Madayn Attracts RO 272 Million in Food Investments: What This Means for Entrepreneurs and Investors in Oman
MUSCAT: The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has reported investments in the food sector surpassing RO 272 million, highlighting the growing significance of food manufacturing as a cornerstone of Oman’s industrial and food security strategy.
Khalid Al Salehi, Director General of Marketing and Commercial Affairs at Madayn, noted that the industrial cities managed by Madayn currently host 121 projects in the food sector. This figure emphasizes the strategic importance of the sector, with 28 new food projects established in 2025 alone, reflecting sustained investor confidence and the sector’s critical role in enhancing national food security.
Al Salehi also highlighted Madayn’s efforts to bolster integration between industrial and agricultural activities. Notably, he announced the ‘Madayn Agriculture’ Initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. This initiative aims to introduce greenhouse projects within selected industrial cities, thereby supporting local production, enhancing export capacity, and strengthening food security.
Discussions on improving efficiency within food supply chains emphasized innovation and sustainability, particularly in waste reduction. Lamya Al Habsi, Marketing Director at ZabonEx, shared insights into the company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain management via its B2B SaaS platform.
She referenced data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicating that nearly 40 percent of food products are wasted at the retail and distribution stages. ZabonEx’s AI-driven platform analyzes inventory and sales data to predict actual demand at the store level, which helps to optimize supply volumes, reduce losses, and improve operational efficiency.
“The platform empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions that significantly reduce waste while enhancing profitability,” Al Habsi stated, adding that such solutions align with global sustainability goals and the progression toward a circular economy.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ayman Al Fudhaili, CEO of the Industrial Innovation Academy. The panel included Ahmed Al Ghafri, Chief Corporate Communication Officer at Mazoon Dairy; Ayman Al Hasani, Board Member of Al Khamayil; Zain Akhtar, Associate Director of Business Development at NielsenIQ; and Ron van den Dungen, Chief Commercial Officer at BRS Green.
Discussions centered on brand trust, Oman’s competitive investment landscape in the food sector, and the increasing significance of modern agricultural and industrial technologies. Panelists emphasized the necessity for closer collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders to promote innovation and create a more resilient food ecosystem.
These discussions and networking events took place as part of Madayn’s participation in Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, reinforcing Oman’s presence in the global food industry and supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 through sustainable industrial growth and economic diversification.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent investment of over RO 272 million in Oman’s food sector signals a pivotal opportunity for businesses to tap into a rapidly expanding industry, especially given the emphasis on food security and sustainability. Investors and entrepreneurs should consider the substantial potential in the incorporation of technology, such as AI-driven supply chain solutions, which not only enhance operational efficiency but also align with global sustainability goals. As the sector evolves, aligning with initiatives like the Madayn Agriculture Initiative could mitigate risks and amplify competitive advantages in a burgeoning market.
