Muscat: The Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) was honoured to welcome His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today on his first visit to the Company, during which he inaugurated Bait Al Haitham, PDO's Integrated Operations Centre (IOC), marking a significant milestone in the Company's history. The inauguration reflects Oman's continued focus on digital transformation, operational integration, and the adoption of advanced technologies in the energy sector, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sultanate of Oman's ambition to embrace the fourth industrial revolution. Bait Al Haitham, a world-class centre, represents a major milestone in PDO's Journey of Transformation, centralizing the monitoring and control of the Company's oil, gas, power and terminal operations within one integrated environment. The state-of-the-art facility enables integrated decision-making, enhances operational efficiency and reliability, supports remote operations, and strengthens safety performance through real-time coordination and collab oration across PDO's operational assets.
According to Oman News Agency, the centre oversees a vast operational network, supporting the management of 227 producing oil fields, 39 producing gas fields, 29 main production stations, 15 power generation stations, 1,400 megawatts of power generation capacity, and more than 13,000 active wells connected through extensive pipeline and transmission infrastructure. The facility also supports PDO's long-term ambition to enhance operational resilience, optimize resource management, and strengthen Oman's position as a leading energy producer.
The project is being implemented with a strong emphasis on capability development, operational optimisation, and national workforce empowerment. The facility currently accommodates 279 employees and has achieved a 95% Omanisation rate.
Dr. Aflah Said Al Hadhrami, PDO Managing Director, stated, 'The historic visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to PDO marks a proud and defining moment in the Company's Journey of Transformation, 'For Oman'. His Majesty's inauguration of 'Bait Al Haitham' reflects the continued Royal support for the energy sector and reinforces the national importance of innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation in advancing Oman's sustainable development goals. As His Majesty's first visit to PDO, this occasion is a great source of pride and inspiration for all PDO employees, particularly our Omani talent, who continue to lead and shape the Company's future. It also reinforces the confidence placed in PDO as a key national energy institution supporting the Sultanate's economic growth, energy security, and long-term resilience.'
In 2025, PDO achieved its highest oil production rate since 2002. The Company's current Omanisation rate stands at 92.7%. PDO has launched the "Ruwad" programme, in collaboration with London Business School, to develop leadership skills for the Company's emerging generation of leaders.
In occupational and operational safety, PDO has completed ten years without a single lost-time injury (LTI) in its exploration operations. Over the past year, the Company recorded a 15% reduction in lost-time injuries compared to 2024, a 40% reduction in vehicle accidents, and an 85% reduction in Level 1 and Level 2 process safety incidents compared to 2020.
Regarding new technologies, PDO is piloting 30 key technology initiatives to explore new growth areas and address pressing technical challenges, such as produced water management, energy management, artificial lift, enhanced oil recovery, and production measurement. Additionally, 22 new technologies are being deployed to provide solutions in energy and water management, artificial lift, and well construction.
PDO retained approximately RO 1 billion of its total supply chain expenditure within the Sultanate of Oman. It spent RO 350 million with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and community contracting companies, directed RO 273 million toward Omani-manufactured products, and created 2,552 job opportunities for Omanis through its In-Country Value (ICV) programme.
In 2025, PDO completed around 25 social responsibility projects valued at nearly RO 3.5 million and committed to implementing 45 new projects. The Company also renewed its scholarship programme worth RO 2 million to support 150 students from the concession area. Furthermore, its educational programmes - "Masar," "Ma'rifa," and "Ta'zeez" - have attracted over 300 male and female students.
PDO has also achieved an exceptional milestone by obtaining ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Event Management, becoming the first entity in the Sultanate of Oman and the first oil and gas company in the Middle East to receive this global accreditation. This reflects PDO's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership, and reinforces its efforts to organize low-carbon events following best international practices.