Transport
From The Report: Oman 2023
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Oman’s geographical location and cordial regional diplomatic relations offer multiple strategic opportunities that, if skillfully harnessed by the government, could see the sultanate become a regional and global transportation and logistics centre. Indeed, strengthening transport capacities and capabilities is central to Oman Vision 2040, the government’s overarching socioeconomic development plan. Significant infrastructure expansion works have taken place across the transport sector, with roads, maritime ports and airports receiving sizeable investment, while plans to build a national railway that would connect with a broader GCC-wide network appear to be advancing following years of uncertainty. The sultanate’s recently improved public-private partnerships law is expected to help attract additional private finance into upcoming projects.

This chapter contains an interview with Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, CEO, Oman Airports.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Forward momentum: Infrastructure expansion and improvements to investment legislation encourage return to pre-pandemic growth
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Oman’s geographic location and positive regional diplomatic relations offer multiple strategic opportunities that, if skillfully harnessed by the government, could see the sultanate become a regional and global transport and logistics centre. Indeed, strengthening transport capacities and capabilities is central to Oman Vision 2040, the government’s overarching socio-economic development plan. Significant infrastructure expansion works have taken place across the transport sector, with roads,…

Interview

Winning strategies: Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, CEO, Oman Airports, on improving the customer experience and encouraging innovation
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Interview: Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni In what ways can technology help improve air infrastructure and enhance the traveller experience? SHEIKH AIMEN AL HOSNI: To improve the airport customer experience, in November 2022 Document Management Centre was launched in Muscat International Airport. Similarly, in late 2022 an agreement was signed with local firm Bahwan IT to provide an electronic system for managing records and documents. Such developments enhance the overall experience and reflect the ongoing…

Analysis

Gateway position: The Port of Duqm’s sizeable capacity and strategic location lay the groundwork for international investment
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The Port of Duqm officially opened in February 2022, having run limited services under pre-development status since 2016. The port was developed in partnership with Belgium’s Port of Antwerp. It is a focal component of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), overseen by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and the Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority. Significant development funding for SEZAD came from Chinese consortium Wanfang Oman, which pledged $10.7bn.…

Analysis

Greener footprint: The shipping industry works to lower its environmental impact
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As environmental concerns become increasingly pressing for governments and businesses alike, the shipping industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. In August 2021 Danish shipping company Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping line, announced that it had ordered eight new vessels from South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Heavy Industries to be powered by methanol, rather than oil-based fuels. Under the terms of the deal, Maersk exercised its option to secure four more ships…

Analysis

Riding the rails: How the GCC Railway could revolutionise trade and transport in the Gulf, and improve connectivity within the region
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Following delays, the long-awaited GCC Railway looks likely to be revitalised – a move that could transform trade and connectivity across the Gulf. The initiative was given a significant boost in December 2021 when leaders of the six GCC countries approved the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority, the body that will oversee the coordination of the project. The decision marks a potentially significant development for rail infrastructure in the region. In 2009 after a decades-long debate,…