12 New Marine Pier Licences Issued: Key Opportunities for Investors and Business Owners in Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology granted 12 licences last year to 11 companies for the management and operation of marine piers dedicated to tourism and commercial activities outside traditional ports. This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to regulate the sector and enhance maritime safety standards.
The licences were issued after companies fulfilled the regulatory requirements governing the establishment, management, and operation of marine piers outside ports. The goal is to elevate service quality, ensure compliance with maritime safety standards, and foster the development of Oman’s logistics and maritime industries.
Laila bint Ali al Batashi, Director of the Ports and Marine Docks Department at the ministry, explained that seven licences were allocated for tourism piers in the governorates of Muscat, Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Batinah South. Meanwhile, five licences were granted for commercial piers in Al Sharqiyah South and Musandam.
The regulatory framework includes three types of licences. The first is a conditional preliminary approval valid for one year, enabling investors to complete necessary procedures and obtain approvals from relevant authorities before commencing construction.
Once all approvals and engineering designs are finalized, investors can apply for a construction permit. In 2026, five construction permits were issued for marine piers in the wilayats of Taqah, Salalah, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Barka, and Al Duqm.
The third licence category covers management and operation, which are issued annually for commercial and tourism piers. Last year, five licences for commercial piers in Sur and Khasab were issued, with pier lengths ranging from 176 to 759 metres. Additionally, seven licences for tourism piers were granted in Muscat, Dibba, and Salalah, with lengths between 250 and 2,286 metres.
Al Batashi emphasized that licence holders must strictly adhere to maritime laws and safety regulations, maintain insurance coverage for their facilities, and obtain prior approval before undertaking any expansion works. Operators are also required to report incidents promptly and implement approved safety, security, and maintenance plans.
The regulations further mandate that vessels cannot dock without all necessary permits and that operations must be performed exclusively by authorized entities or personnel.
This licensing system is a key part of the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance port and maritime infrastructure, boost the competitiveness of the logistics sector, and support growth in tourism, trade, and industry throughout the Sultanate of Oman.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The issuance of 12 marine pier licences signals Oman’s strategic move to regulate and modernize its maritime infrastructure, enhancing safety and service quality. For businesses, this creates new opportunities in tourism and commercial maritime operations, but also demands strict compliance with regulations and safety standards. Smart investors should prioritize partnerships that leverage these licences to capitalize on Oman’s growing logistics and tourism sectors while ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory frameworks.
