A new UAE-Oman trade zone: DP World and Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones have signed an agreement to develop and operate the first phase of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Mahadha in Oman, state news agency Wam reports. This came during a UAE delegation’s visit to the country in a bid to boost cooperation.

The first phase of the project is expected to see about USD 2 bn in investments, Oman News Agency reports DP World’s CEO and Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

Who is doing what? Emirati-Omani joint venture Mahadha Development Company will carry out development of the 14 sq km first phase of the project — expandable to 25 sq km in a second phase. DP World is a majority partner in Mahadha, which will lead on developing the infrastructure, designing the initial layout, and preparing the masterplan and environmental studies.

Location matters: The zone’s location in the Buraimi governorate puts it between Oman’s Sohar port and the UAE’s Jebel Ali port, facilitating logistical access between the Gulf, Africa and Asia to boost cross-border trade and regional connectivity. The zone is also targeting increasing re-export activity between the two countries and international markets.

The zone’s targets: The zone’s first phase will focus on manufacturing, logistics, pharma and medical supplies, mining, food processing, plastics, and security devices, all set to be offered through a one-stop service model.

DP World has been busy recently, having also inked a USD 800 mn agreement to develop Syria’s Tartous Port and a USD 760 mn MoU to expand the Port of Caucedo in the Dominican Republic.

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