Wednesday 30 / April / 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday celebrated Logistics Day 2025 under the theme “Logistics Technologies and Investment” at Al Bustan Palace Hotel, under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat.
Eng. Abdullah Ali Al Busaidi, Acting Head of the Oman Logistics Center at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, stated that celebrating Logistics Day reaffirms the sector’s importance and its pivotal role in boosting the national economy. The logistics sector is vast and diverse, forming an integrated system that includes road networks, ports, land border crossings, airports, logistics zones, and transport and storage activities—serving as the backbone of various economic and service activities, he added.
He pointed out that the ministry seeks for the logistics sector to become the second-largest contributor to GDP, as it is a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040 for economic diversification. The sector contributed approximately OMR2.25 billion (5.9%) to GDP in 2024, with investments reaching OMR2.3 billion. By 2040, the sector’s projected contribution is expected to rise to OMR36 billion.
The event saw the signing of a framework agreement for the National Port Community System, a key enabler of the Logistics Strategy 2040, enhancing Oman’s competitiveness, trade efficiency, and digital supply chain integration.
Several new logistics initiatives were announced, most importantly the First/Last-Mile Connectivity, linking micro-mobility solutions (e-bikes, shared vehicles) with public transport for higher education institutions in Muscat and Salalah, reducing private car reliance and carbon emissions. Oman Airports also announced the extension of long-term parking.
The ceremony witnessed the signing of 18 agreements with a total investment exceeding OMR100 million. These included an agreement between Sohar Port and Six Construct LLC Oman Branch for the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) berth and coastal protection for the Marsa LNG project.
Another agreement was signed between Sohar Port and Boskalis International Oman Branch for dredging the navigational channel of the Marsa LNG project, involving the removal of approximately 3.8 million cubic meters of material to develop the access channel, berthing basin, and maneuvering basin.
Additionally, Sohar Port signed a project management and site supervision agreement with WSP Global – Oman Branch for the Marsa LNG project’s dredging works, covering consultancy services such as project management, administrative support, design review, site supervision, and tender management.
Oman Airports and Rakesh Pandey Gold LLC inked an agreement to develop a global gold refining facility in the second phase of Muscat Airport’s Logistics Gateway, with a daily refining capacity of 200 kg through foreign direct investment (FDI).
Oman Airports also signed a deal with Gulf Wealth International to establish an innovative drone academy and R&D center at the Business Gateway, spanning 21,591 square meters. The facility will include an indoor drone training center, a 3D printing manufacturing unit, satellite assembly for space-related activities, an R&D hub for drone technology, incubation programs, and an e-commerce warehouse for drones and spare parts.
Further agreements included:
- A deal between Oman Airports and One World Worldwide Properties to build a 40,000 sqm bonded warehouse at Muscat International Airport for diverse product storage.
- An agreement with Sinan Advanced Industries to establish an advanced technology R&D and manufacturing center at the airport’s Logistics Gateway.
- A 12-year concession agreement with Zahara Airport Services LLC to manage and operate the airport’s landside hotel.
Meanwhile, Madina Logistics signed agreements with Lonestar Alpha Labs and Global Laboratories to expand Sohar Logistics Station, accommodating more specialised labs for testing agricultural, animal, fisheries, and food products to enhance food safety.
Another agreement with Global Integrated Equipment will see investment in an energy-sector truck fleet, including a service station in Duqm, featuring advanced, fuel-efficient, and safety-compliant vehicles, with a dedicated fleet for Petroleum Development Oman.
The North Al Batinah Governor’s Office and Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) signed a deal to develop and operate an integrated bus station in Liwa, near the Sohar-Abu Dhabi railway passenger station, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s public-private partnership goals.
The Oman Logistics Association and Darby Investment launched the “Darby Platform” to streamline logistics operations, connecting truck drivers with direct transport requests and payment solutions while enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Asyad Ports and Free Zones signed a deal with Asfleet Supply to provide ship fueling services at Sultan Qaboos Port, boosting marine logistics. Meanwhile, the Oman Logistics Centre and the Development Bank agreed to finance logistics projects, supporting economic growth.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Oman Logistics Centre and the SME Development Authority to foster investment in emerging logistics ventures.
Winners of the 2025 Logistics Best Practices Awards were also announced, recognizing excellence in various categories.
