A new petrochemicals plant in Sohar will help the Omani economy diversify away from oil.

Oman Polypropylene LLC is set to begin production by the end of this year. The company will produce 340,000 tonnes per year of polypropylene (PP) based on the world-famous Novolen technology. Its products will be marketed under the brand name “Luban,’ which in Arabic means frankincense. Sohar, a halfway point between Muscat and Dubai, boasts an industrial port with abundant raw materials in its vicinity. Oman Polypropylene, as with other industries located in the area, will benefit from the industrial port, which has world-class docking and loading facilities for fifth-generation carriers, noted the deputy CEO of the company, Dr Hamed Al Dhahab. “This strategic location provides land and sea access, assuring excellent delivery times and competitive transp-ortation rates.”
Dr Al Dhahab said Oman Polypropylene would initially manufacture only the homopolymer type of PP. “The other type, namely the random co-polymer, will be produced at a later stage. The homopolymer grades to be manufactured will cover almost the full array of applications, namely films, injection moulding and fibres and yarns,” he added.
Commented the executive: “The setting up of Oman Polypropylene is another step in the industrialisation of Oman and the fulfilment of ‘Vision 2020’ under the able leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.”  Under its Vision 2020 plan, the Omani government hopes to double its per capita income in 2020 from the 1995 level, balance government finances, develop human resources, utilise advanced technology, have a free and diversified economy with a vibrant private sector and undertake development in an ecologically sound way. 
After being discovered in the late 1950s, polypropylene is now the fastest-growing thermoplasic in the world. Global demand is expected to grow from 39.2 million tonnes in 2004 to 53 million tonnes in 2010.
“Everyday polyproylene touches our lives in many ways. It’s one of the most versatile plastic materials. In the words of Allan Griffiths, ‘polypropylene is the new mild steel of our age,’” observed Dr Al Dhahab.