Page 170 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 3:55 PM Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses signing of agreement to develop, operate Phase One of Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in …

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.

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 Dh56 billion - a 9.8% increase from the previous

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