Prime Location & Vision 2040
Situated just outside the Strait of Hormuz, Oman serves as a vital junction for global trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe—offering a fast lane around Gulf congestion. As part of Vision 2040, logistics has become a cornerstone for economic diversification, aiming to boost GDP, generate jobs, and attract overseas investment.
SOLS 2040 Roadmap
The “Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy 2040” (SOLS 2040), spearheaded by state-owned Asyad Group, lays out a strategy to catapult Oman into top-10 global logistics hubs. It includes:
Modernizing ports, airports, and roads
Streamlining customs and trade processes
Digitizing operations
Developing a skilled workforce
Promoting sustainable (green) logistics
Infrastructure Boosts
Ports:
Duqm: New terminal (26k TEU, 600 reefer + remote cranes), anchored in a special economic zone.
Salalah: Expanded to 6.5m TEU with new cranes and infrastructure (WS ranked #2 globally in 2023 CPPI).
Sohar: Container depot expanded from 3 to 5 hectares to meet rising demand.
Roads: OR 1 billion invested in new highways and repairs—including the 564 km Saudi–Oman route—plus planned logistics hubs across key governorates.
Airports: Civil Aviation Authority’s National Aviation Strategy 2040 paves the way for six new airports by 2029, increasing connectivity and supporting air cargo growth.
Economic Impact & Ambitions
Logistics contributed 7% of GDP in 2023, about $4.4bn through September 2024.
In 2022, the sector generated OR 2 billion ($5.2 bn); 60% from land transport, 30% from storage, 6.7% water, and 3.2% air.
Aiming to create 300,000 logistics jobs by 2040 and increase sector revenue via government program to OR 2.5 billion ($6.5 bn) by 2025.
In 2021, Oman was honored by UNCTAD for having the world’s fastest container turnaround (~12.5 hours in port, 90% cleared in under 1 hour).
Path Forward
With ambitious infrastructure upgrades and a focus on digital and green logistics, Oman is well-positioned to solidify its place as a global logistics leader—provided it attracts private investment and embraces public–private partnerships.
Source: oxfordbusinessgroup.com
