Construction
From The Report: Oman 2015
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The construction sector is witnessing rapid expansion in Oman on the back of government investment in major infrastructure projects. The government has budgeted an estimated $77.68bn for development projects as part of the 2011-15 five-year plan, up 113% over the previous five-year plan, with the Oman National Railway Project comprising 45% of the total value of all current transportation construction projects. Meanwhile, new upstream and downstream investments in the oil and gas sector are presenting lucrative new opportunities for private contractors, while the building of the $1bn Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat will boost the sultanate’s offering in the MICE segment. This chapter contains an interview with Sheikh Salim bin Ahmed Al Ghazali, Chairman, Golden Group of Companies.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Investment in infrastructure, tourism, energy and human capital
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The construction sector in Oman is expanding rapidly on the back of government investment in major infrastructure projects, private sector-driven tourism development, and strong growth in the oil and gas industry. Vision 2020’s economic diversification strategy has already seen the government expand its infrastructure investment substantially in recent years, and while the sector had previously faced criticism regarding its tendering processes, new legal reforms and a targeted crackdown on corruption…

Analysis

Infrastructure development is prioritised for future expansion
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Strong construction growth in Oman has been driven in large part by focused infrastructure spending, with the government offering a host of opportunities in its development of transportation megaprojects in recent years. “The country is still developing, so all projects which are vital to expanding infrastructure and catering to population growth are vital,” Vedat Koca, country manager for STFA Construction Group, told OBG. “These are the projects that will go ahead regardless of the economic…

Analysis

Focusing on human resources and local training
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Among the largest private sector employers in recent years, the Omani government is moving forward on national development projects aimed at expanding industrialisation, enhancing transport and diversifying the economy away from the hydrocarbons sector. This growth has not been without challenges, however, and the government has moved in recent years to introduce new policies aimed at improving wages and Omanisation and building up domestic industry and HR bases through the recently-established in-country…

Interview

Sheikh Salim bin Ahmed Al Ghazali, Chairman, Golden Group of Companies: Interview
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Interview:Sheikh Salim bin Ahmed Al Ghazali How are labour restrictions like Omanisation requirements and visa regulations impacting the construction sector’s ability to operate and grow? SHEIKH SALIM BIN AHMED AL GHAZALI: We are pushing the concept of Omanisation as much as we can in the private sector, but the construction sector is unique in its labour intensity. We need an Omanisation framework that can improve and develop the construction sector, not hinder the progress. We have been…