Page 156 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 3:54 PM Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses signing of agreement to develop, operate Phase One of Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in …
The signing of the agreement, which took place in Muscat, was attended by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin

bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman. The agreement is part of the

flourishing economic cooperation between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority

for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman

and CEO of DP World, representing Mahadha Development Company, which will develop the new zone.
Mahadha Development Company is an Emirati-Omani joint venture in which DP World is the majority

partner.

Commenting on the occasion, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone

represents a new chapter in the growing economic relationship between the UAE and the Sultanate of

Oman. Through close collaboration with OPAZ and our Omani partners, this new zone will strengthen our
deep trade ties while reflecting our shared ambition for sustainable and diversified economic growth.”

He added: “At DP World, we are committed to developing a world-class platform that will create new

opportunities for growth, strengthen connectivity and bring long-term economic value to both Oman and the
UAE.”

In his speech, Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb highlighted: "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone has

been designed to support key development goals, including creating jobs, attracting advanced knowledge

and modern technologies, and fostering a business-friendly environment that aligns with the sustainable
development objectives of Oman Vision 2040.”

He added: “The zone’s strategic location in the Buraimi Governorate - at the crossroads between Oman

and the UAE - provides seamless connectivity to both Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port. This positioning is

expected to enhance logistics efficiency, lower costs, and improve market access across Gulf, Asian, and
African trade routes.”

Phase 1 of the project will cover 14 square kilometres, with expansion plans to reach 25 square 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.

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.

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