Latest news with #AlDhahirah
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Agreements signed to implement service projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate
Ibri: Agreements worth more than OMR1 million were signed in Al Dhahirah Governorate on Thursday to implement service and development projects. The agreement were inked by Najeeb Ali Al Rowas, Governor of Al Dhahirah, and representatives of private sector companies. The step was aimed to upgrade infrastructure and enhance the quality of services in the governorate's wilayats. The agreements included the implementation of three projects. The first is a road maintenance project in the Wilayat of Ibri. The second is an internal road maintenance project in the Wilayats of Dhank and Yanqul. Both projects deal with the re-planning and re-designing of roads and speed breakers, the installation of road signs and the replacement of asphalt layers. The third is a lighting project for the Kabara-Wadi-Al Ain Road in the Wilayat of Ibri. It deals with the supply and installation of 178 lighting poles to enhance the safety and security of road users during the night.
Times of Oman
13-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
'Haseed" platform launched to connect Al Dhahirah farmers with retailers
Sohar: A student team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar has launched a digital platform named 'Haseed", designed to directly link farmers in Al Dhahirah Governorate with fruit and vegetable retailers. The initiative aims to streamline marketing processes, reduce waste, and enhance the efficiency and quality of the local agricultural supply chain. Mahmoud Al Harmali, a team member, explained that the project was inspired by the challenges farmers face in delivering their products to local markets within Al Dhahirah. Many are forced to sell individually at weekly markets or transport their goods outside the governorate, leading to spoilage and delayed sales, while most retailers rely on imported produce from other governorates. He noted that the team encountered several challenges during development, including difficulty accessing farm owners directly, as many delegate farm management to expatriate workers. Additionally, digital promotion proved challenging, prompting the team to adopt on-ground outreach by visiting traditional markets—particularly at dawn on Fridays, a peak time for Omani traders and vendors. The platform allows farmers to easily showcase their fresh and organic products, while retailers can source locally grown goods at fair prices with assured quality. 'Haseed" also features an organized delivery system transporting produce from farms to stores, along with smart surplus management technology to minimize agricultural waste and maximize crop utilization. Available products on the platform include a variety of farm-direct offerings such as dates, onions, leafy greens, melons and guavas. The project secured third place in the 'Al Dhahirah Hackathon", which saw over 200 participants and 40 student projects amid strong competition from colleges and universities nationwide, judged by experts in innovation and entrepreneurship. Moving forward, the team plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to expand the platform to other governorates, with the goal of evolving it into a commercial startup that supports Oman's agricultural sector and empowers local farmers through innovative tech solutions.
Times of Oman
10-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Border security boost: ROP apprehends 25 infiltrators, offers humanitarian aid
Muscat: In a series of recent operations, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has apprehended 25 individuals for illegal infiltration, providing medical care to eleven of them who were suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. The Nimr Police Unit, part of the Oil and Gas Installations Security Police, made a significant arrest within an oil facility area. They apprehended an Omani citizen who was transporting 14 Ethiopian infiltrators in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Following this, ROP patrols located an additional 11 infiltrators of the same nationality attempting to cross desert terrain on foot. Some of these individuals were reportedly suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, and they received immediate medical assistance before legal procedures commenced. Separately, the Police Command in Al Dhahirah Governorate successfully apprehended a Yemeni national. He was arrested for illegally entering the country and is also suspected of committing acts of sabotage and theft at two commercial shops in Ibri. He remains in custody as formal legal actions are underway.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: OPAZ signs agreements, MoUs for Al Dhahirah Economic Zone
Muscat, Oman — The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed on Sunday a total of seven agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD), marking the beginning of operational activities in the zone. The agreements and MoUs were signed on behalf of OPAZ by H.E. Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ. Among the key agreements was the contract for the construction of main roads and the surface water drainage system (Package 1), valued at RO 22.3 million, with a 24-month implementation period. The contract was awarded to an Omani-Saudi consortium. Signing on behalf of the consortium were: Btouar Adli (Circa), Dr Amin Al Shanqiti (Pladco), and Othman Gonk (Gonk). OPAZ also signed an MoU with Sohar International Bank for strategic cooperation in the zone. The agreement aims to provide innovative financial solutions for capital structuring of existing and future projects in the zone. It includes preferential offers for businesses interested in investing, as well as granting the bank access to OPAZ's investor platform to facilitate registration and enhance the investor experience. The MoU was signed by Khalil Salim Al Hedaifi, Chief Government and Private Banking Officer at Sohar International. Two Service Level Agreements were also signed with engineering consultancies: Al Watanyiah United Engineering (Oman) and Dar Al Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The agreements aim to accredit both firms to prepare architectural, structural, and infrastructure designs for investor projects in the zone, provide technical advice and feasibility studies, and assist with approvals. The agreements were signed by Fahad bin Ali Al Mahrouqi, Deputy Executive Director of Al Watanyiah Engineering, and Ayman Adnan Yahya, Deputy CEO of Dar Al Riyadh. Additionally, MoUs expressing interest in investing in the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah were signed with Sohar International Bank, Poly Products Co. Ltd., and Naseem Ibra Company. Integrated industrial and logistics hub Eng. Yahya bin Khamis Al Zadjali, planning advisor to the Chairman of OPAZ, affirmed that OPAZ is working to establish the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah as an integrated industrial hub with robust logistics services. The zone aims to become a vital link connecting markets across the GCC and to promote intra-regional trade between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He explained that OPAZ, in cooperation with the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), has completed the master plan for the zone. The first development phase covers 20 square kilometers of the total allocated area of 388 square kilometers, with an initial urgent development zone of 7.5 square kilometers currently under implementation. Main roads and drainage works agreement As part of the first development package, the agreement includes the construction of dual and single-carriageway roads stretching approximately 17 kilometres, installation of solar-powered street lighting, construction of stormwater drainage channels, and protective infrastructure. It also involves the diversion of the existing wadi through the construction of a 6.3-kilometer-long, 250-metre-wide channel to safeguard the area from flood risks. This includes excavation and leveling works, construction of box culverts along the national road (N10), and partial reconstruction of the road. The project will also include multiple roundabouts, road safety elements such as road markings and signage, and the protection of utility networks by approved plans and permits. The agreement stipulates that at least RO 1.23 million worth of work must be subcontracted to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also mandates an Omanisation rate of no less than 30 percent, including in key positions, to ensure the development of skilled Omani expertise across the project's components. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's OPAZ inks key pacts to kickstart EZAD
MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed on Sunday, July 6, 2025, a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) related to the establishment of the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD) — a flagship project designed to catalyze cross-border industrial and logistics investments between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreements, which mark the formal launch of operational activities in the zone, were signed on behalf of OPAZ by its Chairman, Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy. A total of seven agreements and MoUs were inked, covering the construction of main roads, a surface water drainage system, and the accreditation of two engineering firms from Oman and Saudi Arabia. At a press conference highlighting the economic significance of EZAD, Eng Yahya bin Khamis Al Zadjali, Planning Advisor to the Chairman of OPAZ, stated: 'OPAZ is committed to transforming the Al Dhahirah Economic Zone into an integrated industrial centre, pulsating with logistics services that serve as a vital gateway to commercial markets across the GCC. The zone aims to stimulate intra-regional trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia, and extend connections to neighbouring markets. Over the past period, the Authority has worked diligently to attract both local and international investment and to enhance the logistical movement of goods through land and sea ports via multimodal transport systems.' According to Al Zadjali, the initial development will focus on a 7.5 km² portion of the first phase, which spans 20 km² within the zone's total allocated area of 388 km². 'In the medium to long term, EZAD is envisioned as a hub for advanced industrial sectors — with clean energy as a primary driver of development — alongside a logistics complex featuring an inland port and a residential zone designed with environmental sustainability and public health in mind. The zone will offer modern living standards, comprehensive services, and amenities for workers and residents alike,' he added. A key agreement included the RO 22.3 million contract for the construction of main roads and a surface water drainage system (Package 1), with a 24-month implementation period. The contract was awarded to an Omani-Saudi consortium represented by Btouar Adli of Serka, Dr Amin Al Shanqiti of Pladco, and Othman Gonuc of Gonuc Insaat. Under this package, the project entails construction of dual and single carriageway roads stretching approximately 17 kilometres, installation of solar-powered street lighting, and development of stormwater drainage channels and flood protection infrastructure. A 6.3-kilometre-long, 250-metre-wide diversion channel will be constructed to redirect an existing wadi and mitigate flood risks. The scope also includes excavation and grading works, box culverts along the national road (N10), and partial reconstruction of the road. Among other pacts signed was a memorandum of understanding with Sohar International Bank for strategic cooperation. The MoU aims to offer innovative financial solutions for capital structuring of current and future projects in the zone. It includes preferential financing offers for investors and grants the bank access to OPAZ's investor platform to streamline registration and enhance investor experience. Signing on behalf of Sohar International was Khalil Salim Al Hedaifi, Chief Government and Private Banking Officer. Further, two Service Level Agreements were signed with engineering consultancies — Al Watanyiah United Engineering (Oman) and Dar Al Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). These agreements are part of OPAZ's strategy to accredit high-quality engineering firms that meet its technical standards. The agreements — signed by Fahad bin Ali Al Mahrouqi, Deputy Executive Director of Al Watanyiah Engineering, and Ayman Adnan Yahya, Deputy CEO of Dar Al Riyadh — authorize the firms to offer services including architectural design, structural planning, implementation supervision, technical consultancy, and feasibility studies. Accredited firms will also facilitate the investor approval process, including the issuance of building permits. In addition, MoUs expressing interest in investing in EZAD were signed by Sohar International Bank, Poly Products Co. Ltd., and Naseem Ibra Company. These aim to strengthen investment promotion through collaboration with Sohar International's sector specialists and advisory teams, supporting key priority areas identified by OPAZ. The MoUs include provisions for investment advisory support to prospective investors. Al Zadjali further revealed that OPAZ, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia's Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), has completed the master plan for the zone. The master plan features recreational amenities such as parks, gardens, sports, and tourism facilities. It envisions the zone as a destination for pilgrims and Umrah performers, as well as a draw for international tourists visiting Oman. He noted: 'We've seen rising interest from investors in both brotherly nations, reflecting EZAD's promise as a catalyst for business expansion and regional economic growth. The immediate phase, including the inland port, addresses critical infrastructure needs such as stormwater management, veterinary quarantine, and sustainable power supply using clean energy. It also includes a logistics services facility and a commercial services complex that will house administrative offices, healthcare, tourism, and retail amenities. Once operational, the zone will be managed by Asyad Group on behalf of the Omani side.' In conclusion, Al Zadjali affirmed OPAZ's commitment to positioning the Al Dhahirah Economic Zone as a regional industrial and logistics hub. 'The zone will serve as a vital link connecting GCC markets and boosting intra-regional trade. It will focus on advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and integrated logistics, while also offering sustainable residential solutions designed to enhance quality of life for all stakeholders.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
