Oman’s industrial estates had attracted investment to the tune of RO6 billion ($15.5 billion) till the first half of 2016, the chief executive officer of Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) was quoted in a report.

“The number of projects in various industrial estates has touched 1,688, of which 277 projects are under construction, and 349 projects have been allotted land,” Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani was quoted in the Times of Oman report.

“It is expected that a large portion of these projects will initiate their operational processes in the near future.”

PEIE attracted investments of RO228 million in various industrial estates during the first half of 2016,he said, adding that by the end of the first half of 2016, it had provided more than 46,000 job opportunities, of which 17,000 were for locals.

The leased area in the various industrial estates pertaining to the PEIE had touched 33.2 million sq m during the first half of 2016, he noted.

“The PEIE’s tender regulations have been published in the official gazette in the beginning of this year. This will give PEIE the flexibility in providing services in its industrial estates in accordance with the best management practices,” Al Hasani said.

“A master plan has been prepared for the Sohar Industrial Estate, taking into account the current seven phases and the surrounding developments. The master plan covers both, basic infrastructure and social welfare, such as housing, recreational and commercial facilities which are required to support the industrial activities,” Al Hasani added.