An operator is being sought to run Oman’s first ‘dry port,’ a major logistics area in the sultanate's South Al Batinah Governorate.

A request for Expressions of Interest (EoI) floated by the South Al Batinah Logistics Area (Sabla) has already begun to bring significant interest from local and international companies, said the Oman Observer report.

“A successful bidder is expected to be awarded a licence for the lease and operation of this inland port facility during this year,” Ahmed bin Said al Azkawi, project manager, was quoted as saying.

The initiative, covering a 95-sq-km site at the intersection of the Barka-Nakhl and Muscat-Batinah Expressway, is expected to play a major role in positioning the Sultanate as a logistics gateway serving the wider Gulf and Middle East region.

It will also go a long way in addressing the need for modern logistics infrastructure and services in the Sultanate, said the report.

It is also expected to catalyse the growth of a new urban development in the long term, that in turn will fuel non-oil economic investment and employment generation.

The plan includes dedicated areas for logistics, commercial activities, light industrial, residential and supporting services within Sabla.

The initial phase will also include facilities for supporting services including truck service centres, restaurants, office space, administration buildings, and the Dry Port.

The deadline for the EoI has been set for February 15.