Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone Advances Phase 1 Development With DP World In Oman

Senior representatives from the Sultanate of Oman and DP World are advancing work on the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone, confirming detailed plans for Phase 1 and coordinating upcoming steps. Their focus is on turning the site into a key industrial and logistics hub that supports cross-border trade, sustainable growth, and wider regional economic integration.

The zone is located in Al Rawdah District of Mahdah Wilayat in Al Buraimi Governorate, near important regional trade routes. It sits about 85 kilometres from Al Buraimi and 125 kilometres from Sohar, with direct access to Oman’s main highway network and nearby gateways such as Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.

Under the approved master plan, the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone is being developed in stages to match expected investor interest. Phase 1 covers around 14 square kilometres allocated to the developer for initial facilities and operations. The design allows the total area to increase to 24 square kilometres during Phase 2, aligned with long-term expansion goals.

The development agreement for the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone was signed on 26 May 2025, setting the official framework for implementation. The project is intended to serve as a trade and industry gateway between Oman and the UAE, supported by its location along regional corridors and its links to major logistics centres on both sides of the border.

Key aspects of the implementation roadmap were reviewed during a meeting at the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones headquarters in Muscat. Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, met Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, alongside senior officials from both parties to assess progress and align on near-term priorities.

Discussions examined the timelines and standards for Phase 1 development and operations in the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone, including infrastructure, regulatory readiness, and investor services. Officials also assessed how subsequent phases could be sequenced to maintain steady momentum while adjusting to market demand and evolving industrial requirements across the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

The following table summarises the main development and location details of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone:

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said, "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone represents a strategic platform for enabling seamless trade, industrial growth, and regional connectivity between Oman and the UAE. DP World is committed to advancing the development of the zone in close partnership with OPAZ, leveraging our global expertise in logistics and economic zone development to create a competitive, future-ready ecosystem that delivers long-term value for investors and local communities alike."

Both sides reiterated that close coordination will continue throughout every stage of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone project. The development is expected to draw investment into logistics, light manufacturing, and industrial services, while helping generate jobs, support knowledge transfer, and contribute to the diversification priorities set out under Oman Vision 2040.

With inputs from WAM