Page 182 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 4:01 PM Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses signing of agreement to develop, operate Phase One of Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in …
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 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 H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. 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 .HH. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai
Culture and Arts Authority.

Also present at the signing were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi,
Minister of Culture; His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama,
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Application; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of
State; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of
Dubai; Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai’s State Security Department; and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director
General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

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