Interview: Nailesh Khimji
How does Oman’s location and logistics infrastructure affect its potential as a centre for construction materials and third-party logistics services?
NAILESH KHIMJI: With direct access to the Arabian Sea and proximity to key Gulf, African and South Asian markets, Oman has a significant strategic advantage as a logistics and distribution centre. It serves as a natural gateway between global trade corridors, bypassing the region’s more congested bottlenecks. This positioning is particularly valuable for sectors like construction, where timely access to materials and equipment is critical.
Ongoing investment in road infrastructure and the anticipated GCC-wide railway connectivity will further strengthen Oman’s ability to move goods efficiently across borders. What differentiates Oman is the depth and maturity of its internal logistics network, which provides crucial last-mile access to even the most remote construction sites in a country with a low population density and considerable distances between urban centres. For the construction industry, this means reliable, cost-effective supply chains supporting small-scale and large, complex infrastructure projects. As regional trade and infrastructure investment accelerates, Oman is well-positioned to become a leader in logistics for construction materials and services across the wider Gulf.
What role do public-private partnerships (PPPs) and government infrastructure projects play in driving demand within the construction sector?
KHIMJI: Key focus areas for government-led development include transport infrastructure, dry ports, coastal protection, and marine works such as dredging and breakwater construction. Projects such as developing dry ports and new fishing harbours require conventional materials, specialised inputs and technical solutions. This creates opportunities for local suppliers to evolve and meet more advanced specifications, strengthening the domestic construction supply chain. The use of PPPs has been crucial in extending the reach of these projects. By harnessing private sector expertise and financing, PPPs help to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and operated sustainably over the long term. For the construction industry, this translates into more predictable project pipelines and greater visibility on future material demand.
To what extent are tourism-related developments influencing real estate and hospitality infrastructure needs throughout the country?
KHIMJI: Tourism is increasingly influencing real estate development, particularly in non-urban areas. Oman’s landscape supports outdoor and adventure tourism, but the required infrastructure – especially mid-range and budget accommodations – is limited in many regions. The growth in cruise and air arrivals highlights the need for more diverse hospitality offerings. This includes hotels in interior towns and along the coast, which is essential to distributing tourism more evenly and supporting real estate development. The pressure on existing infrastructure will only increase as tourist numbers rise, prompting demand for investment in accommodation, utilities and access roads in these areas.
Which infrastructural challenges need to be addressed to unlock Oman’s potential as a destination for adventure and agro-tourism?
KHIMJI: While Oman has a range of attractive tourism assets – natural landscapes, cultural heritage and a welcoming population – there is a lack of basic infrastructure in areas with high potential for adventure and agro-tourism. Rural roads, utilities and hospitality facilities often fall short of supporting sustainable visitor traffic. It is challenging to attract consistent tourist flows or encourage real estate investment in these regions without improvements in access, accommodation and guest amenities. Addressing these gaps will be essential to unlocking broader economic and development benefits of tourism outside urban centres.
Read More from OBG
