Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) has outlined plans to enhance services at Sultan Qaboos Port in Muttrah, aiming to attract more cruise liners and strengthen its role as a key tourism hub.

As part of their broader efforts to improve ports, maritime services, and road infrastructure, MTCIT signed three strategic agreements on Thursday.

A key agreement focuses on the development of ship services and crew change operations at Sultan Qaboos Port, aligning with plans to expand its commercial activities while maintaining its primary function as a cruise tourism destination.

The agreement, signed with the ‘Omani Integrated Logistics Services Company’, covers a two-year framework for managing and operating maritime services at the port.

The project will be implemented in four phases. Initially, a market analysis will be conducted to assess service gaps and explore opportunities to introduce new maritime services. This will be followed by an investment phase aimed at improving existing port facilities and ensuring that services align with international standards.

A detailed marketing strategy will then be developed to position the port as a premier destination for cruise tourism and maritime trade.

Finally, key performance indicators will be established to measure service quality and operational efficiency.

The initiative is expected to enhance the port’s competitiveness, drive cruise tourism growth, and expand logistics and maritime services for visiting ships.

H E Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, signed the agreements in the presence of H E Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Undersecretary for Transport.

In addition to the Sultan Qaboos Port development, MTCIT signed an agreement for the dualisation of the Izki–Nizwa Road in Dakhliyah governorate.

The 30km project, awarded to Galfar Engineering and Contracting, will improve traffic flow and road safety.

It includes service roads, a vehicle underpass in Twai al Nisf, and a connection to the Sanaw Bridge on Sultan Thuwayni bin Said Road. It will also have a 877m access road leading to Jabal Akhdar, facilitating smoother travel to the popular tourist destination.

The expansion aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support economic activities in the region.

Another agreement was signed with ‘Minji International Ports’ for an investment framework in a quarry products port in Shaleem and Hallaniyat Islands.

The port will provide a direct export route for extracted minerals, supporting the mining sector by reducing transportation costs and increasing competitiveness in global markets.