Wednesday 03 / June / 2026
Muscat: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), represented by its Transport and Logistics Committee, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), organised a workshop on Wednesday entitled “Enhancing Competitiveness in the Transport and Logistics Sector.” The workshop was held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, and attended by Eng. Hamoud bin Salem Al Saadi, Second Vice Chairman of OCCI’s Board of Directors, a number of Board members, business owners, and entrepreneurs at OCCI’s headquarters in Muscat.
The workshop aimed to highlight Oman’s efforts in developing the transport and logistics infrastructure, showcase investment opportunities, and discuss the role of public-private partnerships in advancing the sector, in addition to exploring mechanisms for improving Oman’s ranking in international indicators related to the sector.
The workshop forms part of a series of events organised by OCCI to strengthen partnership and integration between the public and private sectors, address developmental and investment challenges and opportunities across various economic sectors, improve the business environment, broaden economic diversification, empower the private sector, and enhance its role as a key partner in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
H.E. Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, stated that the transport and logistics sector is one of the key enablers of economic development and a primary driver of various productive and service sectors, given its pivotal role in facilitating trade and investment flows, connecting markets, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
He explained that organising such meetings and workshops represents an important part of the partnership and integration approach between the government and private sectors and contributes to strengthening direct communication channels with business owners and investors, helping to identify challenges and develop solutions that support the sector’s growth and improve its efficiency.
He noted that the Ministry continuously monitors national and international indicators related to the transport and logistics sector. These indicators cover several aspects, including logistics service efficiency, infrastructure quality, and ease of procedures, in addition to a number of indicators that rely directly on the opinions and evaluations of business owners and service beneficiaries.
H.E. Eng. Al Shamakhi praised the role played by OCCI in promoting constructive dialogue between the government and private sectors, and its ongoing commitment to organising specialised discussions and events related to the transport and logistics sector, thereby supporting national efforts to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and reinforce Oman’s position as a regional and global logistics hub.
For his part, Eng. Hamoud bin Salem Al Saadi, Second Vice Chairman of OCCI’s Board of Directors, said that the workshop comes at a time when Oman’s transport and logistics sector is witnessing rapid development, supported by a clear strategic vision and significant investments in infrastructure projects, including ports, airports, roads, and economic and logistics zones. These developments have strengthened Oman’s position as a regional logistics hub capable of connecting global markets and leveraging its strategic geographic location.
He explained that the transport and logistics sector is one of the enabling sectors of the national economy and a key pillar for achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Eng. Al Saadi emphasised that OCCI is committed to supporting efforts aimed at enabling the private sector to benefit from promising investment opportunities in the transport and logistics sector, enhancing partnerships among stakeholders, exchanging expertise and experiences, and discussing challenges and solutions that contribute to improving the business environment and increasing logistics service efficiency.
He pointed out that achieving a qualitative leap in the transport and logistics sector requires continued joint efforts, greater integration between government entities and the private sector, and the provision of an investment- and innovation-friendly environment, thereby reinforcing Oman’s position as a global logistics hub and an active trade gateway in the region.
Introduction to the Transport and Logistics Sector
Basima Bait Bakhit and Eng. Al Yaqeen Al Rahbi from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology delivered a presentation entitled “Introduction to the Transport and Logistics Sector.” The presentation reviewed key achievements and strategic initiatives being implemented by Oman to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, and its ambitious vision to rank among the world’s top 25 countries in the transport and logistics sector by 2040.
The presentation highlighted the pillars of sector development, including enhancing the efficiency of the land transport system, developing ports and maritime affairs, adopting smart transport and green mobility solutions, supporting digital transformation, improving human capital efficiency, and developing legislation and institutional governance, all of which contribute to sustainable economic growth.
It also outlined the rapid developments witnessed by Oman’s logistics ecosystem over recent decades, supported by substantial investments in infrastructure, including the development of ports, airports, free zones, and strategic roads, as well as the establishment of the Oman Logistics Center and the launch of several national programmes, including “Wasl” for the future of roads, “Takamul” for the logistics ecosystem, “Shiraa” for investment attraction, and “Green Transit” for sustainable mobility and carbon neutrality.
Investment Opportunities in the Sector
Sheikha Al Rajaibi, representative of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology at the “Invest Oman” lounge, delivered a presentation on “Investment Opportunities in the Transport and Logistics Sector.” The presentation highlighted the incentives offered by Oman to investors, including 100% foreign ownership, no minimum capital requirement, long-term tax exemptions, and the Investor Residency Programme, in addition to a range of investment opportunities in logistics services, e-commerce, bonded warehouses, and infrastructure linked to airports and ports.
The presentation shed light on several promising opportunities at the Logistics Gateway of Muscat International Airport, including a project to establish an integrated e-commerce centre aimed at supporting storage, order management, and distribution operations in line with the rapid growth of e-commerce in the region. It also highlighted an integrated bonded warehouse project that provides temporary storage services for imported goods and contributes to improving logistics efficiency and facilitating international trade flows.
Al Rajaibi emphasised that the strategic location of these projects near Muscat International Airport offers significant competitive advantages for investors in terms of rapid access to regional and international markets and the integration of transport and freight services.
The presentation also reviewed other opportunities across various sites and projects offered through public tenders in several governorates, supporting the utilisation of logistics assets and contributing to the diversification of economic activities associated with transport and supporting services.
Panel Discussion
The workshop also featured an extensive panel discussion on “Investment Opportunities in the Transport and Logistics Sector,” with participation from Eng. Ahmed Al Yarubi, Director of Ports Affairs Department at MTCIT; Eng. Haitham Al Zadjali, Director of the Land Transport Department at the Ministry; Nabeel Al Balushi, Director of Markets and Trade Facilitation Department at the Ministry; Tariq Al Mashaikhi, Investor Relations Manager at Invest Oman; and Ahmed Al Hadhrami, Senior Manager of Real Estate Development at Oman Airports.
The speakers reviewed the key opportunities available in the ports and maritime services sector, including port support services projects, specialised logistics facilities, freight, storage, and re-export services, as well as opportunities related to the development of maritime industries and services.
In the land transport sector, the panel discussed investment opportunities related to the development of logistics stations, truck parking facilities, smart transport services, smart weighing projects, and projects linked to transport tracking systems and infrastructure supporting the movement of goods and passengers.
The panel also reviewed investment opportunities related to trade and logistics services, particularly in the fields of e-commerce, supply chains, storage, and distribution.
