On Thursday 18th September, the British Omani Society proudly hosted an exclusive panel discussion titled “Empowering Oman’s Tomorrow: Strategic Insights from OPAZ.” The event brought together senior representatives from OPAZ and distinguished members of BOS for a dynamic exchange on Oman’s evolving economic landscape.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the British Omani Society, opened the evening by welcoming guests and introducing the Society’s mission to foster UK-Oman relations. He then welcomed H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, who delivered a keynote address on Oman’s economic transformation and the strategic role of OPAZ in driving national growth and diversification. His Excellency was joined by a high-level delegation from OPAZ, including Dr. Said Al Quraini, Director General, Investment Development Sector; Mr. Mazin Al Hadhramy, Head of Chairman’s Office; Mr. Mohammed Al Shizawi, CEO, Sohar Free Zone; Mr. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, Special Economic Zone at Duqm; Dr. Ali Tabouk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone; and Ms. Amna Al Sharji, Acting Manager, Investment Promotion Department.
Oman’s Economic Zones: A Unified Vision
The panel discussion offered a comprehensive overview of OPAZ’s integrated strategy to attract strategic investments and enable sectoral development across Oman’s 15 special economic and free zones. His Excellency emphasized how OPAZ aligns its mission with Oman Vision 2040, setting the Sultanate apart through a unified regulatory framework that simplifies operations for global investors.
Recent Royal Decrees and infrastructure developments were highlighted, including new zones under OPAZ’s mandate and regulatory enhancements aimed at boosting competitiveness.
Emerging Investment Opportunities
The panel discussion highlighted a diverse range of emerging investment opportunities across Oman’s special economic and free zones. Key sectors included green finance and ESG-aligned projects, downstream plastics with circular economy potential, renewable energy, logistics, and strategic storage solutions.
The conversation also explored the growing frontier of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment for regional research and development, alongside innovation hubs and SME-focused business parks designed to foster entrepreneurship and tech-driven growth. Additional insights addressed upstream support for plastics, the Ladayn project, green steel initiatives, fisheries ports, and the development of resilient medical supply chains, underscoring Oman’s commitment to sustainable, sectoral diversification.
“Through its 15 Special Economic Zones, Free Zone, and its industrial cities, OPAZ is already home to over £40.18 billion of investments. We are now focused on high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, logistics, downstream plastics, and pharmaceuticals. What sets Oman apart is the unified regulatory framework across all our zones, making it easier for investors to establish, operate, and expand.”
— H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy
The event underscored the importance of collaboration between Oman and the UK in fostering long-term, high-quality investments that generate jobs, build value chains, and position Oman as a regional hub for sustainable industries.
“The British Omani Society is deeply committed to strengthening the long-standing commercial partnership between the UK and Oman, building on the already very strong multi-generational, historical links. Events like this highlight the considerable potential for collaboration in emerging sectors, from green energy and logistics to advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. We look forward to supporting continued engagement between British businesses and Omani counterparts as Oman advances its ambitious economic vision.”
— Richard Stanford, British Omani Society Chairman