A'dhahirah: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) today signed the agreements for the third and fourth packages of the Special Economic Zone at A'Dhahirah Governorate. The agreements cover the construction of a dry port, a veterinary quarantine, and an administrative and commercial buildings complex, at a total cost exceeding RO 73 million.
According to Oman News Agency, the agreements were signed on behalf of the Authority by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, while the chairmen of the boards of directors and chief executive officers signed on behalf of the Omani and Saudi executing companies participating in the project. The cost of the third package amounts to RO 48.058 million. It includes the construction of the infrastructure for the dry port, the veterinary quarantine, and their associated facilities, and will be executed by a coalition comprising Edex International Contracting Company, Edex-KSA, Edex Egypt, and Assarain International Contracting Company. Meanwhile, the cost of the fourth package stands at RO 25.9 million and includes the construction of the administrative and commercial buildings complex and its accompanying facilities. A coalition comprising Oman Shapoorji and the Saudi company Shapoorji Pallonji will undertake its execution.
The third package agreement provides for the implementation of the first phase of the dry port over an area of one square kilometer out of a total area of four square kilometers. It also includes the construction of the veterinary quarantine, internal roads, a container yard, a customs gate, inspection platforms, customs clearance facilities, electrical substations, maintenance workshops, laboratories, water tanks, and firefighting systems. This is in addition to supplying the project with X-ray devices and scanners, and building administration facilities, offices, rest areas, employee housing, a mosque, a security fence, and surveillance cameras.
The fourth package encompasses the construction of the administrative and commercial buildings complex in the zone, which features the zone's public square, a business center, an administration building, a commercial center, a hotel, and a health center, along with internal roads and associated facilities. The total built-up area in the current phase reaches 37.3 thousand square meters. The design of the project took into account the application of smart city principles and the requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reflecting the approach toward adopting sustainability and environmental efficiency standards in executing the zone's projects.
Qais Mohammed Al Yousef confirmed that the Special Economic Zone in A'Dhahirah Governorate represents one of the strategic projects aimed at enhancing the economic partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He pointed out that its location near the Empty Quarter border crossing provides it with a high competitive advantage, making it a vital commercial gateway and a main meeting point for the flow of goods and services between the two countries.
He explained that the zone was established to encourage intra-regional trade and joint projects between the private sectors of both countries, alongside facilitating supply chain movement and reducing logistics costs for investors. He emphasized that it opens broad horizons for Omani and Saudi exports to reach regional and international markets with greater efficiency.
He noted that investors in the zone will receive a package of incentives, benefits, and facilities stipulated in the Law on Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, in accordance with Royal Decree No. (87/2025) regarding the establishment of the Special Economic Zone in A'Dhahirah Governorate.
For his part, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Busaidi, Wali of Ibri, stated that the signing of the third and fourth package agreements marks an important strategic step toward boosting comprehensive economic development in A'Dhahirah Governorate and consolidating its position as a promising economic hub and a border gateway of strategic importance.
Al Yousef explained that the zone's unique location near the Empty Quarter crossing qualifies it to become a vital economic axis connecting the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a primary platform for investment flows, boosting trade and goods movement, and supporting sustainable industrial and logistical partnerships. He pointed out that these new projects will contribute to creating sustainable job opportunities and attracting qualitative and diverse investments, which will reflect positively on the economic and social development of A'Dhahirah Governorate. He invited local, Gulf, and international investors to capitalize on the promising investment opportunities offered by the zone.