Salalah – Salalah Free Zone is currently home to 47 food-related projects valued at RO775.6mn, accounting for 16% of the total investment in the zone.

These projects focus on a range of essential food products, including dairy, fisheries, canned tuna, mineral water, sweets, and fertilisers. The production of these goods strengthens Oman’s position as a key exporter of high-quality foodstuffs and underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing food security and boosting exports.

During a visit to the zone on Sunday, H E Dr Saud Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, highlighted the strategic objectives of his ministry. “We are focused on achieving food security, advancing the agricultural and fisheries sectors, improving water resource management, and increasing the added value of food products,” he said.

The minister’s visit included tours of six key factories within the zone, where he reviewed the latest developments in food supplements and medicines, particularly at Philex Pharmaceutical Industries Factory. He also discussed the potential for collaboration among raw material units in the medical industry, including the extraction of active ingredients from local resources such as frankincense, algae, and seaweed.

Discussions with factory officials centred on enhancing food security by improving production efficiency to sustainably meet market demands.

Salalah Free Zone continues to attract global investment by offering economic incentives, including tax and customs exemptions, 100% foreign ownership of production units, and waiving minimum capital requirements. These measures are designed to make the zone a more appealing destination for the global food industry.