Transport
From The Report: Oman 2025
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Oman is leveraging its strategic location on the Arabian Peninsula to enhance its infrastructure as part of its broader economic diversification goals. Significant investment is being made in transport networks, including roads, ports, airports and railways, aimed at improving regional connectivity and building an integrated system to support trade and logistics. The country is also advancing digital initiatives to streamline trade processes, such as an electronic platform to simplify procedures and expedite customs clearance. Additional programmes focus on fostering innovation and strengthening regulatory oversight in logistics. These efforts have led to improvements in the country’s infrastructure and trade environment, enhancing its competitiveness. Oman’s commitment to enhancing national quality systems, alongside these infrastructure projects, is designed to attract foreign investment, support sustainable development and drive long-term economic growth, positioning the country as a regional centre for business and trade.

This chapter contains interviews with Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and IT; and Hamouda bin Musbah Al Alawi, Acting CEO, Oman Airports.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Clear vision: Infrastructure expansion, sustainability initiatives and digital transformation are enhancing trade and regional connectivity
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Strategically located on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is capitalising on its geographic advantages through substantial investment in road, port, airport and rail projects, with an aim to diversify its economy in line with Oman Vision 2040, the sultanate’s long-term economic development plan. These efforts are led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT (MTCIT), which is implementing a comprehensive infrastructure development plan to enhance regional connectivity and build an integrated, efficient transport network. Additionally, Oman is advancing digital initiatives to streamline trade and logistics processes.…

Analysis

Upgraded infrastructure: Oman has made significant progress in solidifying its status as a regional heavyweight and competitive global logistics centre
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Oman’s location just outside the Strait of Hormuz places it at a crucial crossroads for global trade, linking Asia, Africa and Europe. This prime positioning allows goods to move efficiently, bypassing congested Gulf routes and establishing Oman as an essential centre for international commerce. With its modern infrastructure, the sultanate offers an ideal environment for logistics companies to thrive. As part of Oman Vision 2040, logistics is a central focus for economic diversification, aiming to boost GDP contribution, create job opportunities and attract foreign investment. The Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy 2040 (SOLS 2040), led…

Interview

Strategic development: Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and IT, on how green solutions contribute to the country’s long-term economic goals
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Interview: Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Maawali How is the National Logistics Strategy 2040 progressing in terms of positioning the country as a key logistics centre for the region? SAID BIN HAMOOD BIN SAID AL MAAWALI: The sultanate of Oman’s long-term strategy for the transport sector is currently ahead of schedule. The aim is for the sector to contribute around 10% to the economy by 2040, and we are already approaching 7%. While this indicates progress, there is room for improvement. Our focus…

Interview

Cleared for takeoff: Hamouda bin Musbah Al Alawi, Acting CEO, Oman Airports, on how advanced technologies drive economic growth and the sultanate’s air facilities contribute to eco-friendly solutions
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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.…

Analysis

City living: Smart mobility solutions are paving the way for more sustainable, efficient and connected urban transport networks across the GCC
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The GCC’s population more than doubled over the past 28 years, growing from 26.2m in 1995 to 57.6m in 2023, outpacing the global growth rate of 40%. Urbanisation has also accelerated across the region, driven by rapid economic development, migration and the concentration of economic activities in urban centres. Members of the GCC had the highest urbanisation rates in the Arab world as of 2015, at 82.2%. Qatar, Kuwait and Oman achieved urbanisation rates of 99.2%, 98.3% and 77.6%, respectively, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia both exceeded 80%. Meanwhile, the GCC’s urbanisation rate is expected to rise to 95.1% by 2050. Urban Challenges Growing…