Oman Sugar Refinery Set for Commissioning: Implications for Business Growth and Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT, OCT 23 — Oman is on the brink of a significant milestone with the nearing operational readiness of its first sugar refinery at Sohar Port and Freezone. This facility will enable the domestic production of commercial white sugar, significantly reducing the Sultanate’s reliance on sugar imports.
The state-of-the-art refinery is currently undergoing final preparations for commissioning, led by German technology provider BMA. "A team of BMA engineers and technicians is on-site to support the commissioning of the Oman Sugar Refinery. We are excited to see this project, initiated in 2021, nearing completion," BMA stated in a recent post.
The primary investor in the Oman Sugar Refinery is Nasser bin Ali Al Hosni, a prominent Omani entrepreneur who also manages sugar factories in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Upon reaching full capacity, the Sohar facility is expected to produce 3,000 tonnes of refined white sugar daily, totaling 1 million tonnes annually. The sugar will meet a quality rating of 45 ICUMSA, aligning with international standards for purity and color.
In preparation for the refinery’s launch, the first shipment of raw sugar, approximately 90,000 tonnes, arrived from Brazil in August. BMA has been involved with the project since 2019, initially handling basic engineering along with portions of detailed engineering. In May 2021, the company signed a contract to supply equipment and oversee the assembly and commissioning of the refinery, which included key machinery such as juice purification systems, evaporators, and automation technology.
This project has been designed with a focus on low energy consumption, high sugar yield, efficient operation, and adherence to strict environmental regulations, all meeting BMA’s stringent quality standards.
A notable feature of the refinery is its 46-metre-tall DomeSilo, an innovative structure with a diameter of 38 metres, capable of storing 30,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar. Engineered by Dome Technology, this facility integrates storage, bagging, and export operations, minimizing the need for separate large warehouses.
After refinement, the sugar undergoes drying to eliminate moisture before being transferred to a distributor for storage in the dome. The retrieval process is designed to be both efficient and dust-free, utilizing gravity to move the sugar through hoppers onto conveyor belts, which then transport it to the packaging area for shipment.
The dome provides significant advantages for sugar storage, including excellent moisture protection, temperature control, aeration systems, explosion safety features, and food-grade safety standards. These attributes ensure the integrity of the product, allowing for extended storage without contamination or quality degradation.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The completion of Oman’s first sugar refinery represents a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in essential food production, reducing reliance on imports. This development creates opportunities for local businesses in distribution and retail, while also positioning Oman as a potential exporter of high-quality sugar. Investors and entrepreneurs should consider the implications of this new supply chain capability and explore partnerships in related sectors, like logistics and food processing, to capitalize on the emerging market dynamics.
