Muscat: Senior officials from the Sultanate of Oman and DP World reviewed the progress of the Al Rawda Special Economic Zone development and coordinated next steps towards the implementation of Phase 1, highlighting the project’s growing role in strengthening cross-border economic integration and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), met with DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and senior officials from both sides at the Authority’s headquarters in Muscat. The meeting focused on the latest milestones achieved and the next steps in the implementation of strategic projects.
The discussion covered the implementation roadmap for the first phase of development and operations, which will cover approximately 14 square kilometers allocated to the developer.
In line with the approved master plan, the zone has been designed with flexibility to expand to 24 square kilometers in a second phase, reflecting anticipated investor demand and long-term growth objectives. The development agreement for the project was signed on May 26, 2025.
Al Rawda Special Economic Zone, located in Al Rawda District of Mahda Wilayat in Al Buraimi Governorate, occupies a strategic position along a major regional trade corridor. The zone benefits from direct access to the Sultanate’s main road network and proximity to major regional logistics hubs such as Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port in the Emirate of Dubai. It is approximately 85 km from Al Buraimi and 125 km from Sohar, reinforcing its role as a gateway for trade and industrial cooperation between Oman and the UAE.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “Al Rawda Special Economic Zone represents a strategic platform that will enable seamless trade, industrial growth and regional connectivity between Oman and the UAE. DP World, in close collaboration with OPAZ, We are committed to driving the development of the zone and leveraging our global expertise in logistics and economic development to create a competitive, future-ready ecosystem that delivers long-term value for both investors and local communities.”
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to ensure the timely delivery of the project in line with agreed standards, maintaining momentum throughout subsequent development stages.
The project is expected to attract high-value investments across logistics, light industry and industrial services, while supporting job creation, knowledge transfer and diversification objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
