OPAZ Board of Directors holds first meeting in 2026

Muscat-- The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) today held its first meeting in 2026. The meeting was chaired by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ Board of Directors.

Acting on behalf of all estates, Al Yousef expressed gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan for the issuance of Royal decree No. (30/2026) on the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the government of the Sultanate of Oman and the government of the Republic of India. He underlined the agreement’s great impact on the development of investments in the Sultanate of Oman.

Al Yousef also welcomed the new members of OPAZ Board of Directors. During his speech, he underscored the significance of integrating efforts over the forthcoming stage to enhance the competitiveness of economic zones, free zones and industrial cities.

The Board of Directors expressed thanks for the efforts made by Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi during his mandate as Chairman of OPAZ Board of Directors. It also extended thanks to Sheikh Nasser bin Suleiman Al Harthi, a member of OPAZ Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors discussed various topics on the agenda, notably the restructuring of subcommittees, including the Audit Committees of OPAZ and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates “Madayn”.

The Board reviewed the latest developments that took place in economic zones, free zones and industrial zones. It took note of the progress of strategic projects and initiatives. It also followed up priority issues aimed at improving the investment climate and attracting more high-quality investments.

Discussions during the meeting also touched on the status of infrastructure for Duqm Special Economic Zone, the development of projects in the health sector and requirements for security and safety systems in the zone. It also looked into the progress of work at Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone.

In addition, the meeting referred to key topics in the Authority’s media briefing, including performance indicators, achievements and future plans. It laid emphasis on the need to achieve efficient communication with various partners and media outlets in order to highlight the role of economic zones in supporting sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman.

The meeting lauded the Authority’s occupying first place in the Government Institutions Performance Index in 2025. It also commended the Authority’s achieving good results in the National Government Digital Transition Programme.