Sohar: SOHAR Port and Freezone, a destination connecting businesses to the world, has continued to advance on its strategic path during the first half of 2025, underpinning its critical role in Oman’s economic diversification journey under Oman Vision 2040. Demonstrating continued outstanding Freezone performance and record award of contracts to local companies, SOHAR is cementing its position as a vibrant investment ecosystem transforming trade in Oman through sustainable practices.
According to Oman News Agency, during this period, SOHAR Port handled 34 million metric tons of cargo. The evolving political situation in the region has influenced cargo volume and throughput, leading to some adjustments compared to previous periods. With significant investments continuing to modernize port facilities and deploying advanced digital solutions, Sohar is boosting operational capacity, accelerating cargo turnaround, and elevating SOHAR’s competitiveness on the global stage. Sohar is securing its continued growth and success for the future.
Dredging works were completed at the MARSA LNG jetty, which will strengthen Sohar’s bunkering and Oman’s strategic energy export capabilities.
Commenting on the results, Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port, stated that the performance reflects SOHAR’s strategic clarity and long-term commitment to growth. By enhancing infrastructure, integrating digital innovation, developing sustainable solutions, and cultivating local ecosystems, SOHAR is advancing as a future-ready trade hub, vital for Oman and the entire region. With record investments last year and strong progress this year, they are securing a prosperous and successful future, aiming to optimize efficiency, bolster the Omani industry, generate sustainable value for stakeholders, and attract quality investments.
SOHAR Freezone secured six new agreements covering more than 92 hectares of land and attracting over USD 1.3 billion in investments in the first half of this year. These projects span green manufacturing, energy, and logistics sectors, highlighting SOHAR’s role in creating synergies within an integrated framework. This reinforces SOHAR’s status as a dynamic hub for sustainable and innovative industrial development, enhancing Oman’s regional trade linkage.
Complementing these developments, SOHAR has launched one of its largest infrastructure expansions to date, developing phase 2 of the Freezone, covering an additional 670 hectares of land. This expansion will boost cargo capacity, unlock new industrial opportunities, and reinforce SOHAR’s pivotal role as a regional trade and investment hub. Mohammed Al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, noted that the sustained expansion reflects the robustness of their investment proposition and the confidence global and regional investors place in SOHAR. With 670 hectares under phased development, they provide a compelling ecosystem where advanced industries can thrive, supported by world-class infrastructure, streamlined processes, and a supportive regulatory framework. Their strategic focus aligns with Oman’s industrial diversification and global sustainability trends, including green energy and circular economy principles, consolidating SOHAR’s leadership as a destination for future-oriented manufacturing and logistic
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SOHAR’s dedication to local economic impact is evident with a strong rise in local content indicators. The portion of Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) awarded to Omani companies climbed to 62%, while the value of total LPOs directed to local suppliers surged to 96%, up from 91% in H1 of 2024. This notable advancement underscores SOHAR’s determination to foster local enterprises, empower SMEs, and deepen workforce integration to create lasting socio-economic benefits.
Alongside its economic and industrial progress, SOHAR reinforced its commitment to building resilient communities in the first half through impactful CSR projects. Focused on education, healthcare, and social development, the initiatives benefited more than 3,471 people, reflecting SOHAR’s dedication to social responsibility in line with Oman Vision 2040.
SOHAR’s performance in the first half of 2025 reaffirms its seminal role as a catalyst for Oman’s trade, industrial growth, and sustainable development agenda. With steadfast alignment to Oman Vision 2040, SOHAR Port and Freezone continues to build a resilient ecosystem that delivers enduring value to investors and the national economy.