The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) announced the launch of the third package tender for the development of the Economic Zone at Al Dhahira (EZAD), which includes the construction of dry port facilities and a veterinary quarantine.

The dry port is the main driver of the EZAD, located near the Omani-Saudi border (Al Rubaa Al Khali). It is being developed in collaboration between the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia. The total area allocated for the dry port is 4 sq km. The first phase of the dry port will be constructed on 1 sq km; in addition, the tender covering the construction of a veterinary quarantine facility will be issued. The new tender is expected to support the objectives of the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD) by strengthening trade links between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The project design integrates modern facilities and aims to develop the port in accordance with high standards and quality specifications while addressing the requirements of all relevant stakeholders. The dry port, when integrated with the border crossing, will help reduce transit times for goods entering and leaving Oman through other gateways. By minimizing the number of transit points along the supply chain, the project will shorten delivery times and improve the efficiency of cargo movement to its final destinations.

The tender includes the execution of civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural works for the dry port and veterinary quarantine. According to the tender specifications, the project will include the construction of a customs gate, inspection platforms, customs clearance areas, substation facilities, a maintenance workshop, laboratories, a water tank, fire protection systems, X-ray and scanning equipment, as well as the administration building, mosque, offices, rest areas, staff accommodations, fencing, and surveillance cameras and various other facilities. The dry port will be operated by Asyad Group, a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), due to its experience in managing and operating such facilities.

Last year, OPAZ awarded a consultancy contract for the design and supervision of infrastructure works for the first phase of the EZAD to a consortium comprising an Omani and a Saudi firm. The initial phase of the development spans approximately 20 sq km. Overall, EZAD covers about 388 sq km and is situated around 20 km from the Rub Al Khali border crossing.

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