Consultant sought to master-plan development of Al Rawdha SEZ in north Oman

Consultant sought to master-plan development of Al Rawdha SEZ in north Oman

A number of local and international urban engineering consultancy firms are bidding for a contract to master-plan the development of a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be established at Al Rawdha in the Wilayat of Mahdha in Al Buraimi Governorate.

The SEZ initiative – the latest in a growing number of industrial and economic zones that serve as engines of the Sultanate of Oman’s long-term development – stems from Royal Directives issued earlier this year by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. As with all SEZs and free zones in the country, development of the new Al Rawdha SEZ will be overseen by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).

Covering an area of around 55 sq kilometres, Al Rawdha SEZ will seek to leverage, among other factors, its strategic geographical location in the north of the Sultanate of Oman, its proximity to economic powerhouses in the Gulf, and the modern road network connecting Al Mahdha with the rest of the country and other major markets in the region. Given these factors, the new SEZ is seen as well-placed to attract investments in commercial, residential, tourist and logistics related sectors, among other areas, it is pointed out.

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