Consortiums Compete for Key Livestock Biosecurity PPP Project: What It Means for Oman’s Agribusiness Investors
MUSCAT, APRIL 27 — Several local and international consortiums are vying for a concession to implement Oman’s first integrated biosecurity project for the livestock sector. This initiative, launched under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, aims to bolster the nation’s food security framework.
The deadline for submitting Statements of Qualification (SOQs) was April 26, 2026, reflecting strong interest in this strategic national project. The selected concessionaire will be responsible for designing, developing, financing, operating, maintaining, and ultimately transferring a network of modern Animal Quarantine Centres (AQCs) and related infrastructure.
Three sites have been earmarked for development: Raysut in Salalah, Al Suwaiq in North Al Batinah, and Al Buraimi. Together, these facilities are projected to handle over 2 million animals annually, significantly enhancing Oman’s capacity to manage livestock imports and mitigate disease risks.
The project will proceed in phases, combining new construction with the upgrading and replacement of existing facilities. Notably, the current Sa’al quarantine facility at Al Suwaiq will be replaced initially by a new centre with the same capacity to ensure uninterrupted service, before expanding to about 3.5 times its current size.
In Al Buraimi, a new land-border quarantine centre dedicated to camel quarantine and cross-border livestock trade will be established on a 41,990 square metre site with an estimated investment of RO 2 million. Raysut will feature a larger facility spanning approximately 188,125 square metres, with an indicative investment of RO 8 million. The Al Suwaiq site, covering around 197,629 square metres, is expected to attract an investment of approximately RO 4 million.
Technical advisory support during the project’s feasibility and design phases is provided by Prime Consulting International Ltd, a UK-based firm specializing in agriculture, infrastructure, and development advisory services, in partnership with Altra Capital, an investment firm focused on project structuring and financing in infrastructure and sustainable development.
The SOQ evaluation will focus on bidders’ technical and operational capabilities, including experience with quarantine, agricultural or veterinary facilities, and expertise in design, construction, facilities management, and adherence to biosecurity standards.
Given that Oman’s livestock imports primarily originate from the Horn of Africa and are transported via the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, the project is expected to establish robust safety mechanisms to minimize disease risks. This will help maintain a stable supply and avoid upward pressure on prices of essential livestock products.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The launch of Oman’s first integrated biosecurity project through a PPP model signals a strategic shift towards safeguarding national food security and strengthening livestock trade resilience. This creates significant opportunities for businesses and investors in agriculture, infrastructure, and veterinary services to engage in a high-impact, long-term project with substantial government backing. Smart investors should consider the growing demand for advanced biosecurity solutions and infrastructure, while entrepreneurs could leverage emerging partnerships and technology-driven approaches to enhance operational efficiencies and disease prevention in the livestock sector.
