Oman Logistics Sector Guide
Oman’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe positions it as a natural logistics hub. The logistics sector is a cornerstone of Vision 2040’s economic diversification strategy, with the National Logistics Strategy (ASYAD) driving integration of port, air, road, and rail networks into a seamless multimodal transport system.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Major Commercial Ports | 4 (Sohar, Salalah, Duqm, Muscat) |
| Container Throughput | ~5 million TEUs annually |
| Free Zones | 4 major zones |
| Road Network | ~32,000 km |
| International Airports | 2 (Muscat, Salalah) |
Port Infrastructure
Port of Salalah ranks among the top container ports globally and serves as a major transshipment hub on the Indian Ocean trade route. Port of Sohar combines an industrial port with a free zone attracting heavy industry. Port of Duqm is the centrepiece of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, designed for heavy and medium industry, dry dock services, and logistics.
ASYAD Group
ASYAD Group, the national logistics company, integrates shipping, port operations, free zones, dry docks, and logistics services under one umbrella. It manages Oman’s port assets and drives the strategic development of the logistics ecosystem. ASYAD’s mandate includes attracting foreign investment and developing Omani talent in the logistics sector.
Free Zones
Free zones in Sohar, Salalah, Duqm, and Al Mazunah offer investors 100 percent foreign ownership, tax exemptions, customs duty relief, and streamlined regulatory procedures. These zones are integrated with port infrastructure to facilitate import-export operations and value-added manufacturing.
Road and Rail Development
Oman’s road network connects all major cities and economic centres. The planned Oman National Railway will link Sohar to the UAE border and extend to Duqm, creating a freight corridor for minerals and industrial goods. The Batinah Expressway and Muscat-Sohar Highway have significantly reduced transit times.
Investment Opportunities
Priority areas include warehousing and cold chain facilities, last-mile delivery services, digital logistics platforms, third-party logistics providers, and ship repair and maritime services at Duqm dry dock.