Transport
From The Report: Oman 2013
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After many years of building up the transport system – and with over $11bn in the budget for hard infrastructure projects during the 2011-2015 period – the next few years promise significant transformation for Oman’s transport sector. A number of large-scale developments are in the pipeline, and a proposed new railway connecting Oman with other GCC countries is expected to create capacity for 8800 tonnes of freight daily. The authorities are also diversifying port infrastructure to ensure each sector of the economy can benefit more fully. In addition, Muscat International Airport is gearing up for major capacity upgrades to cope with the 18% year-on-year increase in arrivals between August 2011 and August 2012. These are, therefore, highly exciting times for the sector, with major developments across the board creating opportunities not just for construction contractors, but also for logistics companies of all kinds.

This chapter includes an interview with Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

An encouraging picture: The potential to become a major driver of growth in the region
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After many years of building up the transport system – and with over $11bn in the budget for hard infrastructure projects during the 2011-2015 period – the next few years promise significant transformation. New and expanded roads, a handful of new airports and airport extensions, and major port developments are under way, with opportunities for both local and international transport and logistics players also rapidly expanding. The development plan also underscores the increasing strategic importance…

Analysis

Pan-Arabia Express: Plans to implement a regional rail network are gathering steam
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In one of the most exciting and ambitious transportation projects ever seen in the Arabian Peninsula, plans for a railway linking Oman to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait are now under way. The first phase of the GCC rail project is scheduled to be operational in late 2018, with the railway eventually extending all the way down the coast of the sultanate from Muscat to Salalah. The overall cost has been set at approximately $15.5bn, with the railway significantly accelerating the…

Interview

OBG talks to Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications
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Interview: Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi How will the Oman and GCC railway networks change the way business and trade is carried out, both in Oman and across the region? AHMED BIN MOHAMED BIN SALIMAL FUTAISI: The future Oman and regional railway will be integrated and interoperable to serve the people of the sultanate and GCC countries in their industry, trade and numerous other socio-economic activities. The main positive effect of the GCC rail network on business and trade will…

Analysis

Logistical needs: A commitment to improve infrastructure nationwide
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Recent years have seen a transformation in the logistics sector, with both quantity and quality undergoing major improvements. With several new airports under construction or expansion, along with some major developments in seaports, roads and in the future, railways, the sector is poised to reap the rewards from past investments and take a further step towards realising its potential as regional and global logistics hub. Local Improvements Many in the sector will remark that only a decade ago,…

Analysis

Taking off: Aviation capacity is set for expansion in line with development plans
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The sultanate’s development plans include a much-expanded role for air transport, with the aviation sector expected to see increased investment in the years ahead. This upgrade should also transform the entire pattern of logistics in the country, while stimulating regional development and trade. The national carrier is also set to see growth. “The national carrier can be a huge driver for growth in Oman and having fifty planes in operation is our target for 2017,” Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman…

Analysis

Salalah central: Integrating a new maritime facility with national transport aims
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Dominating both the Governorate of Dhofar – where it is the largest employer – and the regional transhipment trade, the Port of Salalah has become a strong link in developing Oman’s maritime transportation. Location The Port of Salalah is also evolving into a multimodal transport centre, with air, road and, soon, rail links to local and global markets. “Thanks to its strategic location at the south of the Arabian Peninsula and outside the Arabian Gulf, Salalah managed to position itself…

Analysis

Another addition: Duqm’s deepwater port will play a key role in maritime strategy
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Located on the coast, roughly halfway between Muscat and Salalah, the port of Duqm is the sultanate’s newest maritime trade facility. It could also become one of its most important centres for ship repair and shipbuilding, as well as for the Omani – and regional – oil industries, and ultimately take a key role in the sultanate’s maritime transport strategy. Astonishingly, it was only a dozen years ago that this stretch of coast was more famous for its long sandy beach and small fishing village…