Page 154 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 3:54 PM Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses signing of agreement
kilometres in Phase 2. The zone will benefit from direct connectivity to both Jebel Ali Port in
Dubai and Omani ports, enhancing cross-border logistics.

Driving Economic Growth
Under the agreement, Mahadha Development Company will be responsible for developing the
infrastructure and facilities, preparing the masterplan and environmental studies, and designing
the initial layout. The first phase will target a range of economic activities, including
manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, plastics, mining,
food processing, and security and safety services - all provided through an integrated one-stop-
shop service model.

The Al Rawdah project is a strategic initiative that will leverage its geographic location to
strengthen supply chains, re-export activity, and logistics connectivity between Oman, the UAE,
and international markets. The zone will serve as a key engine of economic diversification
aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Oman Vision 2040. It aims to attract foreign
direct investment (FDI), increase industrial output, and create thousands of jobs as the zone
scales over the coming decades.

In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Oman reached a record AED56 billion - a 9.8%
increase from the previous year - highlighting the deepening economic partnership. The Al
Rawdah Zone is expected to accelerate this trend by establishing a modern and advanced
ecosystem for trade and manufacturing.

DP World brings four decades of expertise in developing and operating economic zones,
including the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the first free zone in the Middle East and one of the
most successful globally. This experience along with its portfolio of 11 economic zones
worldwide positions DP World to deliver a future-ready, integrated platform in Oman, supported
by OPAZ’s national development strategy.

The signing was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,
President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and
Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Also present at the signing were His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister
of Cabinet Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; His
Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; His Excellency
Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and
Remote Work Application; Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State;
His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; His Excellency
Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Excellency
Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai’s State Security Department; and
His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and
Tourism.

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