Ibra – North Sharqiyah has offered 46 investment opportunities across agriculture, livestock and fisheries in 2026, while 22 contracts worth an estimated RO74.3mn have been signed or are moving towards final approval, as the governorate seeks to expand food production and value-added industries.

The contracts cover more than 431 acres, reflecting increased investment in productive sectors, according to figures released by the Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah.

The push follows growth in agricultural activity in 2025, when production reached about 277,257 tonnes from 17,225 acres of cultivated land. The governorate also had more than 1mn date palms and produced around 249 tonnes of honey.

Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Mashikhi, Director General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, said the agricultural sector grew 6% last year, while value added from agricultural activities increased 9% to about RO37.1mn.

In Ibra, a model grape farming project aims to establish 10 farms across 100 acres, with annual production capacity of up to 1,000 tonnes and expected returns exceeding RO2mn.

In Dima Wa Al Taiyyin, a local thyme cultivation project targets 50 acres and production of 37.5 tonnes of dried thyme, with projected returns of about RO212,000 by 2028. A RO406,111 vegetable project in Bidiyah has reached 95% completion. The 100-acre development includes 166 greenhouses for cucumbers and sweet peppers, alongside open-field crops, and has production capacity of 4,320 tonnes annually.

North Sharqiyah has also exceeded 100% self-sufficiency in several products, including cucumbers at 475%, dates at 256.2%, table eggs at 218% and honey at 136.7%.

The livestock population stands at about 435,000 head, supported by 31,562 Omani breeders. Seven livestock projects represent investment of around RO33mn, while annual production includes 255.6mn litres of milk, 126mn eggs and 5.45mn kg of poultry meat.

In fisheries, the governorate has two private-sector investment opportunities, eight fish markets, two processing plants and 58 fish shops.