma centre will be VAMED Group, the Austria-based integrated global provider of healthcare solutions. The state-of-the-art facility will be set up in the Majz el Sughra, Wilayat of Saham in North Batinah Governorate. The shareholders are finalising their respective stakes and coming up with their equity contributions. Once this process is completed, work on the design & constructions engineering and government approvals will take about six-month before construction work begins on the project. The goal is to bring the centre into operation by around year mid-2025. 
A licence to set up and operate a modern, well-equipped semi-trauma care facility specialising in the treatment and rehabilitation of orthopaedic and spinal injuries initial application request has already been registered at the Ministry of Health. At the same time, the promoters are exploring the potential to develop the project on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis in line with the government’s Oman Vision 2040 strategy to enlist the support of the private sector in the funding of key infrastructure and civil services. The facility, when operational, will also go a long way in meeting the needs of trauma care in a country that continues to record a relatively high incidence of severe traffic accidents.

Tender Board awards projects worth over OMR131 million in Oman

The Tender Board has awarded a number of projects to the tune of OMR131,430,118. The projects were awarded during the Tender Board’s 7th meeting of the year (2022). The tasks endorsed by the Tender Board included the construction of a dyke for projection against flood water at the gorge of Wadi Addai, Wilayat of Al Amerat, Governorate of Muscat at a cost of OMR38,660,023 and a 5-year project to supply, design and install the Government Financial System for the Ministry of Finance at a cost of OMR21,345,353.
This tender also offers rights to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to implement some tasks of the project, which will be operational after five years. The Ministry of Finance pointed out that the financial system's users will move gradually to the new electronic system codenamed Maliyah within the next five years, with support from the project’s team based at the ministry and the main partner.

First phase of airborne geophysical survey completed in Oman

Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has completed the first phase of the airborne geophysical survey on Masirah Island, which it is conducting for the exploration of metallic minerals in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM). Over a period of 11 weeks, the survey was conducted on island, one of the company’s concessions, covering an area of 500 quare kilometres with a total flight line of 2,240 quare kilometres. A total of 12,000 square kilometres is targeted by the second phase of the project in the northern governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, namely North and South Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi, and Al Dakhiliyah. As part of this geophysical survey, the company aims to collect highresolution geological data about the ophiolite layer within its concession area, as well as explore potential mineral deposits. These surveys are conducted using low-flying aircraft to locate mineral resources approximately 200 to 300 metres below the surface of the ground. The survey is scheduled to be completed within the next year. It is worth mentioning that MDO is undertaking one of the largest geophysical airborne surveys to discover mineral resources in the Sultanate of Oman, which will contribute to enhancing the economic value of Omani mineral resources and contributing to the Sultanate of Oman’s economic growth.

25 usufruct deals worth RO 2million signed for investment projects in Oman

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, signed 25 usufruct contracts to the tune of RO 2,049,000 to award land plots for investment projects in a number of governorates in Oman in Muscat. These contracts covered 3 industrial projects in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, 15 residential and commercial projects in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, 3 industrial and commercial projects in the Muscat Governorate, 2 commercial and industrial projects in Dhofar Governorate, a commercial project in Al Wusta Governorate and a commercial residential project in Al Dhahirah Governorate. These projects comprised the setting up of a plastic bags production unit, a commercial complex, a school, warehouses, an ice factory, offices, and workers’ accommodation. The rest of the projects included auctions for industrial and residential commercial use.

Work in progress at a new park in Oman

Work is underway to construct Al Mabela Park in Seeb is underway with the help of Oxy, an international energy company. The project, spread over a total area of 152,400 sqm, includes a walkway, bicycle track with a length of 3,200 meters each, overhead bridges for pedestrians, children’s games, exercise equipment, toilets, restaurants, a mosque, and public parking for vehicles. The project will be completed in 24 months from the date of the start of work.

RfP issued for first green hydrogen project in Oman

Hydrogen Oman SPC (Hydrom) has released the Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified applicants for the first round of its public auction process to award large-scale integrated green hydrogen projects to developers. Oman aims to award the first land blocks in 2023 in order to meet its 2030 production target of at least 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum. The release of the Request for Proposals (RfP) constitutes a key milestone in the auction that started on November 6, 2022 with the release of the Request for Qualifications (RfQ). Qualified applicants will now have two months to prepare and submit their bids, which will then be evaluated by Hydrom with the goal of awarding a first project by Q1 2023.

More than $85 million contracts awarded in Oman

KCA Deutag announced that it has secured contract awards and extensions in Oman, Northern Iraq and Europe worth more than $85 million. In Oman, three rigs (the T849, T858 and T899) have been extended for a total of 7 years of work. Additionally, KCA Deutag’s Kenera business unit will provide a grid container for rig T-899. This transformer unit will allow the rig to be powered by the electricity grid, reducing emissions from the diesel generators on-site by approximately 2,550 tonnes per year and paving the way to using renewable energy in the future. Elsewhere the T63 has mobilised to drill two wells, with two more optional wells, for a client in Kurdistan.

Usufruct deal signed for fishing port in Oman

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has signed a usufruct agreement with Marsa Al Duqm Investments Company for the fishing port at Duqm. The agreement aims to benefit from the lands of the fishing port and to develop and implement commercial facilities within an area of 300,000 sqm. The facilities will be used to serve fisheries sector and related commercial activities in Duqm area. As per the agreement, Marsa Al Duqm Investments Company will develop the infrastructure and superstructure to serve the port commercially, with the aim of providing services to investors in the fisheries sector and fishermen from the local community.
The fishing port in Duqm consists of several facilities such as the main and secondary breakwaters and a 10 meters’ deep basin to serve commercial fishing ships and it is located nearby a complex for fish industries. The fishing port of Duqm is the largest commercial fishing port in Oman, with an area of approximately 7.5 sqkm. Marsa Al Duqm Investments Company is a consortium led by a number of Oman Investment Authority companies represented by Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), Asyad Ports, Al Wusta Fish Industries Company, the Omani Food Investment Holding Company and the French Port of Lorient Company.

Earth observation satellite centre to come up in Oman

Leading space technology firm Indra has announced that it is establishing an advanced Earth observation satellite centre in the Sultanate of Oman, an initiative that will help authorities harness satellite data to support urban planning, strengthen protection against natural disasters and generally enhance the competitiveness of the Omani economy. Spanish-headquartered Indra, a world leader in transport and information technology solutions, said that it is collaborating with Oman’s Ministry of Finance and the National Survey Authority (NSA) in the development of a first-of-its-kind Earth observation satellite facility in Oman. According to Madrid-based Indra, the centre will be equipped with proprietary Indra software designed to generate high value images captured by the Sentinel constellation of the European Copernicus programme, one of the most advanced currently in existence.

Agreement signed to develop mega fisheries hub in Oman

Marsa Al Duqm Investments Company, a multinational consortium, has signed a usufruct agreement with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), to develop the infrastructure and commercial facilities of a mega-scale fishing port in Duqm SEZ. Under the agreement, Marsa Al Duqm Investments will develop infrastructure and commercial facilities covering a 300,000-squaremetre area earmarked for investors in all kinds of fisheries related ventures and activities. The goal is to position the fisheries port at Duqm as a destination for local and international investments in the fisheries sector. Marsa Al Duqm Investments is made up of a number of subsidiaries and affiliates of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), including Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), Asyad Ports, Al Wusta Fish Industries Company, and the Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj). The French port of Lorient, one of the largest fisheries ports in Europe, is also a member of the consortium.
The signing of this agreement comes within the Authority's strategy to enable local and international companies to develop fish industries sector and related activities and to develop service and commercial facilities, as this sector is considered one of the promising sectors in the Sultanate of Oman in general and in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in particular, benefiting from the fish stocks available in the zone. In addition to supporting its infrastructure development, the fisheries hub will also stimulate the growth of the re-export sector, drive air cargo traffic at Duqm Airport and support value-add opportunities in the SEZ. The port consists of several facilities such as the main and secondary breakwaters and a 10-metre deep basin to serve commercial fishing ships and it is located nearby a complex for fish industries. Within the hub, sites have been allocated for the maintenance of commercial fishing ships, artisanal fishing ships, fishing factories, fish sale facilities, and a training centre for fishermen. A network of paved roads has been implemented to serve fish transportation vehicles. When fully operational, the Duqm Fisheries Port will be the largest commercial fishing hub in Oman. Covering an area of approximately 7.5 square kilometres, the port will be able to receive the largest international commercial fishing vessels. It will also have floating berths and a private berth for the ROP Coast Guard.

MoU signed for first Amazon data centre in Oman

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United States’ Amazon Web Services to launch a local zone for cloud services and local data processing in Oman. Additionally, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) signed an MoU with Amazon Web Services to enhance its efforts to offer innovative solutions to its subscribers. As per the MoU, Oman will be the first country in the Middle East to have an Amazon Web Services data centre with local area technology, after the success of this type of technology in the United States.

Tender underway for tourists archaeological centre in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) will establish an archaeological centre for visitors in Dibba in the Governorate of Musandam with an aim to stimulate domestic tourism in the area. MHT has invited international companies to set up Dabba Archaeological Visitor Centre in Musandam governorate. The initiative comes within the context of a comprehensive system to develop and renew plans and programmes being conducted by the ministry to promote the sultanate’s tourism. The last date for submission of bids is January 17, 2023.
The ministry confirmed that Dibba is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the sultanate. The centre will be the first of its kind in the sultanate and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It will display the antiquities unearthed from the site. In another tourism-related development in the governorate, Omran has started implementing the first phase of an adventure centre with a 1,500m zip line. It will begin at the top of a mountain at a height of 250m above sea level. The project is expected to be complete in 2022. Among the historical monuments, Musandam has four castles and forts, in addition to a museum in the wilayat of Madha.

40 firms show interest for green hydrogen projects in Oman

Investors from outside the Sultanate of Oman have shown interest in the two investment opportunities for setting up the green hydrogen projects in Duqm, as about 40 companies applied for the purchase of pre-qualification documents to participate in the bid. The ministry is currently studying the best options to develop legislation to attract more investments in the field of green hydrogen, and to develop a clear-cut strategy for the energy transition journey.

Largest poultry farms to be set up in Oman

Oman Flour Mills Company (OFMC) is entering into a new venture with the establishment of a poultry farm in Dhahirah. The Gulf International Poultry Farm is being developed in partnership with Gulf Japan Food Fund, Japanese Ice Foods Company and UAE-based IFFCO. The farm is going to be one of the largest poultry farms for egg production in the GCC. Spread over an area of 18mn sqm, the farm will be set up in Subaikhi area in the wilayat of Ibri.
The project, whose investment cost exceeds RO26mn, will serve the needs of the local market with a production capacity of 360mn eggs annually and support the export sector of Oman by sending surplus eggs to various countries in the region. The project will contribute to the country’s efforts to achieve food security. Oman currently produces 3,650 cartons of table eggs per day, while the average local consumption is 6,400 cartons.

First e-waste recycling project set for launch by early 2023 in Oman

Sparta Group, a Canadian green energy and environmental services firm, is setting up what it bills as the first e-waste recycling project in the Sultanate of Oman – an initiative designed to harnes economic value from the prodigious amounts of electronic waste generated annually in the country. Toronto-headquartered Sparta Group – also known as Sparta Capital – announced in a statement that its environmental services division, ERS International, is currently establishing the advanced e-waste recycling facility at a site in Salalah (Dhofar Governorate). Covering an area of around 9,000 m2, the well-equipped facility will have a processing capacity of around 225 tonnes per annum in the first year, with a doubling of capacity envisaged every subsequent year. E-waste covers a broad cross-section of office and medical equipment, home appliances, communications and Information Technology devices, home entertainment systems, and electronic utilities. The new plant will feature ultramodern technology that will be operated under strict policies to ensure privacy for customers and efficiency throughout the processing of waste. An app will also be launched to enable e-waste generators to request a pickup of their electronic waste, the company said, adding that the Salalah facility is slated for launch in Q1 2023.

Japanese chain Okura to open hotel in Oman by 2027

The Japanese chain Okura Hotels & Resorts will open a property for the first time in the Middle East. The Okura Resort Muscat luxury hotel will open in 2027 in Muscat. Okura Hotels & Resorts has extensive expertise in the hospitality world, including asset ownership and hotel development, as well as hotel management, the restaurant business and chain operations through its subsidiaries and other group companies. The hotel is in line with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to diversify the economy, including the tourism industry. The company has contracted with Saud Bahwan Group to manage the new property. The hotel will offer a total of 150 guest rooms, each with a standard area of approximately 50sqm. The rooms will feature breathtaking views of the vast golf course of Al Mouj Golf, a world-renowned European Tour venue, and the Gulf of Oman. The design of the lobby and other public spaces will be a fusion of Omani and Japanese styles and traditions. A variety of dining options will be available, including all-day dining, teppanyaki and other Japanese cuisine, besides western fine dining.

Bids invited to open GCC countries tourism representative office in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has invited international companies to open a tourism representation office for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to promote Omani tourism. The initiative comes within the context of a comprehensive system to develop and renew marketing plans and programmes being conducted by the ministry to promote the sultanate’s tourism attractions through its offices abroad. The last date for submission of bids is December 19, 2022. A year-long contract for 2023 will be signed to promote Omani tourism in the GCC countries through the office. The tourism representation office will play a role in raising the awareness of GCC visitors through campaigns aimed at promoting the sultanate as a key tourism destination. The office will also cement ties between private sector partners and their counterparts in the GCC countries. The initiative seeks to generate maximum benefits from the tourism sector.

12 mining concessions approved in Oman

Oman’s Sultan has issued Royal Decrees assigning 12 mining exploration blocks with eight for exploration of virgin mining areas and four for mining. A total of 10 decrees were issued assigning 10 blocks to the country’s state-owned mining entity Mineral Development Oman (MDO) namely block numbers 11b, 12b-1, 13a, 13b, 23, 24, 52, 61a, 61b and 61C. 
Royal Decree No. 74/2022 authorizing Maha Energy (Oman) Limited to assign (35%) of its rights and obligations in the oil agreement signed on October 5, 2020 AD to Block No. (70) of Mafraq Energy LLC.
Royal Decree No. 75/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and First Oman Minerals Development Company LLC. For area No. (11b).
Royal Decree No. 76/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Mozoon Mining Company LLC for Area No. (12A-1).
Royal Decree No. 77/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Minerals Development Company II LLC for Area No. (12A-2).
Royal Decree No. 78/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Oman III Minerals Development Company LLC for Area No. (12b-1).
Royal Decree No. 79/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Fourth Minerals Development Company LLC for Block No. (13a).
Royal Decree No. 80/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Minerals Development Company Fifth LLC for Block No. (13b).
Royal Decree No. 81/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Eighth Minerals Development Company LLC for Block No. (23).
Royal Decree No. 82/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Seventh Oman Minerals Development Company LLC for Block No. (24).
Royal Decree No. 83/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Sixth Minerals Development Company LLC for Block No. (52).
Royal Decree No. 84/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Eleven Minerals Development Company LLC for Block No. (61a).
Royal Decree No. 85/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Ninth Minerals Development Company LLC for Area No. (61b).
Royal Decree No. 86/2022 approving the exploration and mining concession agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Tenth Minerals Development Oman LLC for Block No. (61C).

Bidding underway for green hydrogen projects in Oman

Hydrogen Oman company (Hydrom) has sent out more than 40 requests for qualifications (RFQ) to companies interested in the green hydrogen project blocks announced last month in Oman. The company will start to invite bidders to submit their proposals while continuing to send RFQs to interested parties. The round had attracted bidders from Western and Northern Europe, South-East Asia, India and the United States, as well as local companies.
The first round, which opened on 6 November 2022, offered two blocks in Duqm for green hydrogen projects which will be awarded by the first quarter of 2023. Four more blocks will be offered by the first quarter of 2023 and are expected to be awarded by the end of 2023.

RO57mn hospitals facility management contract awarded in Oman

Renaissance Services has been awarded a three-year RO57.3mn contract by the Ministry of Health (MoH) for soft facility management (FM) services at 44 hospitals across Oman. While serving a combined capacity of over 7,500 beds, the contract will continue to contribute towards Renaissance’s In-Country Value goals through local procurement from SMEs. Under the contract mobilising on January 1, 2023, Renaissance will provide catering, cleaning, laundry and pest control services at 23 hospitals and eight renal dialysis units, cleaning and pest control services at 11 extended health centres and cleaning, laundry and pest control at two health centres.

MoU signed for green fuels feasibility study in Oman

OQ has signed a memorandum of cooperation with global shipping giant AP Moller-Maersk, Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and Oman’s Asyad Group to study the feasibility of producing and supplying green fuels at Salalah and Duqm ports. The memorandum aims to discuss the commercial and technical feasibility of producing and supplying green ammonia and green methanol at the ports of Duqm and Salalah for the use in port operations as well as the possibility of exporting them abroad in the future.
The feasibility study will place Oman on the global green fuel map. The selection of the ports of Duqm and Salalah to supply green ammonia and green methanol came due to the availability of vast lands and the establishment of most green hydrogen-related projects near these ports, which will reduce the cost of transporting green fuel. OQ’s Alternative Energy Unit also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Oman-India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) to study the feasibility of producing blue ammonia in Sur and its use in OMIFCO’s production operations.

EPS contracts awarded for a gas block development in Oman

Petrofac, a leading provider of services to the global energy industry, has been selected by oil major Shell to undertake new engineering and procurement services (EPS) scopes in Oman. The first is a five-year EPS contract for Shell’s Block-10 Mabrouk Phase-2 Project, located in the Al Wusta Governate of Oman – around 400km from capital, Muscat. The contract was awarded following a competitive tender and the scope includes well-pads for multiple wells, remote manifold stations and connecting pipeline, including water infrastructure for well development and a Field Operations Base.
Two further contracts, to provide residual engineering and procurement services to complete Phase-1B of the Block-10 development, were secured under Petrofac’s global Enterprise Framework Agreement with Shell. The three newly awarded contracts will be delivered in-country utilising Petrofac’s multi-discipline engineering and project execution office in Muscat. Shell Integrated Gas Oman BV, a subsidiary of Shell, along with its partners, OQ and Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas, had in December 2021 signed a concession agreement to develop and produce natural gas from Block-10 with Shell becoming the operator of the field.

RO 150m data mining & processing centre to come up in Oman

Green Data City will invest RO 150 million in Dhofar for setting up a large-scale data centre for hosting, processing and mining data for various applications, such as distributed ledger technologies, blockchain, and fin tech. The project will generate 150 jobs. This investment comes in the wake of efforts of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) to attract local and international companies for investing in data hosting and processing. The ministry is working on attracting investment in data hosting and processing industry to propel Oman’s digital economy.
MoTCIT seeks to build partnerships with leading local and international private sector entities in the various areas of digital innovations including data related projects. Dhofar is strategically positioned and has unique advantages to establish sustainable hyperscale data centres such as stable economy, cool weather, unique access to cold deep ocean water, and high renewable energy. Green Data City will develop the facility in two stages; phase one will be powered by the traditional electricity grid while phase two will depend on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and deep-sea water cooling to operate the 200 MW facility.

$3bn green steel cluster to come up in Oman

Jindal Shadeed Group, a pioneer in the steel industry, has announced that it has selected the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in the Sultanate of Oman to establish a manufacturing facility. Slated to be the largest of its kind within the zone to produce green steel, the factory will also utilize renewable energy sources in its manufacturing operations. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is the largest economic zone in the Middle East, with an area of 2,000 square kilometers. This strategic project is being built over an area estimated at approximately 2 square kilometers in the concession zone at the Port of Duqm with an investment value estimated at $3 billion.
In line with its development efforts, Jindal Shadeed Group also signed an MoU with the centralised utility provider, Marafiq, to provide the plant with the utilities necessary to operate the project such as water services, seawater for cooling purposes, and other Marafiq services. Jindal Shadeed Group is investing more than $3 billion to develop this mega steel project in Duqm, and it has already obtained the necessary approvals to secure the land for the Green Hydrogen ready steel project. The goal is to produce 5 million metric tons of green steel on an annual basis that will create over $800 million per annum in country value addition. The plant will supply high quality steel products to automobile, wind energy and consumer durables sector amongst others. There is a booming demand for green steel from ESG conscious customers around the world especially in Europe and Asia, who have already committed significant reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030.

Lowest bid submitted for coastal roads project in Oman

Combined Group Contracting (CGC), Kuwait announced that it has submitted lowest bid for the Project, Construction of Coastal Roads in Duqm. CGC Submits the Price of OMR 20.67 million. Earlier, during August 2022, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Oman received 11 bidders proposal. Project Scope of Work includes Construction of Coastal Roads with an approximately total length of 14 Km and consist of Coastal road, proposed service road (extension of existing service road/resort street), 4 Roundabouts, future extensions and proposed links.

Construction completed on a grid station project in Oman

Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) announces the completion of the construction of a grid station and its associated transmission lines in the Wilayat of Yanqul. The project, which costs around RO 6 million, consists of 8 GIS bays with a voltage of 132 kV and two transformers from 132 kV to 33 kV with a capacity for each of them 125 MVA. The grid station is equipped with protection devices, communication and monitoring systems and fire protection systems. The design and construction of transmission portion of the grid include supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 132kV GIS (4-nos OHL Bays, 2-Nos Tx Bays, BS & BC), 2x125MVA 132/33kV power transformers along with associated equipment, SCS, telecom, auxiliary system and the 132 KV LILO arrangement for existing 132 KV D/C Dhank- Al Hail transmission line. The Yanqul grid station is part of OETC’s planned developments transmission system for 2021-2025. Its purpose is to cater for the increasing demand of electricity in Yanqul and the neighbouring areas and to transfer electricity load from Al Hail grid station.

Tender floated for street dualisation project in Oman

As part of the development projects being implemented by the Muscat Governorate, the Muscat Municipality has floated a tender for dualisation of An Nuzha Street in southern Mubeila area in Seeb. The project consists, besides the dual carriageway, high-capacity traffic intersections, side protections, drainage systems for surface water, in addition to entry and exit points to serve the street. The implementation will begin during the second quarter of 2023 and will continue for 24 months.

The project is to dualise An’Nuzha Street extending over 11 km and to construct 3.5 km of service streets and 6 large-capacity traffic intersections equipped with light signals. There will also be surface water drainage systems along the road and concrete channel extending over 2.5 km to drain out the water. The drainage systems along the street and at crossings will serve to solve the problem of rainwater accumulating in the area with the help of some multicellular box culverts. The street will be lit by energy-saving LED lighting systems, traffic signs and road markings, in addition to tiling along the street. The project aims to raise the traffic flow in that vital area and avoid traffic density at particular times, to develop the commercial and residential areas and to serve urban plans, facilities and neighbourhoods adjacent to the street.

Four development agreements signed for markets & roads in Oman

As part of its efforts to revitalise the economy and provide necessary services, the governor of Dhahirah signed four agreements to implement a number of projects. The agreements are for development of a Friday Market in the wilayat of Yanqul, a Municipal Garden in the wilayat of Dhank, a Municipal Market in the wilayat of Ibri, and for paving several internal roads. The four agreements aim to stimulate commercial activities and provide entertainment facilities for families in all wilayats.

Integrated vehicle service station opened in Oman

The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) inaugurated an integrated vehicle service station in Al Buraimi Industrial City. The service station, set up with an investment of around RO 500,000, is located on the main road to Al Buraimi Industrial City. It aims at offering a wide range of facilities and services to the investors, business owner and workforce in Al Buraimi Industrial City in particular, and the population in Al Buraimi Governorate in general. This value-added project in the industrial city will play a big role in generating job opportunities and attracting service projects.
The signing of the contract for the establishment of an integrated service station for vehicles was done in June 2022 between Madayn and Murtafat Mahdha Trading. Madayn is currently implementing a number of projects in Al Buraimi Industrial City, which include the infrastructure development project in phases 1 and 2 at a total cost of more than RO 5 million. These projects include the implementation of sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 400 square metres, road rehabilitation works, water supply distribution networks, electrical works and street lighting for phase 2.

SAR 377 mln agreement signed to build villas in Saudi Arabia

Sumou Real Estate Co. signed a development agreement worth SAR 377 million with National Housing Co. (NHC) to build villas on the land plots allocated to Sumou in Area No. 8 within Makkah Gate Project in Makkah on a total space of 88,600 square meters. The project work will start from the next day from receiving the land from NHC. It will be completed within 42 months from the effective date of the agreement, namely the day following the signing date. It will be financed based on off-plan sales and partially on equity. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the company's results when the off-plan license is issued and with the launch of sale.

Oman seeks financial consultancy services for 500MW Ibri III Solar PV IPP

The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company SAOC (OPWP), a member of Nama Group seeks to undertake Provision Of Financial Consultancy Services for the Development Of Ibri III Solar Independent Power Project (IPP). The tender notification mentioned that, In line with Sultanate of Oman vision to diversify fuel sources through the use of clean energy for power generation, OPWP wishes to initiate the process of procuring additional solar project (Ibri III Solar IPP Project) connected to MIS with a capacity of 500 MW and targeted Schedule Commercial Operation Date by Q4 2026. OPWP seeks proposals from interested bidders to provide financial and commercial consultancy for the development of the Project and to advise on the competitive tendering of the Project. The tender documents are available for purchase in an electronic format through OPWP website. A tender bond of not less than 1% of the tender value, to be valid for a period of 120 days from the submission deadline date, 11 January 2023 is required along with the Proposals.

Construction work completed for a power station in Oman

Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), a member of Nama Group, announced the successful completion of the construction works of the Mirbat power station with a voltage of 132/33 kV and the associated transmission lines from the Ashur station to the Mirbat station at a cost of more than RO 11 million. The project consists of six bays of 132 kV GIS, two transformers of 132 kV to 33 kV and each of them has a capacity of 63 MVA. The project includes protection devices, communication and fire protection systems. Meanwhile, work is underway to upgrade the efficiency of Thamrait station with a voltage of 33/132 kV from two transformers with a capacity of 2x30 MVA to 2x63 MVA. The project included new building 33 KV GIS with dismantling two transformers of 30 MVA and replaced by two transformers with capacity of 63 MVA. The project is already 96.26% complete with a cost of RO 3.4 million. Last month, OETC completed of the construction of a solar energy transmission station in the Wilayat of Ibri. The solar energy transmission station, a 220kv grid station with a construction cost of about RO 7.5 million, is the first grid station connected to solar power plant in Ibri.

New multipurpose port to come up in Oman

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources stated that the establishment of a multipurpose port in the Wilayat of Masirah in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, which is one of the development projects included in the tenth five-year plan (2021-2025), comes within the framework of work to develop ports. The aim is to make fishing in Oman an attractive environment for investments, and to keep pace with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources’ plan to benefit from fish resources by increasing and developing the fishing fleet, and to be a possible and attractive work environment for Omani fishermen, with the provision of many public and private services within the port’s sanctuaries, which will raise the contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP. The Masirah Port project includes several basic components, including serving the fisheries sector, facilities for the tourism sector, and transportation, in addition to government and private service facilities on a land area of about 240,000 square metres. The project will include the construction of a main breakwater with a length of 3,052 metres and a secondary breakwater with a length of 1,120 metres, with a fixed berth with a length of 590 metres, floating berths for fishing boats, trawlers and pleasure boats. The port basin, covering one million square metres, will be dredged to a depth of 5-6 metres.

Worley JV awarded 2 year extension to EPC contract in Oman

A joint venture of Worley and Special Technical Services LLC (STS) has received a two year contract extension to provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to bp’s Khazzan Gas assets in the Sultanate of Oman. The joint venture is known as Special Technical Services Worley Integrated Solutions (SWIS). The previous five-year contract was announced on 30 April 2018. The services include brownfield projects and turnarounds, which will help to sustain the life of bp’s existing assets in Oman. Worley’s services will be led by Worley’s Oman office.

Crude processing plant begins operations in Oman

OQ, Oman’s government-owned integrated energy group, announces the start of operations at the third crude oil processing plant at Bisat Oilfield, located in its Block 60 concession. The plant's production would rise to 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) early 2023. At full capacity, the plant will boost OQ's total production capacity of 219,000 bpd of oil equivalent, representing 12.6 percent of Oman's total oil production. The plant will support the group's strategy to enhance investments in oil exploration and production while containing the environmental impact. The Bisat Development Programme in Block 60 is one of OQ’s mega projects for its transformative phase, spanning the 2020-2024 timeframe.

Lease agreement signed to open new DHL office in Sohar

DHL, the leading international provider of air, ocean, and road freight services, has announced opening of a new office in SOHAR Freezone. Matrix Prime Logistics, a leading company for warehouse logistics operations at SOHAR Freezone, has signed a lease agreement with DHL Global Forwarding, for the sublease of warehouse space for the efficient distribution of goods in Oman and other global markets. The warehouse is strategically located at SOHAR Freezone and the partnership will further cement SOHAR’s role in positioning Oman as an attractive global logistics and transit hub.
This is DHL’s step towards contribution to Oman Vision-2040 and capitalise on SOHAR’s land connectivity and provide more solutions to our esteemed customers. DHL is now the only global logistics company with offices in both Salalah Freezone and SOHAR Freezone. DHL is now well poised to offer faster and greener freight services across the region, particularly with much anticipated imminent launch of 303-km-Oman Etihad Rail project connecting Sohar to Abu Dhabi.

RO 57.28 million facilities management contract awarded in Oman

Renaissance Services has announced that its subsidiary, TISCO, has been awarded a contract from the Ministry of Health worth RO 57.28 million. The contract is to provide catering, cleaning and pest control services for 51 hospitals and 11 health centers in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman for a period of three years, starting from January 1, 2023. Renaissance Services is a company specializing in integrated facilities management and services solutions in the Sultanate of Oman. 

Agreement signed to build golf villa project in Oman

The Trump family has struck a deal with Dar Al Arkan, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest real estate companies, for a new integrated residential complex to be built in Oman. As per the agreement, the Trump Organization will be licensing its name to the Saudi group's upcoming project on a hillside adjacent to the Gulf of Oman, and will include a golf resort, villas and two hotels, stated the report citing a top company executive. The financial terms of the deal with Dar Al Arkan were not disclosed. The Trump Organization confirmed the paperwork had been signed to have the Trump brand be a part of the SR6 billion ($1.6 billion) Aida project. The project, which will come up on a 3.5 million sq m area, marks the Saudi developer's foray into the Omani property market. Situated on a hilltop, the project which will be developed 100 m above sea level, will comprise 3,500 residential units of medium-sized villas, townhouses and low-rise apartments. It will feature two charming hotels, a plaza filled with cafes and restaurants, a gated promenade with luxury retail and premium wellness centres, and gyms, cradled by a gorgeous outdoor landscape.

Sanvira carbon plant inaugurated in Oman

Sanvira Carbon (FZC) Company’s calcined petroleum coke plant, which has been developed with an investment of over RO60mn, was inaugurated at Sohar Freezone. The plant has a production capacity of 600,000 tonnes per annum of calcined petroleum coke and 24 megawatts of electricity annually through produced steam. The calcined petroleum coke plant has been developed by Sanvira Carbon (FZC), which is a joint venture between India’s Sanvira Industries, Oman National Investment Development Company (Tanmia) and Omani chemicals manufacturing firm United Business Trading. Sanvira Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of calcined petroleum coke. Sanvira Carbon’s plant is the first of its kind in the sultanate that transforms petroleum coke into a product of high industrial value, which is used in aluminum industries and several other mining industries. The project will provide 200 employment opportunities for Omani youth. Omanisation at the plant is planned to be increased to 50 per cent in the next five years. Sanvira Carbon plant is an addition to the petrochemicals and aluminum sectors in Oman by attracting advance technologies and creating employment opportunities. The project will target both local and exports markets. GCC demand for calcined petroleum coke stands at 1.5mn tonnes annually.

Agreement signed for 7MW solar project in Oman

A’Saffa Foods SAOG, Oman announced that it has signed an agreement with TotalEnergies Renewables Orient LLC to Construct 7MW peak (MWp) Solar Project at A’Saffa farm in Thumrait. The Company stated that Project is expected to reflect positively on the cost of electricity production. The Construction of the project will begin as soon as approvals are obtained from the concerned authorities.

Foundation stone laid for $112m worth titanium project in Oman

A ceremony was held at Sohar Freezone to lay the foundation stone of Sohar Titanium project to produce titanium dioxide at a cost of RO 43 million. The project will be set up on an area of 120,000 square meters, and a production capacity of 150,000 tons per year. It is expected to start commercial operation by 2025. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Energy and Minerals. Sohar Titanium project is a strategic partnership between the Minerals Development Oman with 35% of the share, and the remaining 65% is distributed to Dubal Holding and Stork International through the Gulf Titanium.

Developmental & tourist projects to come up in Musandam

The Governorate of Musandam will see a number of projects including in the fields of free zones, renewable energy (solar energy, wind energy and green hydrogen). There is a trend in the governorate to revise the dam projects and prepare a comprehensive study of the paths of wadis to determine the best locations for the constructing wadis and utilizing the groundwater reserve. The minister of state and governor of Musandam, signed an agreement for organizing international sports and tourist activities in the governorate and to highlight the natural beauty which exists in all four wilayats of Musandam Governorate. The Zip Line Project, expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2022 is a new addition and a tourist product that would upgrade adventure tourism. Besides, contracts were signed for the construction of three hotels in the wilayats of Bukha and Mad’ha in a bid to increase the number of resorts to meet the growing number of tourists arriving in the governorate. In reference to the Royal Decree establishing the National Natural Park Reserve in Governorate of Musandam, surveys conducted by the Environment Authority in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Musandam indicated that the reserve occupies an area of 1,149.40 km2, and encompasses nine offshore islands, coasts, offshore shoals, creeks, and bays. The department drew up a plan to boost afforestation in the governorate and develop coral reefs by implementing the national initiative to plant 10 million trees in the governorate during the first quarter of 2022. A total of 8,600 seedlings were planted in cooperation with public and private establishments and the local community in a bid to instill the culture of afforestation, improving the vegetation cover and spreading green areas.

Fishermens village project completed in Oman

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has opened a fishermen’s village in Masirah Island, South Sharqiyah. The project, financed by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, will empower Omani fisherman, develop the fisheries sector and enhance economic diversification programmes in the sultanate. The village was set up on an area of 34,000sqm at a cost of RO140,000. The project will provide a number of direct and indirect job opportunities in allied activities such as fish transport, fishing equipment and storage, boat repair and maintenance workshops for boats and engines. The project will also facilitate the collection of statistical data on the quantity of fish caught and help in communicating directly with fishermen by virtue of their presence in one place. All services are available in the village, including a mosque, fuel station, ice-making unit, fish market and a pier.

Foundation stone laid for a memorial monument in Oman

A foundation stone was laid for the construction of a memorial dedicated to famous Chinese mariner and explorer Zheng He at a seafront site in Salalah in Dhofar Governorate. The foundation laying ceremony was organised by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and Dhofar Municipality. Zheng He was a frequent visitor to Dhofar, bringing pottery, silk, tea and other merchandise from China, while returning with frankincense and other local goods. Two countries agreed to install a memorial to Zheng He in Salalah to commemorate his multiple visits. The project, designed by the China Transportation Corporation, will be constructed based on 3D printing technology. Work on the monument will be completed in 2023.

Oil production from an oil block to commence shortly in Oman

Tethys Oil, a Swedish oil company which has interests in the Sultanate of Oman’s Blocks 3 and 4, Block 49, Block 56 and Block 58, announces that oil production is expected to commence in the coming weeks from Al Jumd field in Block 56. The preparations for the extended well test of the Al Jumd discovery on Block 56 is already in its final phase. All field works have been completed, the wells are hooked up to the production system and production is expected to commence in the coming weeks following final acceptance tests and certification. Three wells have been completed on the Al Jumd structure all recording initial flows of oil of up to 700 barrels per day. Preparations for the extended well test are well underway, the tanks are filled with oil and infrastructure such as flowlines and pumps are in place. At the time of writing what remains before extended production testing can commence is the finalisation and approval of the oil metering station and its installation at the Sim Sim facility where oil from Block 56 will be metered before entering the national Omani pipeline system on its way to the export facilities in Muscat. The meter will be up and running within the next four to six weeks and in early next year will be in a position to further evaluate the Al Jumd oil discovery from the perspective of potential commerciality. The extended well testing of Al Jumd stands out as the most significant milestone of our operated Blocks.

16 new filling stations to be built in Saudi Arabia

Leading Omani fuel marketing company Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tamiyoz, a well-known real estate investment and development company based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to facilitate the expansion of OOMCO service stations across the Kingdom. OOMCO currently operates 10 sites in eastern and western Saudi Arabia, with 16 stations in the pipeline across the country. The agreement will see further growth of OOMCO’s footprint in the eastern and western, and southern regions of Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year OOMCO opened its newest facility in Mecca, as well as plans for five additional sites within the greater Jeddah area, offering an exciting range of on-the-go shopping, branded food and beverage offerings, in addition to essential automotive services as OOMCO continues to go beyond the pump. This is an important step in its global expansion and advancing to operate a total of 26 fuel stations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the end of 2023.

RO32 million contract awarded for field operations cente in Oman

Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company announced that Shell Development Company has awarded its joint venture (JV) with Catering and Supplies Company the contract to design, build and operate the Field Operations Center in Concession 10. The value of this contract for Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company’s share is RO32 million with an implementation period of 12 months from the date of starting work in the field.

Bids invited for historical monument development & management in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has invited bids for the development and management of Ibri Castle and Husn Bait al Marah in Dhahirah, two among the most elegant forts of the sultanate. Interested parties are requested to submit an expression of interest, an action plan on how they propose to develop and manage the two sites, the organisational structure of the institution, including detailed information on shareholders and partners, and previous jobs done. The scope of the tender includes expansion of building structures, documentation and presentation of the historical significance of the two sites and marketing these for cultural and heritage tourism.
Interested parties must submit a study that includes marketing the two sites commercially and culturally, holding artistic and cultural events and workshops, and introducing various activities to revive the monuments. Proposals must highlight the architectural uniqueness of the monuments and involve the local community in cultural and social events. The deadline for bid submission is December 29, 2022.
Built 400 years ago, Ibri Castle stands in the centre of the wilayat of Ibri adjacent to an old souq. The castle’s four gates are called Sabah al Hara, Sabah al Barzah, Sabah al Sinsilah and Sabah al Awsat. It has a mosque the roof of which is made of compressed gravel. 
Husn Bait al Marah is the third largest historical structure in the country, located in the wilayat of Yanqul surrounded by farms, houses and an old souq. It was built more than 400 years ago when the Nabhani tribe ruled the area. The castle has three independent structures within in Bait al Basra, Bait al Sharqi and Bait al Aod.

17 agreements worth OMR3.5mn signed for development projects in Oman

The Office of Governor of North A'Sharqiyah signed 17 agreements to the tune of OMR3.53 million to the implementation of service and development projects in the wilayats of the governorate. The pacts include the preparation of designs and studies for road projects, illumination, consultancy, construction projects, supply and installation of service utilities. These agreements will help develop tourism in all the wilayats of the governorate and in turn spur economic movement. Based on a Royal Directive, each governorate has been allocated RO20mn under the Governorates Development Programme for the current Five-Year Plan.

Agreement signed for zero emission desalination plant in Oman

HELIOVIS, Austria and ARA Petroleum, Oman announced that they have signed a commercial contract to provide the world’s first solar-thermally powered, zero emission desalination plant for the treatment of produced water. The plant will be built at the oilfield of Qarat al Milh, which is part of concession block 6, the largest exploration site in the Sultanate of Oman. Working in partnership to deliver this showcase project, HELIOVIS and ARA Petroleum will deploy HELIOVIS’s patented and proven low-cost solar thermal technology to produce up to 140m³ of drinking water per day from highly saline produced water. Produced water refers to naturally occurring water in oil reservoirs, which is co-extracted during the production process. Typically, this water contains high levels of dissolved mineral salts and is often contaminated with hydrocarbons. It is therefore usually discharged into large evaporation ponds or pumped back under ground. At the same time, the freshwater water required for oil field operations is produced from seawater at the coast in energy intensive reverse osmosis (RO) plants and transported to the remote exploration sites by truck, leading to high cost and a heavy CO2 footprint.
HELIOVIS’s solar thermal energy will be used to power a forward osmosis (FO) water desalination plant with a direct-osmosis (DO) ZLD unit (zero liquid discharge) to transform produced water with a salinity of ca. 102,000 ppm (3 times more salt than seawater) into ca. 140 m3 of potable water per day at the oilfield, resulting in significant cost savings and CO2 emission reductions. HELIOVIS’s HELIOtube® technology uses recyclable inflatable tubes and mirror films to collect and concentrate sunlight and to provide clean industrial process heat in the hard-to-decarbonize mid-temperature range of 90°C to 400°C. The technology gives major cost advantages in manufacturing, shipping/logistics, installation, cleaning, maintenance, and freshwater usage compared to conventional parabolic troughs that employ bent glass mirrors. In the context of the oil & gas industry, it can be used amongst others to power refineries and gas scrubbing facilities, to generate steam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), or to desalinate produced water as in the present case. ARA will purchase the complete plant from HELIOVIS, who as the EPC company will integrate its own proprietary HELIOtube technology with the innovative FO and DO desalination technologies of Trevi Systems Inc. (California). This showcase project will also enable technical learning and is intended to promote similar projects to help reduce CO2 emissions throughout the Gulf region.

Agreement signed to develop industrial complex in Oman

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Vale Company to conduct a feasibility study on developing a comprehensive industrial complex in Oman in line with international priorities of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The MoC is inked in partnership with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and the National Programme for Investment and Exports Development (Nazdaher). The agreement aims to achieve strategic goals within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.

Agreement signed for waste management emission reduction in Oman

OQ Trading (OQT), the international energy and commodity trading arm of the Government of Oman and Oman Environmental Service Holding Company (be’ah) signed a cooperation agreement for the development of projects of emission reduction within the waste management industry in Oman. The agreement signed is an important initiative in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Sultanate of Oman in line with ministerial decision No. 30/2010 issued by the earlier Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs. Greenhouse gas reduction forms an important part of be'ah's objective to structure the waste management sector and its related services sustainably. The framework resulting from the cooperation agreement allows OQT to work collaboratively with be’ah to identify and develop projects which adhere to international emission reduction standards.
OQT and be’ah will be together exploring multiple opportunities for projects within the field of waste management and waste-to-energy that will aid Oman’s decarbonisation and climate goals. Through their engagement to date, some potential areas which have already been identified include biogas and methane reduction projects through the rehabilitation of landfills, as well as exploring the possibilities of various crediting systems related to recycling. The partnership will enable the delivery of efficient and environmentally sustainable services within the waste management sector in Oman, with sound economical returns by playing a role in serving the compliance and voluntary carbon markets internationally.

Oman seeks Consultancy Services for 500MW Ibri III Solar PV IPP

The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company SAOC (OPWP), a member of Nama Group seeks to undertake Provision Of Technical Consultancy Services for the Development Of Ibri III Solar Independent Power Project (IPP). The tender notification mentioned that, In line with Sultanate of Oman vision to diversify fuel sources through the use of clean energy for power generation, OPWP wishes to initiate the process of procuring additional solar project (Ibri III Solar IPP Project) connected to MIS with a capacity of 500 MW and targeted Schedule Commercial Operation Date by Q4 2026. OPWP seeks proposals from interested bidders to provide technical consultancy for the development of the Project and to advise on the competitive tendering of the Project. The tender documents are available for purchase in an electronic format through OPWP website, statement mentioned. A bid bond (in the form set out in the tender) of at least 1% of the fixed price value of the Contract, to be valid for a period of 120 days from the submission deadline date, 07 December 2022 is required along with the Proposals.

Bids invited for management & development of a castle in Oman

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has initiated a plan to develop Samail Castle in Dakhliyah governorate to attract tourists and stimulate the sector. The castle will be given to the private sector for development and management. Spread over 10,000sqm, Samail Castle was built in the 17th century on a rocky hill. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), as part of its plan to privatise management of forts and castles in the sultanate, is looking to partner with the private sector to develop Samail Castle.
To support the national economy and benefit from the country’s historical structures, the ministry has floated a tender for management and development of Samail Castle. MHT confirmed that interested companies must submit a proposal that includes marketing of the castle commercially and culturally, hosting artistic and cultural events, and introducing activities to revive the castle. Bids must highlight the architectural uniqueness of the castle and involve the local community in various cultural and social events. The deadline for bid submission is December 29, 2022.

RO 18.2m contract awarded for a Central Public Health Laboratory in Oman

A contract award for the construction of a new Central public Health Laboratory for the Ministry of Health has gone to well-known Omani contractor Galfar Engineering & Contracting SAOG. The latter announced in a filing to the Capital Market Authority (CMA) on Wednesday that it received the contract valued at RO 18.2 million. The facility will come up at Al Khoudh in the Wilayat of Seeb in Muscat Governorate. The project construction phase is about 24 months. As previously revealed by the Ministry of Health, the Central Public Health Laboratory will serve as an integrated complex of laboratories featuring the latest equipment and testing technologies. The new complex will be designed and equipped for a state-of-the-art Level 3 safety lab testing capabilities for tuberculosis and other highly infectious viral diseases, a genetic sequencing department, and other departments that will be developed as a neonatal screening department for metabolic diseases.

Contract awarded for first top-loading fuel station in Oman

To expand its fueling service offerings for local and regional customers, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) has signed an agreement with Taif Altmayz for General Trading to build the first top-loading station in Duqm. Expected to be operational in Q1 2023, the station will offer its services from the Duqm Light Industrial Area according to the latest safety and security standards, and pursuant to the stringiest regulations and specifications. Part of the company’s long-term strategy to transform Oman’s fuel industry, the contract complements its existing operations at the strategically significant Duqn industrial Areas, Free Zone & Port of Duqm, where it launched its bunker fuel terminal in late 2021 to serve the international shipping market. The new top-loading station in Duqm will provide a consistent supply of diesel stock, which promises to stimulate industrial and economic development projects.

Three new mining sites opened for investment in Oman

Three mining concessions offered up for investment by Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals will be awarded within three months of the opening of the bids, the Ministry has pledged. The expeditious timeframe is a reflection of the Ministry’s new business-friendly approach to the award of mining sites for investment. As pre-approved sites, they come bundled with all of the prescribed permits and approvals secured in advance from the relevant government ministries and departments – a move designed to eliminate bureaucracy in the permitting process surrounding mining investment. All three concessions, proven to have commercial quantities of aggregates for the construction and building materials sectors, are located in the Wilayat of Ibra in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Covering a total area of just over 2.5 sq kilometres, the three sites have been delineated from a larger mountainous area surveyed by the Ministry and found to be rich in gabbro rocks suitable for quarrying. Adjoining each other, the three sites – GS-000023-4, GS-000023-7 and GS-000023-12 – are located about 17 kilometres from Ibra town.
The latest public auction is restricted to Omani mining firms with proven industry experience. The goal is to channel investment opportunities to smaller Omani players in the industry as well. Interested parties have until December 4, 2022 to submit their bids for the sites on offer. Successful bidders will however receive only one site per company. A formal opening of the bid envelopes is scheduled at the Ministry on December 5, 2022.