Wednesday 04 / November / 2026
Muscat : Sohar Free Zone has been ranked fourth globally and named the best industrial zone in the Middle East for 2026 in the World Free Zones Awards, organized by fDI Magazine, part of the Financial Times Group.
Sohar Free Zone also ranked sixth globally in AI readiness and tenth globally in post-investment services.
These rankings reflect the competitiveness of the investment environment in Sohar Free Zone and its integrated system that combines the port and the free zone, connecting investors to infrastructure, logistics, and global markets, thus supporting the establishment, growth, and expansion of businesses.
The strategic location of Sohar Port and Free Zone on the Sea of Oman is one of its most prominent competitive advantages, along with its maritime network connecting it to international markets and the trade agreements signed by the Sultanate of Oman, which provide investors with access to key markets in the GCC, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Dr. Raed bin Mohammed Al-Rubaie, CEO of Sohar Port and Freezone, stated that investment decisions are now based on factors that extend beyond cost and location. Foremost among these are business flexibility, rapid market access, a clear regulatory environment, and the ability to serve multiple markets from a single base. This is precisely what Sohar Port and Freezone is working to enhance through an integrated industrial and logistics system that empowers investors to confidently and efficiently establish, operate, and expand their projects.
He added that the zone's focus is not limited to attracting new investments but also extends to building long-term industrial partnerships, supporting the growth of existing projects, and strengthening their integration with global value and supply chains. We view this recognition as an incentive to continue developing our services and enhancing Sohar's competitiveness, keeping pace with the transformations in trade and industry and achieving sustainable value for investors and the national economy.
For his part, Dr. Saeed bin Khalifa Al-Quraini, Director General of Investment Sector Development at the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, stated that this recognition reflects the important role played by the Sohar Free Zone and the progress achieved by the Sultanate of Oman in building an investment environment that combines clear and stable policies, competitive infrastructure, and integrated government support.
The Sohar Free Zone's ranking of tenth globally in post-investment services reflects its commitment to providing a business environment that supports investors at all stages of project establishment, operation, and expansion.
In the area of digital transformation, the Sohar Free Zone's ranking sixth globally in AI readiness reflects the progress made in developing digital capabilities and employing modern technologies to enhance operational efficiency and improve services.
Among the most notable initiatives are the "Marasi" port operations management system, which has contributed to reducing vessel turnaround time by 15 percent, and the "Makan" interactive geographic platform, which allows investors to remotely view industrial land and assess suitable project locations.
In addition to its digital transformation, Sohar Port and Freezone benefits from its integration with Oman’s transport and logistics network, connecting businesses to regional and international markets via sea and land links. The future connection through the Hafeet Rail project will further enhance logistics connectivity between Oman and the UAE, providing more flexible options for the movement of goods and more efficient access to key markets.
This achievement is supported by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (PEZAD) and ASYAD Group, in collaboration with investors and partners who are contributing to strengthening Sohar’s position as a global industrial and investment hub.
