Page 173 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 3:56 PM UAE, Oman partner to develop and operate Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone's first phase
Project to span 14 square kilometers in phase 1

Phase 1 of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone project will cover 14 square kilometers, with expansion plans
to reach 25 square kilometers 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 master plan and environmental studies, and designing the initial layout.

“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,” stated Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

First phase to target key economic activities

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.

“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,” he added.
The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone 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.

For his part, Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb noted: “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. 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.”

Read: Sheikh Hamdan, Sultan of Oman discuss strengthening cooperation in key sectors

Al Rawdah project to boost UAE-Oman trade ties

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

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