Sohar Port and Freezone, Oman’s integrated port and freezone, delivered robust growth in the first half of 2026, handling 52 million metric tonnes of cargo, a 52 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, reinforcing its position as a key logistics and industrial hub in the region.

The strong performance reflects continued demand for Sohar’s integrated maritime, logistics and industrial ecosystem, which serves both regional and international trade routes.

Ship-to-ship cargo volumes reached 24.38 million metric tonnes during the period, while container throughput climbed 40 per cent year-on-year to 545,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), driven largely by increased transshipment activity. Breakbulk cargo also recorded significant growth, nearly doubling to 1.24 million metric tonnes. Although dry bulk volumes eased, the port handled 1,555 vessel calls, underscoring its operational resilience and strategic importance in global supply chains.

Sohar continued to advance major development projects across its port and freezone, with ongoing and expansion investments valued at $6.82 billion. The projects are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, expanding industrial capacity and enhancing the hub’s long-term competitiveness.

“The first half of 2026 demonstrates the adaptability of Sohar’s integrated port and freezone model and the strength of our long-term strategy,” said Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of Sohar Port. “As trade continues to evolve, we remain committed to investing in world-class infrastructure, strengthening maritime connectivity and enhancing operational excellence.”

Sohar Freezone has cemented its position as a strategic destination for industrial investment and regional trade.

Investment activity within Sohar Freezone also remained strong. Five new investment agreements worth $589 million were signed during the reporting period, while leased warehouse space increased 19 per cent year-on-year to approximately 37,000 sq m, reflecting sustained demand for industrial and logistics facilities.

Dr Raid Al Rubaiey, CEO of Sohar Freezone and Deputy CEO of Sohar Port, said the freezone continues to attract high-value industrial investments that support economic diversification and strengthen regional value chains in line with Oman Vision 2040.

“Our ambition extends beyond attracting investment; it is about creating lasting economic value through high-quality industrial development. We remain focused on attracting industries that build on Oman’s industrial base, deepen local and regional value chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. By continuously enhancing our investment environment, we are reinforcing Sohar’s role as a catalyst for industrial development and economic diversification in line with Oman Vision 2040,” he said.

Beyond business growth, Sohar expanded its community impact through nine corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that benefited more than 37,450 people. Healthcare and wellbeing programmes reached over 36,000 beneficiaries, while education and youth-focused initiatives engaged around 1,150 students. The fourth edition of the Maseer summer programme saw more than 400 students earn Ministry of Labour-accredited certifications in practical skills development.

The results underline Sohar’s growing role as a gateway for trade, investment and industrial development, while supporting Oman’s ambitions to strengthen its position in global logistics and manufacturing.

New plan empowers youth projects

Meanwhile, the “Ruwaj” programme has commenced in the Wilayat of Sohar, organised through cooperation between the Youth Centre and Sohar Port and Freezone. It is one of the qualitative programmes aimed at empowering owners of small commercial enterprises and youth products in North Al Batinah Governorate by building their capabilities and enhancing their readiness to enter the market.

The programme targets 100 young men and women in the age group of 20 to 34 years within an integrated track that combines specialised training and practical application to develop startups, enhance their competitiveness, and enable participants to transform their ideas and products into projects that are more prepared for growth and sustainability.

The programme comprises two main tracks: the first is the training and development track, which includes a series of specialised workshops in product building and development, market analysis, marketing, pricing strategies, persuasion and negotiation skills, brand identity design, product packaging, visual marketing, store management via social media platforms, along with the fundamentals of financial management for small enterprises.

As for the practical track, it concludes with the organisation of a mini trade exhibition that allows the best 30 participating projects to display and sell their products and services directly to the public. This provides them with a practical experience in a real market environment, contributes to enhancing their marketing skills, measures the readiness of their projects, and allows them to benefit from direct feedback from customers.

The programme is expected to contribute to raising the readiness level of youth projects, improving the quality of products and services, enhancing their market access opportunities, achieving direct sales for participants, and stimulating the sustainability and growth of their projects after the program’s conclusion.

The “Ruwaj” programme embodies the commitment of the Youth Centre and Sohar Port and Freezone to support initiatives that invest in the energy of youth and provide them with the necessary practical tools to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable economic projects, thereby enhancing youth contribution to economic and social development, and establishing a culture of self-employment and entrepreneurship in the Sultanate of Oman.