Interview: Hamouda bin Musbah Al Alawi
In what ways has the sultanate’s geographic location affected its position within regional and global transport and logistics networks?
HAMOUDA BIN MUSBAH AL ALAWI: Oman occupies a strategic location in the Gulf region, centrally positioned between east and west. Its proximity to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa facilitates relatively short travel and shipping times. Key transport centres, including Muscat and Salalah, benefit from this centrality. Additionally, the country’s ports and special economic zones are located along major international shipping routes, while its modern road networks connect Oman to neighbouring economies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These factors enhance Oman’s role in regional and global transport and logistics networks, promoting connectivity and supporting economic activity.
What role does Oman play in the region’s air cargo and passenger transport networks?
AL ALAWI: Bilateral agreements with numerous countries have facilitated growth in air transport services, fostering stronger relationships and enabling higher frequencies of flights to and from Oman. Recent developments, including expanding aviation infrastructure and services, have strengthened the sultanate’s position in the regional air transport and logistics landscape.
An example of innovation in the sector is Salalah Airport’s introduction of operations integrating air freight with ocean freight at the Port of Salalah. This synergy between air and sea logistics enhances the sultanate’s connectivity and aligns with national development plans such as Oman Vision 2040. Future growth will require investment in infrastructure to accommodate rising passenger and cargo demands.
Where do you identify key opportunities for private investment in the aviation sector?
AL ALAWI: Oman Airports’ strategic growth plan for 2023–27 offers opportunities for private investors to contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and improving services. The airport segment attracts private investment globally due to its growth potential and underutilised commercial opportunities. This interest is further supported by Oman’s focus on infrastructure development and the evolving transport and logistics landscape. Private investment can play a key role in driving innovation, increasing efficiency and improving the overall experience for both businesses and passengers.
To what extent do emerging technologies impact the efficiency and competitiveness of the sector?
AL ALAWI: Technology and digitalisation are reshaping the transport and logistics sector, leading to greater operational efficiency, enhanced revenue generation and an improved user experience. Such advancement contributes to the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness. However, the rapid adoption of digital tools comes with an increased risk of cybersecurity threats, which must be carefully managed. Importantly, new technologies are also enabling more environmentally sustainable operations, aligning with global and local priorities for greener logistics and transport systems.
How are airports in the sultanate approaching the challenge of addressing sustainability concerns?
AL ALAWI: Sustainability is a key focus in Oman’s aviation sector, with efforts aligned to achieve the national goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Various airports in Oman have made progress in carbon management. For instance, Salalah Airport has reached level three in the Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, while Duqm and Muscat airports have achieved levels one and two, respectively. These certifications reflect progress in reducing emissions and integrating sustainable practices into operations. Moving forwards, efforts will continue to focus on balancing growth with environmental responsibility.
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