Page 184 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

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.”

Speech by deputy chairman of OPAZ
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.”

Project details and expansion plans

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.

Responsibilities of Mahadha Development Company

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.

Strategic importance of Al Rawdah Project

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.

Growth in UAE-Oman trade
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

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