The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has awarded a consultancy services tender to an Oman-Saudi JV for the design and supervision of the infrastructure development of Phase 1 of the Integrated Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate (EZAD).

Phase 1, covering 20 km2 site, will include a land port set on a 6.5 km2 area operated and managed by Asyad Group. The remaining land will be developed for future expansions to keep up with the land requirements of all economic sectors.

“The tender works also include the detailed design of the infrastructure facilities, the preparation of the documents for the tender of the construction works, and the supervision of the implementation of the works, the completion of the project, operation and delivery. The tender also includes supervision of a number of key components such as the land port, road, electricity and telecommunications networks, water, irrigation and sewage networks, gas network, solid waste management, administrative buildings, and horticulture works,” said Eng Yahya bin Khamis al Zadjali, Planning Advisor.

He added that the establishment of EZAD was motivated by several goals, including optimizing the advantages of its strategic border location with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, boosting intra-regional trade between the two nations, bolstering development initiatives and economic diversification, opening up new markets for the Omani economy as well as the Gulf economy, and reaping the benefits of the competitive elements.

The Integrated Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate is located about 20 kilometers from Oman’s border crossing with Saudi Arabia, and about 100 kilometers away from the Ibri Industrial City project.