Oman Opens Al Mazunah Economic Forum to Boost Trade

Oman Opens Al Mazunah Economic Forum to Boost Trade and Investment

Oman has inaugurated the second Al Mazunah Economic Exhibition and Forum at the Al Mazunah Free Zone in Dhofar Governorate on November 2, 2026. Organised by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), the three-day event aims to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Oman and Yemen while attracting businesses and investors from regional markets.

Oman Focuses on Regional Trade and Investment

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. He said the forum builds on Oman's efforts to strengthen free zones as important drivers of economic diversification, investment attraction and regional trade.

Al Mazunah Free Zone holds strategic importance because of its location along the border with Yemen. Its geographical position offers opportunities for commercial, industrial and logistics activities while supporting the movement of goods between regional markets.

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Two Major Investment Opportunities Announced

The forum announced two significant investment opportunities. The first involves developing an integrated vehicle and machinery trade and services complex across a proposed area of 100,000 square metres.

The project is expected to include vehicle and machinery reception, assembly, storage, display, marketing, inspection, maintenance and preparation for sale, export and re-export.

The second opportunity involves establishing an integrated centre for processing and distributing vegetables, fruits, meat and fish. The proposed facility will support the receiving, sorting, grading, packaging, cooling and temporary storage of fresh products before distribution to Omani markets or re-export to other destinations.

Al Mazunah Free Zone Records OMR 141 Million Investment

According to figures presented at the forum, total investments in Al Mazunah Free Zone reached approximately OMR 141 million by the end of the first half of 2026. The zone also recorded 135 active contracts across industrial, commercial and service sectors.

The presentation reported that exported goods were valued at approximately OMR 170.6 million, representing around 393,800 tonnes. Imported goods reached approximately OMR 340.4 million, with a volume of around 386,100 tonnes. In addition, 10,278 vehicles entered the zone, with a combined value of approximately OMR 86.7 million.

Infrastructure and Investor Facilities Strengthened

Madayn CEO Engineer Dawood bin Salem Al-Hadabi highlighted improvements in infrastructure, including land availability, road networks, water supply, sewage systems and fire protection facilities. The zone has also developed its services building, security systems and digital investment procedures.

The free zone offers incentives such as full foreign ownership, competitive rental arrangements, administrative support and a one-stop service facility. These measures are designed to make it easier for companies to establish, operate and expand their businesses.

New Regulations and Customs Facilities Support Businesses

Officials also highlighted Executive Regulation No. 81/2026, issued under the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law established by Royal Decree No. 38/2025. The regulations aim to simplify investment and licensing procedures, improve electronic connections between government authorities and organise investment incentives and exemptions.

Customs authorities are also working towards activating the sovereign gateway at Al Mazunah. The planned green lane is expected to improve the movement of goods from Omani ports to the free zone, reduce customs clearance time and lower transportation costs.

Oman Identifies Further Investment Opportunities

The forum presentation also highlighted 10 additional investment opportunities, each covering between 2,000 and 5,000 square metres. These include food refrigeration and freezing, food processing, metal industries, aluminium manufacturing, engine oils, packaged food and building materials.

The priorities for 2026 include operating the free market and water desalination plant, activating the sovereign customs gateway, developing veterinary quarantine facilities and improving transport connections. The forum aims to strengthen Al Mazunah's position as an investment and logistics gateway connecting Oman with Yemen and wider regional markets.