Oman has launched a tender process to appoint a consultant to set up a public private partnership (PPP) unit.

According to local sources, the government is planning to hire a consultant before the end of November this year.

Oman, which is the Middle East's pioneer in the PPP model for the energy sector, now has plans to boost the use of the PPP model to carry out projects in the healthcare, real state, tourism, and transport sectors, among others. 

Due to the fact that oil revenues in Oman are falling, the government is currently developing a new investment law and frameworks for PPP and private investments. These measures aim to reduce the financial burden of public services and promote the private sector.

The government is also developing the 9th five-year plan for 2016 to 2020, which is expected to involve the private sector. The proposed plan will focus on logistics and transportation, manufacturing, minerals, tourism, and agriculture & fisheries.

This year we have reported on four PPP projects in the country: the Duqm permanent accommodation for contractors (PAC) project, the Sohar independent water project (IWP), the Barka independent water project (IWP), and the Salalah Independent Water project.