Latest news with #SOHAR
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman eyes strategic share of global polysilicon market
MUSCAT: With the Sultanate of Oman just months away from commissioning its $1.6 billion polysilicon production facility in SOHAR Port and Freezone, Oman is set to rank second only to China as one of the world's largest producers of this strategic commodity — central to the global solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry. United Solar Polysilicon, slated for launch before the end of this year, will be the first polysilicon project in the Middle East. Once fully operational, the plant — designed with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes — will position Oman as the second-largest producer globally, with an estimated 4.4 per cent share of worldwide capacity. 'The project aims to position Oman as a key player in the global photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing supply chain, reducing dependency on China-based production,' said the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), which has invested $156 million in the venture through Future Fund Oman (FFO), a platform that supports investments in strategic sectors of the Omani economy. China remains a polysilicon manufacturing powerhouse, accounting for around 93 per cent (equivalent to 2 million tonnes per year) of the world's total production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes. A distant second is Germany, with a 2.9-per cent share (65,000 tonnes), followed by the United States and Malaysia, each with 1.5 per cent (34,000 tonnes). In value terms, the global market was estimated at $34.3 billion as of end-2023. According to OIA, the decision to site the polysilicon project in Oman was based on several competitive advantages, foremost among them government support. 'A national negotiation team streamlined discussions, ensuring a smooth process for securing leases, utilities and incentives,' noted Oxford Business Group in an Impact Report on Future Fund Oman. Other factors influencing the investment decision included: Competitive electricity prices, crucial for maintaining profit margins; Proximity to SOHAR Port and Freezone, enabling efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products; Access to the US market via the Oman–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), allowing tariff-free exports; and a favourable regulatory environment. In addition, the project grants Oman a strategic entry into the global solar renewables supply chain. Detailing the production process, the Impact Report explained: 'The solar PV manufacturing process begins with the production of high-purity polysilicon, which is then melted and shaped into cylindrical ingots. 'These ingots are sliced into thin wafers, forming the base for solar cells. The cells undergo various treatments to enhance their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. 'Finally, the cells are assembled into modules (solar panels) ready for installation in energy systems. This process is critical to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.' Currently, around 4,000 contractual construction workers are engaged in building the sprawling complex, which spans 160,000 m² within the SOHAR Port and Freezone. During the operational phase, the plant will employ 1,000 to 2,000 staff, with Omanisation targeted at 70 per cent by 2030 through a combination of training and technology transfer programmes. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
14-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Initiative to equip students with future-ready skills
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JULY 14 SOHAR Port and Freezone has officially launched the third edition of its flagship summer initiative, Maseer, a transformative program dedicated to equipping Omani youth in grades 5 to 11, with future-ready skills through immersive, learning experiences. In collaboration with Kidsity, a national leader in youth education, this year's programme will engage learners from the Wilayats of Suhar and Liwa throughout July and August 2025. Building on previous successes, Maseer offers seven dynamic workshops covering key emerging fields, including, artificial intelligence and cloud data, cybersecurity, 3D CAD design, smart cities development, Arduino programming, renewable energy, and English language learning. These expertly led sessions provide participants with hands-on, practical knowledge that aligns seamlessly with Oman Vision 2040 and SOHAR's strategic role as a gateway to global innovation. This year also introduces Maseer Future City, an immersive metaverse experience that allows students to explore a futuristic digital environment inspired by smart cities. Through AI-powered learning, gamified challenges, and interactive zones, the platform equips participants with future-ready skills in a fun, accessible, and engaging way — further supporting Oman Vision 2040's focus on digital transformation. 'Maseer reflects our belief that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to support national development,' said Mohamed al Shizawi, Acting CEO, SOHAR Freezone. 'The programme exemplifies our commitment to advancing social welfare and socio-economic growth by fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge-sharing. By providing access to advanced knowledge and practical learning, we are helping students build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in competitive global industries.' 'Maseer represents an inspiring journey that goes beyond traditional education by integrating cutting-edge technology and interactive learning,' said Abdulmajeed al Balushi, Managing Director of Kidsity Centre Suhar. 'We are proud to partner with SOHAR Port and Freezone to offer Omani youth a unique opportunity to develop future skills, creativity, and confidence that will prepare them to thrive in tomorrow's digital world.' Focusing on innovation, leadership, and digital fluency, Maseer complements SOHAR's broader corporate social responsibility mission. The programme nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, encouraging students to apply their learning through interactive projects and teamwork. Now in its third year, Maseer continues to expand its reach and impact, setting a benchmark for youth development initiatives across Oman. By offering inclusive and forward-thinking educational opportunities, SOHAR is inspiring ambition and unlocking the potential of the nation's next generation of leaders and innovators.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Port And Freezone launches third edition Of Maseer
Muscat - SOHAR Port and Freezone has officially launched the third edition of its flagship summer initiative, Maseer, a transformative program dedicated to equipping Omani youth in grades 5 to 11, with future-ready skills through immersive, learning experiences. In collaboration with Kidsity, a national leader in youth education, this year's program will engage learners from the Wilayats of Suhar and Liwa throughout July and August 2025. Building on previous successes, Maseer offers seven dynamic workshops covering key emerging fields, including, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Data, Cybersecurity, 3D CAD Design, Smart Cities Development, Arduino Programming, Renewable Energy, and English Language Learning. These expertly led sessions provide participants with hands-on, practical knowledge that aligns seamlessly with Oman Vision 2040 and SOHAR's strategic role as a gateway to global innovation. This year also introduces Maseer Future City, an immersive metaverse experience that allows students to explore a futuristic digital environment inspired by smart cities. Through AI-powered learning, gamified challenges, and interactive zones, the platform equips participants with future-ready skills in a fun, accessible, and engaging way — further supporting Oman Vision 2040's focus on digital transformation. 'Maseer reflects our belief that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to support national development,' said Mohamed Al Shizawi, Acting CEO, SOHAR Freezone. 'The program exemplifies our commitment to advancing social welfare and socio-economic growth by fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge-sharing. By providing access to advanced knowledge and practical learning, we are helping students build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in competitive global industries.' 'Maseer represents an inspiring journey that goes beyond traditional education by integrating cutting-edge technology and interactive learning,' said Abdulmajeed Albalushi, Managing Director of Kidsity Center Suhar. 'We are proud to partner with SOHAR Port and Freezone to offer Omani youth a unique opportunity to develop future skills, creativity, and confidence that will prepare them to thrive in tomorrow's digital world.' Focusing on innovation, leadership, and digital fluency, Maseer complements SOHAR's broader corporate social responsibility mission. The program nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, encouraging students to apply their learning through interactive projects and teamwork. Now in its third year, Maseer continues to expand its reach and impact, setting a benchmark for youth development initiatives across Oman. By offering inclusive and forward-thinking educational opportunities, SOHAR is inspiring ambition and unlocking the potential of the nation's next generation of leaders and innovators. About SOHAR Port and Freezone SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the world's fastest-growing integrated industrial and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect businesses to the world and facilitate trade across diverse sectors. This significant mega-project, a collaboration between ASYAD Group & the Port of Rotterdam, offers a comprehensive range of services, including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR has become the primary gateway for Oman's import and export activities, contributing 2.6% to the nation's GDP and creating nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. The SOHAR Freezone enhances operational efficiencies through synergies in green manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Currently, land occupancy for both phase one and phase two has reached 66%. As of 2024, SOHAR Port has achieved a remarkable throughput of 75.4 million metric tons, rise in roll-on, roll-off (RORO) operations. SOHAR Port is a multifunctional port driving innovation and efficiency in Oman's logistics, marine services, and trade sectors, committed to sustainable development and advanced technology. This modernization aligns with the economic diversification objectives outlined in Oman's Vision 2040.
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Mattress manufacturing plant in SOHAR Freezone
MUSCAT: SOHAR Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to establish a mattress manufacturing facility in SOHAR Freezone. This investment reinforces SOHAR's role in driving industrial diversification and sets the foundation for clustering opportunities within the home and comfort manufacturing sector. The project also advances integration into global supply chains, with the potential to localise sourcing and strengthen regional value chains in the long term. The factory will cover an area of 96,000 square meters, with a total investment of $70 million. It is designed to produce up to three million mattresses annually, with an initial export focus on the United States, followed by expansion into GCC markets, India, the European Union, and the local market in Oman. Raw materials will be sourced from China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, enabling the company to manufacture high-quality sleep products for international markets from a single strategic base in SOHAR. Johnson Lim, General Manager of Sweet Night Fine Home's upcoming factory in SOHAR Freezone commented, 'Our decision to invest in SOHAR Freezone was driven by its unmatched location, efficiency, and long-term potential as a regional manufacturing hub. This investment marks a crucial step in our regional expansion, and SOHAR Freezone provides the ideal environment to support our manufacturing ambitions.' 'We're proud to welcome Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to SOHAR Freezone as part of our expanding base of international manufacturers,' said Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone. 'At SOHAR, we focus on attracting investments that drive economic growth and introduce new industrial capabilities. This project underscores the strength of our integrated logistics ecosystem and supports our efforts to build a diversified, resilient industrial base aligned with Oman Vision 2040.' The establishment of this manufacturing hub is expected to stimulate the local value chain by attracting complementary industries such as textiles, packaging, and logistics, thereby fostering the development of a specialized sleep-products ecosystem within the freezone. SOHAR Freezone reaffirms its role as a catalyst for sustainable industrial development and a key player in global supply chain diversification.
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: SOHAR to get mattress manufacturing facility
Muscat – SOHAR Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to establish a mattress manufacturing facility in SOHAR Freezone. This investment reinforces SOHAR's role in driving industrial diversification and sets the foundation for clustering opportunities within the home and comfort manufacturing sector. The project also advances integration into global supply chains, with the potential to localise sourcing and strengthen regional value chains in the long term. The factory will cover an area of 96,000sqm, with a total investment of US$70mn. It is designed to produce up to 3mn mattresses annually, with an initial export focus on the United States, followed by expansion into GCC markets, India, the European Union, and the local market in Oman. Raw materials will be sourced from China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, enabling the company to manufacture high-quality sleep products for international markets from a single strategic base in SOHAR. Johnson Lim, General Manager of Sweet Night Fine Home's upcoming factory in SOHAR Freezone commented, 'Our decision to invest in SOHAR Freezone was driven by its unmatched location, efficiency, and long-term potential as a regional manufacturing hub. This investment marks a crucial step in our regional expansion, and SOHAR Freezone provides the ideal environment to support our manufacturing ambitions.' 'We're proud to welcome Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to SOHAR Freezone as part of our expanding base of international manufacturers,' said Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone. 'At SOHAR, we focus on attracting investments that drive economic growth and introduce new industrial capabilities. This project underscores the strength of our integrated logistics ecosystem and supports our efforts to build a diversified, resilient industrial base aligned with Oman Vision 2040.' The establishment of this manufacturing hub is expected to stimulate the local value chain by attracting complementary industries such as textiles, packaging, and logistics, thereby fostering the development of a specialised sleep-products ecosystem within the freezone. SOHAR Freezone reaffirms its role as a catalyst for sustainable industrial development and a key player in global supply chain diversification. SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the world's fastest-growing integrated industrial and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect businesses to the world and facilitate trade across diverse sectors. This significant mega-project, a collaboration between ASYAD Group & the Port of Rotterdam, offers a comprehensive range of services, including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR has become the primary gateway for Oman's import and export activities, contributing 2.6% to the nation's GDP and creating nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. The SOHAR Freezone enhances operational efficiencies through synergies in green manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Currently, land occupancy for both phase one and phase two has reached 66%. As of 2024, SOHAR Port achieved a remarkable throughput of 75.4mn metric tonnes, rise in roll-on, roll-off (RORO) operations. SOHAR Port is a multifunctional port driving innovation and efficiency in Oman's logistics, marine services, and trade sectors, committed to sustainable development and advanced technology. This modernisation aligns with the economic diversification objectives outlined in Oman's Vision 2040. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
