Madayn’s RO 245m Industrial City Projects 2026–2030: Key Opportunities for Investors and Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT: Eng. Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi, CEO of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), announced that the annual Omani Industry Day, observed on February 9, coincides this year with the unveiling of Madayn’s expanded phased plan for 2026–2030.
This plan is an integral part of the broader “Madayn 2040” strategic vision, which has been updated to align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Al Hadabi emphasized that through this initiative, Madayn aims to generate a lasting economic and developmental impact across all governorates of Oman. The plan directly supports Vision 2040’s pillars of a competitive economy and a sustainable environment, while addressing six national priorities and nine strategic objectives under the vision.
The phased plan for 2026–2030 centers on three strategic pillars: development and operations, institutional excellence, and environmental protection. It encompasses 24 institutional programmes and 90 strategic projects, designed through a practical methodology that links programmes with executable projects and measurable performance indicators. The plan takes into account institutional capabilities, the legislative and regulatory framework, and financial sustainability. Additionally, it is based on detailed analysis of development and operational gaps, assessments of regional and international competitive challenges, and evaluations of Madayn’s position in industrial value chains to ensure optimal resource allocation for maximum economic and developmental impact.
The 24 institutional programmes are categorized as follows: 10 under development and operations, focusing on infrastructure development, industrial city expansion, investment attraction, industry localisation, and SME empowerment; 11 under institutional excellence, covering organizational development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, human capital development, governance, performance measurement, and local content; and 3 under environmental protection, addressing renewable energy efficiency, circular economy and waste management, and environmental risk management.
Madayn plans to leverage several enablers and accelerators to implement the programmes, including advanced digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data analytics, innovation and entrepreneurship support in industrial and technology sectors, and public-private partnership models. The plan also emphasizes enhancing investment attractiveness through streamlined procedures and innovative incentives, alongside accelerating environmental sustainability initiatives, particularly renewable energy and circular economy projects.
The phased plan includes approximately 90 strategic projects aimed at developing infrastructure and services in existing and new industrial cities; establishing specialized industrial zones; improving the investor experience and ease of doing business; advancing digital and AI applications; supporting environmental sustainability; and promoting social responsibility and community development.
Key projects, with a total investment exceeding RO 245 million, include comprehensive rehabilitation and infrastructure upgrades at Suhar Industrial City; service enhancements and Phase 1 infrastructure work at Al Suwaiq Industrial City; integrated facility establishment and infrastructure rehabilitation at Al Wadi Al Kabir Industrial City; marine facility development and strengthened mining and petrochemical sectors at Sur Industrial City; residential area rehabilitation and Phase 5 expansion at Nizwa Industrial City; residential and commercial zone development at Al Rusayl Industrial City; Phase 4 implementation and commercial zone enhancement at Raysut Industrial City; infrastructure works at Al Mudhaibi and Thumrait Industrial Cities; integrated service facility establishment at Ibri Industrial City; and full infrastructure development for an integrated industrial environment at Madha Industrial City.
Additionally, Madayn aims to attract and establish several strategic quality projects between 2026 and 2030, including a 97 MW solar PV farm in Suhar Industrial City; an Integrated Economic Cluster for the mining sector; the completion and operation of Central 7 Building at Knowledge Oasis Muscat; and the development of the ‘Uptown’ integrated residential area in Al Rusayl Industrial City.
Using 2025 as a baseline, Madayn has set ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030: increasing private investments in industrial cities from RO 7.78 billion to RO 8.6 billion; expanding occupied areas from 34.6 million sqm to 38 million sqm; raising fully serviced land from 61.6 million sqm to 70 million sqm; increasing exports from RO 3.79 billion to RO 4.3 billion; boosting renewable energy consumption from 0% to 15% of total use in industrial cities; increasing Omani employee representation from 38% to 44%; and raising the percentage of Omanis in technical, specialized, and leadership roles from 42% to 50%.
Al Hadabi highlighted Madayn’s commitment to fostering a work environment rooted in values, excellence, and innovation. The 2026–2030 plan will focus on strengthening organizational culture as a strategic pillar to achieve institutional goals and reinforce identity. The framework aims to build an integrated workplace that enhances employee engagement, empowerment, transparent communication, innovation, and sustainability. Priorities over the next five years include streamlining procedures, promoting creative thinking, fostering a flexible culture adaptable to change, cultivating trust and shared responsibility, improving work-life balance, and leveraging modern technologies to enhance processes and outcomes.
Madayn will also advance its digital transformation strategy, transitioning from a traditional structure to an integrated system for institutional excellence. This includes embedding a culture of performance-based leadership, governance, and excellence, and launching digital projects to enhance management and services across industrial cities. Key initiatives include the IFS Cloud ERP system, ESRI ArcGIS, eMasar platform, ‘Durbah’ internal services and e-learning platforms, and engagement tools like ‘Your Opinion Matters’ and the Unified Channel platform. Website modernization and updated digital policies have elevated security and reliability standards. These efforts have contributed to Madayn achieving Level 2 certification under the EFQM model.
[Image caption: Eng. Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi, CEO – Madayn]
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The launch of Madayn’s expanded phased plan (2026–2030) aligned with Oman Vision 2040 presents significant opportunities for businesses in Oman through enhanced industrial infrastructure, digital transformation, and investment incentives, particularly in renewable energy and SMEs localization. However, businesses must adapt to increased environmental regulations and competitive challenges as the plan emphasizes sustainability and technological innovation. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now consider strategic partnerships, digital adoption, and sectors linked to renewable energy and advanced manufacturing to maximize growth within Oman’s evolving industrial landscape.
