Salalah Free Zone investment exceeds OMR 4.6 billion
Cumulative investment in the Salalah Free Zone exceeded 4.6 billion Omani Riyals by the end of June 2024.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Ali bin Mohammed Tabouk said the Zone is witnessing a high influx of investor projects due to the multiple incentives and benefits it offers.
In a statement to the Oman News Agency, the CEO said investments in the first half of this year reached more than 68 million Omani Riyals.
He said there are 143 companies operating 64 projects in the Zone. Industrial projects account for 57 percent of the total while logistics projects make up 15 percent and commercial projects represent 28 percent.
The Salalah Free Zone, part of Asyad Group, is a vital hub with diverse activities significantly contributing to both the local and national economy by attracting key sectors.
Its strategic geographic location makes it an ideal destination for investors by reducing distance, time and costs for reaching markets in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and East Africa.
Dr Tabouk said 13 new projects were attracted in the first six months of this year. They focus on producing raw materials from frankincense derivatives, packaging products, manufacturing air conditioning systems, producing textiles and importing, exporting and repackaging potash fertilisers among other products.
He said existing projects in the Salalah Free Zone span sectors including petrochemicals, mineral processing, such as limestone and gypsum, and growing food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
There are also projects in logistics and storage along with import and export activities thanks to its location near Salalah Port, one of the most important in the region.
There are also several manufacturing and assembly operations ranging from automotive parts to consumer goods.
Dr Tabouk highlighted the services and facilities offered to investors and companies operating in the zone to support their businesses.
These include land leasing, warehouses, offices and one-stop-shop services that simplify the issuance of permits, visas, investor registration, licensing and commercial registration through the “Invest Easy” system as well as the issuance of an Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry card among other services that enhance the business environment in the Zone.
The Salalah Free Zone, along with other free and economic zones under the Asyad Group, plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment by providing an ideal environment for expansion and access to international markets.
This is supported by the integrated logistics solutions offered by the group covering all aspects of the supply chain including storage services and shipping lines that ensure smooth and secure movement of goods from Omani ports to global ports.
It also boosts logistics activities related to ports and last-mile delivery services efficiently meeting customer needs.