Sohar Freezone has been recognised as Industrial Zone of the Year 2026 – Middle East in fDi Magazine’s Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2026. 

The freezone also ranked fourth globally, maintaining its position among the world’s top five free zones for the second consecutive year. It secured sixth place globally for AI Readiness and tenth place for Investor Aftercare. 

The recognition highlights the competitiveness of Sohar Freezone’s investment environment and the strength of its integrated port and freezone ecosystem, connecting investors to infrastructure, logistics services and global markets while supporting businesses at every stage of their growth.

Strategic location

Sohar Port and Freezone’s strategic location on the Gulf of Oman is a key competitive advantage, supported by international maritime connectivity and access to major markets through Oman’s network of trade agreements. Together, these advantages provide investors with opportunities to serve markets across the GCC, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Dr Raid Al Rubaiey, CEO of Sohar Port and Freezone, said: “Investment decisions today go beyond cost and location. Investors are looking for business resilience, efficient access to markets, regulatory clarity and a base from which they can serve multiple markets. At Sohar Port and Freezone, we bring these advantages together through an integrated industrial and logistics ecosystem that enables businesses to establish, operate and expand with confidence.” 

He added: “Our focus extends from attracting new investment to building lasting industrial partnerships, supporting the growth of existing businesses and strengthening their connections to global value chains and supply networks. This recognition encourages us to keep improving our services and strengthening Sohar’s competitiveness as trade and industry evolve, creating lasting value for investors and Oman’s economy.”

Supporting businesses

Sohar Freezone’s tenth-place global ranking for Investor Aftercare highlights its commitment to supporting businesses throughout their establishment, operation and expansion. Investors benefit from a regulatory framework offering long-term investment incentives, including 100% foreign ownership and customs exemptions in accordance with applicable legislation. These advantages are complemented by Tas’heel, Sohar’s digital platform for facilitating investor transactions, simplifying procedures and improving service efficiency.

Building on these strengths, Sohar Freezone continues to attract international investment in advanced and sustainable industries, contributing to Oman Vision 2040, expanding the country’s industrial base and strengthening its integration into global value chains. 

Recent investments include MAK Germany’s approximately $550 million project to relocate existing purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production facilities from the Port of Rotterdam to Sohar Port and Freezone.

Dr Said bin Khalifa Al Quraini, Director General of Investment Sector Development at the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), said: “This recognition highlights the important role of Sohar Freezone and Oman’s progress in creating an investment environment built on clear and stable policies, competitive infrastructure and coordinated government support. As global investors become more selective, they are looking for destinations where they can invest with confidence for the long term. Oman’s approach is focused on building that confidence while developing investment platforms such as Sohar Port and Freezone, which connect international investment with industrial growth, trade and economic diversification.”

Digital capabilities

Sohar Freezone’s sixth-place global ranking for AI Readiness reflects continued progress in strengthening digital capabilities and adopting technologies that improve operational efficiency and service delivery. Key initiatives include MARASI, Sohar’s Port Management Information System, which has contributed to a 15% reduction in vessel turnaround times, and MAKAN, an interactive geographic information system that allows investors to explore industrial land and assess potential project locations remotely.

Alongside these digital capabilities, Sohar Port and Freezone benefits from its integration with Oman’s national transport and logistics network, connecting businesses to regional and international markets through maritime and road infrastructure. Future rail connectivity through the Hafeet Rail project will further strengthen logistics links between Oman and the United Arab Emirates, providing greater flexibility in the movement of goods and more efficient access to key markets.

This achievement has been made possible through the support of OPAZ and ASYAD Group, and in collaboration with investors and partners who continue to strengthen Sohar’s position as a destination for global industries and investment.—TradeArabia News Service