Senior representatives from the Sultanate of Oman and DP World assessed progress on the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone and agreed on the next steps for Phase 1, highlighting the project’s increasing importance in boosting cross-border economic integration and supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), held talks with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, alongside senior officials from both parties, at OPAZ headquarters in Muscat. Discussions centred on recent achievements and upcoming implementation stages for the strategic development.
The meeting also addressed the execution roadmap for the first phase of development and operations, covering around 14 square kilometres designated for the developer.
Under the approved master plan, the economic zone has been structured to allow expansion to 24 square kilometres in Phase 2, in line with projected investor interest and long-term growth ambitions. The development agreement was formally signed on 26 May 2025.
Situated in the Al Rawdah District of Mahdah Wilayat in Al Buraimi Governorate, the zone occupies a key location along major regional trade routes. It offers direct connectivity to Oman’s primary road network and is close to leading logistics hubs such as Sohar Port and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port. The site is around 85 kilometres from Al Buraimi and 125 kilometres from Sohar, strengthening its position as a trade and industrial link between Oman and the UAE.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone serves as a strategic platform to enable efficient trade flows, industrial expansion, and stronger regional connectivity between Oman and the UAE. He noted that DP World remains committed to working closely with OPAZ, drawing on its global expertise in logistics and economic zones to develop a competitive, future-focused ecosystem that creates lasting value for investors and local communities.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to close collaboration to ensure the project is delivered on schedule and in line with agreed standards, while sustaining progress across future development phases.
The development is expected to attract high-value investment in logistics, light manufacturing, and industrial services, while contributing to job creation, skills development, and the broader diversification goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
