Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – H E Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he explored opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economic zones, as well as the industrial and logistics sectors.

During the visit, H E Al Yousef and the accompanying delegation met Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment and Chairman of the Board of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), in the presence of Mazen Al Saleh, Acting Secretary-General of ECZA.

The meeting reviewed ways to enhance economic and investment ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities.

Both sides also reviewed the latest developments at the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD) Governorate, located near the Oman–Saudi border, which is witnessing significant progress in infrastructure works. They highlighted the zone’s expected role in boosting economic activity between the two countries, as efforts continue to position it as a key logistics and industrial hub.

As part of the visit, H E Al Yousef also met Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, to discuss strengthening cooperation in the industrial sector.

He also held meetings with Sultan Al Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development, to explore collaboration on development projects financed by the fund, and with Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sadhan, Vice-Governor of Operations at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

In addition, H E Al Yousef and the delegation visited several Saudi companies to discuss potential areas of cooperation. He met Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Dar Al Riyadh, in the presence of Abdullah Al Mustaneer, Chief Executive Officer of the company. During the meeting, H E Al Yousef outlined OPAZ’s role in attracting investment into special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities in Oman, highlighting investor incentives, the competitive business environment and the diversity of sectors across the zones under its supervision.

The delegation included officials from OPAZ, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), the Oman Investment Authority, the General Administration of Customs, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Oman Logistics Centre at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In 2025, OPAZ launched tenders for the implementation of a dry port and a veterinary quarantine facility (Package 3), as well as an administrative and commercial complex (Package 4), within the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah.

The Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah, established under Royal Decree No 87/2025, spans 388 sqkm. The zone aims to stimulate cross-border trade between Oman and Saudi Arabia, support economic development and diversification, create new opportunities for the Omani and GCC economies, and leverage its strategic location approximately 20km from the Rub Al Khali border crossing between the two countries.