Latest news with #SoharPort
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's OQAE targets over 10 GW renewables by 2035
MUSCAT: OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) – the clean energy arm of integrated Omani energy group OQ – has announced plans to develop over 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy production capacity within a decade. It also aims to bring a portion of its green hydrogen production capacity online within this timeframe. According to Najla al Jamali, OQ Alternative Energy CEO, these goals are aligned with the company's decarbonisation and energy transition strategies, consistent with its mandate as Oman's national champion for clean-energy development. 'By 2035, I envision OQAE exceeding 10 GW in renewable energy production and becoming a regional leader, possibly expanding beyond Oman. I would like to see our hydrogen projects supplying both domestic and international markets. Ideally, we would minimise export dependencies by fostering local offtake,' Al Jamali said in an interview with The Energy Year, a London-based news portal. The rollout of this portfolio is already underway, with the recent launch of construction of three renewable energy projects – the Riyah 1 and Riyah 2 wind farms and the North Oman Solar project – with a combined capacity of around 300 MW, the output of which is contracted to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the country's largest oil and gas producer. In addition, OQAE is supporting another 300 MW solar farm to provide clean energy for the Marsa LNG bunkering project currently under construction at Sohar Port. In the interview, Al Jamali highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in delivering OQAE's ambitious clean energy agenda. These partners contribute not only equity but also advanced technology and operational expertise. Many of them – including oil and gas producers and hard-to-abate industries – are also prospective customers for OQAE's clean energy output as they pursue their own decarbonisation pathways. 'In clean energy, our customer base includes PDO, Marsa LNG, Oxy and OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP),' she noted. 'Our potential customers include oil and gas companies such as PDO, BP, Shell and Oxy, as well as industrial players like Vale, Jindal and Sohar Aluminium. Within OQ Group itself, we also look to serve the refinery and plants in Salalah.' Significantly, OQAE is expanding its role in solar and wind energy development aimed at meeting Oman's national renewable energy targets. Earlier this year, OQAE secured a commitment for a stake of up to 25 per cent in all future renewable energy projects procured by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) – the sole procurer of new power and water capacity in Oman. This commitment encompasses all upcoming solar and wind projects (and potentially other forms of alternative energy as well), beginning with the Ibri III Solar PV project, a 500 MW scheme slated for development in Al Dhahirah Governorate. 'As the national champion, we have rights in Nama Power and Water Procurement tenders. Three projects have already been floated. Ibri III has been awarded, while the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Dhofar Wind 2 projects are progressing. Nama Power and Water Procurement has also allocated around 1 GW of wind capacity to us, with some sites already identified and others pending selection,' Al Jamali explained. On the progress of OQAE's green hydrogen ventures, the CEO stated: 'We expect our hydrogen projects to advance from around 2030 onward, with some developments extending into the following decade.' She added: 'Our Hyport project features a 500 MW electrolyser. Green Energy Oman and Salalah H2 each represents around 2 GW. Collectively, these three legacy projects are expected to deliver approximately 400 kilotonnes per year. We believe they are among the most advanced in the region, having gathered wind data and progressed to the pre-FEED stage.'
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Rawdah SEZ: A defining moment for Oman's economic future
The recent unveiling of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone (SEZ) signals more than just a new development zone. It represents a turning point in Oman's economic journey—an ambitious, forward-looking initiative designed to reshape how we do business, attract capital, and integrate with regional and global markets. Located right on the border with the United Arab Emirates, in Al Buraimi Governorate, Al Rawdah SEZ is not just well placed—it is perfectly positioned. It links Oman directly with the UAE's vast logistical and financial infrastructure while remaining rooted in Oman's vision of inclusive and sustainable growth. This is an opportunity that deserves serious attention from the private sector, investors, SMEs, and government entities alike. This zone is unlike anything we've built before. It offers seamless cross-border access via the Rawdah border post and is strategically connected to two of the Gulf's most important ports—Sohar in Oman and Jebel Ali in Dubai. The ability to shift goods quickly, cut customs delays, and operate within both Omani and Emirati markets from a single base is a game changer. For businesses focused on speed, efficiency, and cost reduction, this is precisely the kind of setup we need in today's unpredictable global trade environment. Moreover, the development is backed by world-class players. DP World, the globally respected ports operator behind Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone, is the majority partner in the zone's development. This isn't just a real estate investment—it's a serious, strategic partnership. Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones (OPAZ) has joined hands with DP World through Mahadha Development Company to bring international expertise together with national development goals. When such experienced partners are involved, it sends a strong message to the market: Al Rawdah SEZ is built to deliver. The first phase of the project includes a dry port with a handling capacity of 1.24 million containers annually. That's not just infrastructure—it's economic muscle. It gives businesses flexibility in managing imports, re-exports, and regional supply chains. Combined with dedicated roads, services, and utilities, it allows manufacturers and logistics firms to operate with confidence and speed. But what truly excites me as an economist is the policy framework behind this zone. Oman's new unified law on Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Royal Decree 38/2025) simplifies how businesses engage with SEZs. We now have a consistent, transparent, and investor-friendly legal foundation. The law allows for full foreign ownership, 10-year tax holidays (with possible extensions), customs exemptions, and easy profit repatriation. Perhaps most importantly, it introduces a one-stop-shop for licensing—cutting red tape and improving the investor experience significantly. This is precisely the kind of bold regulatory reform the business community has been calling for. It's also perfectly in line with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes economic diversification, job creation, private sector growth, and knowledge transfer. Investors are not just being asked to set up shop; they're being welcomed into a system that respects their capital and time. The target sectors also show a smart and balanced strategy. Manufacturing, logistics, food processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and safety services are all part of the initial rollout. These industries not only generate jobs and exports, they also bring technical know-how, help grow SMEs around them, and create demand for local services—from transportation to maintenance to hospitality. SMEs, in particular, have a lot to gain from this development. Al Rawdah is not just for large multinational firms. The ecosystem being built offers opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to plug into regional value chains. If we plan wisely, SMEs can provide support services, sub-contracting, packaging, distribution, and even tech-based solutions to the major tenants of the SEZ. What makes this zone even more relevant is its timing. Our trade with the UAE reached a record $15.2 billion in 2024. Al Rawdah SEZ is perfectly positioned to drive that number higher. By reducing friction and encouraging co-location of Emirati and Omani businesses, we are laying the groundwork for more value-added exports and regional production. This is not just about Oman serving the UAE; it's about both countries co-building competitive industries. Of course, no project of this scale is without challenges. Regional competition is fierce. Human capital development remains critical. We must ensure that our education, training, and business development programs are aligned with the needs of the zone. However, these are not reasons for hesitation—they are reasons for action. I call on Omani entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors to view Al Rawdah SEZ as more than a project—it is a platform. A platform to reach new markets, to collaborate with regional players, to test innovations, and to scale with confidence. It is a place where the private sector can lead, supported by a responsive government and strong international partners. For government stakeholders, Al Rawdah offers a chance to redefine governance around economic development. Fast-tracking approvals, integrating logistics systems, and enabling digital trade should be priorities. Let this be the model for how Oman does business going forward—efficient, connected, and globally competitive. In summary, Al Rawdah SEZ is not just another development zone. It is a symbol of what is possible when vision meets execution, and when partnership replaces isolation. Let us seize this opportunity—together. Dr Yousuf Hamed al Balushi Dr Yousuf bin Hamed al Balushi Dr Yousuf bin Hamed al Balushi
Times of Oman
18-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Social development ministry launches ‘Ayadi' volunteer work platform
Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development yesterday launched the 'Ayadi' or Hands platform for volunteer work, aimed at promoting a culture of volunteering and managing it with high professionalism and efficiency by providing a supportive digital environment. The platform will establish a unified database and statistics on volunteer work and volunteers in the Sultanate of Oman. The event was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. 'Ayadi' is the first digital platform dedicated to enhancing and organizing the values of volunteer work in Oman. It aligns with the 'Oman 2040' vision under the priority of well-being and social protection, which focuses on creating an enabling environment for social responsibility programs and voluntary contributions. The platform will provide diverse volunteer opportunities that promote positive participation, a sense of belonging, and community solidarity, thereby supporting national goals of building an empowered society that actively contributes to shaping development pathways. The launch ceremony witnessed the introduction of the first three initiatives on the platform. Sohar Port and Freezone announced the launch of the 'Our Sea, Our Responsibility' initiative, which aims to enhance community responsibility and environmental awareness to preserve coastal ecosystems and support marine resource sustainability. The initiative targets around 200 volunteers. The Oman Design Association introduced the 'Oman Design Week' initiative to engage Omani youth in organizing an annual event celebrating design and promoting Oman's cultural identity, with the participation of about 10 volunteers. Meanwhile, Salalah Volunteer Team's initiative, 'Hands of Good,' focuses on environmental and community efforts in the rugged mountainous areas of Dhofar. It aims to open mountain roads and trails, clean water channels, and natural springs, improving the lives of local residents and their living environment.
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
$1bln Li-ion battery materials project proposed in Oman
Muscat - Chinese global battery materials manufacturer Hunan Zhongke Electric Co Ltd, a publicly traded company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, has announced that it plans to set up a first-ever lithium-ion battery anode production facility in the Sultanate of Oman with an investment estimated at $1.1 billion (equivalent to around 8 billion yuan). The proposed investment will be made through its Hong Kong-based wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhongke Shinzoom (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of its holding subsidiary Hunan Zhongke Shinzoom Graphite Co, Ltd. The project centres on the development of an integrated base for the production of 200,000 metric tonnes of lithium-ion battery anode materials annually. The facility, tipped to be built at Sohar Port and Free Zone, will be constructed in two phases, each with a planned capacity of 100,000 mt per year, and the construction period for each phase is expected to be 36 months. Zhongke specialises in developing, manufacturing, and distributing graphite negative electrode materials for lithium batteries used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage. The company also produces electromagnetic equipment and other products. Its products are supplied to leading manufacturers of auto batteries in China and globally. Zhongke aims to capitalise on the restructuring of the global lithium battery supply chain by leveraging its Oman project to expand into international markets, tap into emerging opportunities, and position itself as a leading global brand in lithium-ion battery anode materials. Together with investments flowing into polysilicon, solar PV and module, and even wind turbine projects in Suhar and Al Duqm, the latest investment in lithium battery materials will enhance Oman's positioning as a regional hub for goods destined for the burgeoning global clean energy industry. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sohar Emergency Response Organisation inaugurated
Muscat: Under the patronage of Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, Sohar Port and Freezone hosted the inauguration ceremony of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation, a milestone that redefines industrial safety and resilience in Oman. The Sohar Emergency Response Organisation is a fully integrated initiative, jointly established by Sohar Port and Freezone in close partnership with its tenant community. Designed to serve all stakeholders, from employees and contractors to port users and visitors ,this model represents a unified, community-wide approach to emergency preparedness. Its collective nature is what sets it apart as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region. Ensuring the safety of people and the protection of valuable assets are fundamental principles at Sohar. The Emergency Response Organisation enhances risk mitigation, safeguards facilities, and ensures business continuity, directly supporting Sohar's mission to be a reliable, safe, and sustainable industrial hub. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology, emphasized the broader significance of this achievement: 'The Sohar Emergency Response Organisation represents a critical step in aligning with Oman's vision for resilience and sustainability. By enhancing safety standards and ensuring operational continuity, it supports not only Sohar's growth but also Oman's strategic objectives in the logistics sector.' 'This is not just a facility, it is a strategic outcome of collaboration,' said Abdullah Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of SoharPort and Freezone. 'Together with our tenants, we have built a shared resource that protects the entire Sohar ecosystem. This unified model reflects our collective responsibility toward safety, operational excellence, and long-term resilience.' Operating 24/7 and equipped with advanced technologies, the center provides rapid response to a wide range of emergency scenarios, from medical incidents and industrial fires to hazardous materials and technical rescues. Developed in collaboration with international experts such as the Safety Authority Rotterdam, and operated by Unity Fire and Safety Services LLC, the facility aligns with the best global practices adapted to the local context. The inauguration of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation sets a new regional benchmark in industrial safety, not only for its operational capability, but for its ability to unite diverse stakeholders under one mission: protecting the entire Sohar community through collective action.
