Muscat – As part of the Secretariat General of National Celebrations (SGNC) programme to inaugurate key national projects, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) on Sunday celebrated the inauguration of the Phase 1 of Ibri Industrial City under the auspices of Najeeb bin Ali al Rawas, Governor of Al Dhahirah.

Highlighting the significance of developing an industrial hub in Al Dhahirah Governorate, Rawas said that the inauguration of Ibri Industrial City marks a strategic continuation of the sultanate’s goal to ensure balanced economic growth across its diverse governorates.

“Aligned with the core objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040, this project aims to present a dynamic and competitive investment landscape that appeals to both local and foreign investors. The introduction of an industrial city in Al Dhahirah Governorate is poised to catalyse a significant qualitative leap in manufacturing industries and commercial activities. The city will play a role in generating job opportunities, encouraging exports and establishing export industries,” Rawas said in a press statement.

He added, “Al Dhahirah’s strategic location, bordering Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will further support international trade operations. Coupled with its proximity to important hubs like Sohar Port, Khazaen Economic City and Nizwa Industrial City, as well as oil and gas concession areas and raw materials such as metals, marble and copper, the governorate holds immense potential for sustainable economic growth.”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Ibri Industrial City infrastructure project (Phase 1), Salah al Alawi, Director General of Ibri Industrial City, said, “The industrial city spans an extensive area of 10mn sqm, with Phase 1 successfully completed at a cost of RO9mn, covering 3mn sqm. The presence of a fully-equipped industrial city will serve as a pivotal factor in driving development and fostering an ideal environment for the private sector to engage in a diverse range of industrial, commercial and service activities.”

Alawi highlighted Madayn’s commitment to promote investment in Ibri Industrial City through the introduction of a comprehensive incentive package. This package grants investors exemption from rental value for a period of two years for all new projects, followed by a reduction in the rental value for a period of three years by 50% for contracts concluded during the period from 2021 to 2024. Additionally, all fees listed in the Investment Regulations were reduced by 50% for all projects.

“These incentives resulted in a notable increase in investor interest, with 10 projects now underway in Ibri Industrial City, boasting an initial investment totaling RO6.5mn. Several of these projects have already commenced construction and development activities,” Alawi informed.

Infrastructure projects

Ahmed al Farsi, Director of Projects at Madayn’s Directorate General of Facilities and Infrastructure, said that the Phase 1 of Ibri Industrial City includes the construction of roads, truck parking zone, water network and water tank, firefighting network, sewage networks and collection tank, dyke for protection against rainwater, and security system with surveillance cameras.

He elaborated on the completed phase featuring the construction of 17.8km of road network, 2,335sqm area of truck parking lots, installation of 297 solar-powered road lighting poles. Moreover, a 24.7km water network with five water pumps and a 1,680 cubic meter water tank were implemented.

The firefighting system include three fire pumps, 192 fire hydrants, with 24.7km of firefighting networks. Additionally, sewage drainage networks covering 20.9km and a 1,064 cubic meter capacity collection tank were executed. A 664-meter dyke for protection against rainwater, a 4.8km security fence, and 172 surveillance cameras were also implemented.

Investment agreements

As many as four investment agreements were signed for Ibri Industrial City during the inauguration ceremony of the Phase 1 of the city on Sunday.

The first agreement was signed with Seeh Al Sarya Company to establish a factory specialised in the oil and gas industry, spanning 60,000sqm, with an investment totalling RO6mn.

The second contract was inked with Fifth Wave of Food Industries Company to set up a food industry factory (roasted coffee) covering an area of 5,000sqm, with an investment of RO500,000.

The third contract, with Raad Ibri Company, aims at establishing a manufacturing factory (for coal and its derivatives) across 5,000sqm, with an investment of RO250,000.

Lastly, the fourth contract was signed with Al Mizah United Company which specialises in light industries (cardboard). The company plans to develop a project on an area of 8,000sqm with an investment surpassing RO250,000.