Two industrial projects are set to take shape in Ibri Industrial City in Oman’s Al Dhahirah governorate, following an announcement by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, known as Madayn, signalling fresh investment momentum in the sultanate’s manufacturing sector and reinforcing efforts to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons.Madayn confirmed that the two projects will occupy a combined area of about 60,000 square metres within the industrial zone and represent a total investment estimated at roughly OMR 7 million. The facilities are expected to focus on manufacturing and industrial services, contributing to job creation and supply-chain expansion in western Oman, while strengthening the role of Ibri Industrial City as a regional industrial hub.
Officials overseeing the development said the new investments reflect continued interest from private investors in Oman's industrial zones and align with broader economic strategies aimed at boosting domestic production and attracting foreign capital. The projects are also expected to support small and medium-sized enterprises by creating opportunities for suppliers, logistics providers and service contractors operating in the region.
Ibri Industrial City lies close to Oman’s border with the United Arab Emirates and benefits from access to key transport corridors linking the sultanate to neighbouring Gulf markets. Authorities view the location as strategically important for industries seeking to serve both domestic demand and cross-border trade routes. Proximity to major highways and logistics networks has allowed the industrial estate to attract manufacturing, construction materials and food-processing companies over the past decade.
The industrial estate, managed by Madayn, forms part of a network of economic zones established across Oman to promote industrialisation and regional development. These zones offer infrastructure, land allocation and incentives designed to encourage investment in sectors ranging from metals and chemicals to consumer goods and logistics. Officials say such projects play a central role in implementing Oman Vision 2040, a national economic strategy that prioritises manufacturing, private-sector growth and employment generation.
Madayn’s management indicated that the two projects in Ibri Industrial City will include modern production facilities designed to meet environmental and efficiency standards. Investors are expected to adopt technologies that reduce energy consumption and improve productivity, reflecting a broader shift across the Gulf region toward more sustainable industrial practices.
Industrial estates across Oman have expanded steadily as authorities seek to reduce reliance on oil revenues and strengthen the country’s manufacturing base. Over the past several years, new factories have been established in sectors such as plastics, food processing, building materials and metal fabrication. Government agencies have highlighted the role of these industries in supporting economic resilience, particularly as global energy markets experience periodic volatility.
Ibri Industrial City has emerged as one of the growing nodes within Madayn’s network. Located roughly 280 kilometres from Muscat, the estate spans several million square metres and hosts a range of industrial and commercial projects. Companies operating there benefit from integrated infrastructure including internal road networks, utilities, storage areas and logistics services designed to streamline industrial operations.
Authorities say the estate’s development is intended not only to attract large manufacturers but also to encourage entrepreneurship and local enterprise. Industrial clusters can foster cooperation among companies operating in related sectors, allowing them to share suppliers, workforce skills and technical expertise. Economists often describe such ecosystems as crucial to building sustainable manufacturing capacity in emerging industrial economies.
Government officials have emphasised that the projects also support employment goals by creating new opportunities for Omani nationals across engineering, technical and administrative roles. Industrial investment has been viewed as a critical component of labour-market policy, as authorities seek to expand private-sector employment while reducing dependence on public-sector hiring.
Regional analysts note that industrial estates in the Gulf are increasingly competing to attract investment through improved infrastructure, regulatory efficiency and proximity to trade routes. Oman’s strategy has focused on leveraging its geographic position along key maritime corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Industrial zones linked to ports and transport networks are expected to play a major role in capturing manufacturing and logistics activities tied to global supply chains.
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Oman