Oman outlines fisheries and agriculture investment pipeline for Duqm and Dhofar
Six fisheries projects planned for Duqm’s industrial zone. New agricultural sites identified across Dhofar governorate
OMAN – Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has announced a package of new fisheries and agricultural investment opportunities aimed at expanding industrial seafood processing in Duqm and commercial farming activities across Dhofar.
The ministry said the first phase of the programme, developed with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, will introduce six fisheries-related investment projects within the Fisheries Industries Zone in Duqm.
At the centre of the plan is the creation of six dedicated fish processing facilities designed to connect fishing operations with onshore processing and manufacturing activities in a single production chain.
According to the ministry, the proposed plants will include facilities for canning sardines, small pelagic fish and tuna, as well as units focused on filleting, freezing and producing packaged seafood products for retail and export markets.
Officials said the approach is intended to move the sector away from reliance on raw fish sales by expanding industrial processing capacity and reducing losses between harvesting and final distribution.
The ministry added that Duqm has been selected for the projects due to its port infrastructure, logistics links and availability of industrial land suitable for large-scale seafood operations.
Authorities expect the fisheries investments to create direct and indirect employment, provide business opportunities for small and medium enterprises and allow fishermen to participate in higher value segments of the supply chain.
Floating processing facility launched
In parallel with the new project announcements, the ministry confirmed the start of operations at a floating seafood processing and freezing factory operated by Oceans Fish Company.
The offshore facility, which represents an investment of about US$20.0mn (RO7.7mn), is designed to process and freeze fish at sea before transporting finished products directly to market through Duqm Port.
Officials said the system reduces handling time, maintains product quality and connects Omani seafood more efficiently with international buyers through modern shipping services.
Agricultural projects identified in Dhofar
Alongside the fisheries initiatives, the ministry disclosed 16 agricultural investment opportunities covering roughly 1,813 acres across Thumrait, Muqshin, Shalim, Mirbat and the Hallaniyat Islands.
The sites are earmarked for projects including grain and legume cultivation, mango and citrus farming, sesame production, date palm plantations, dairy operations, prickly pear farming and water purification and bottling plants.
According to the ministry, the agricultural projects are structured to improve land and water management while expanding domestic food production capacity in the governorate.
Officials said investors will be selected based on defined technical and financial requirements and will have access to incentives such as streamlined licensing procedures, tax exemptions and long-term land usufruct arrangements.
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