Agricultural cities will enhance Oman’s self-sufficiency in food security and serve as hubs for agro-innovation and investment.
According to Dr. Masoud bin Sulaiman Al-Azri, Director General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, three agricultural cities are currently in the design phase. Their goal is to achieve self-sufficiency and boost national production, writes Kabir Yusuf for Observer.
In an interview with Observer on the sidelines of the opening of the “Food Security Laboratory 2025,” Al-Azri said that a 35-square-kilometer plot of land in Sohar has been allocated for the “Agro City” project. He mentioned that the feasibility study for this project will be completed by the end of the year. These cities are expected to become key milestones in the development of Oman’s agri-food sector, contributing to national income growth, job creation for local youth, and attracting new investments.
“In Sohar, we plan an agricultural city covering 35 square kilometers, and the feasibility report will be ready by the end of this year in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. We are working together on this project, which will combine agriculture, industry, and housing in one place. These cities will help Oman achieve food self-sufficiency, reduce imports, increase exports to other countries, and expand employment opportunities in line with the Vision 2040 program,” said Dr. Al-Azri.
Dr. Al-Azri also noted the growing flow of foreign direct investment into agriculture, with interest coming from investors in various countries.
The opening ceremony of the Food Security Laboratory was held under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al-Habsi. The two-week event brings together experts from both the public and private sectors to share insights as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the food security system and achieve the goals of Vision 2040.
Asma Al-Hinai, head of the Vision 2040 Department at the Ministry, explained that the Laboratory focuses on five key areas:
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attracting additional investment opportunities,
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addressing challenges in existing projects,
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ensuring sustainable development through financing, insurance, and agricultural digitalization,
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food security, and
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strategic vision and human resources development in the sector.
In addition, several projects are being reviewed to support farmers and fishermen.
Speaking about public-private partnerships, Amin Mohammed, Managing Director of SeaPride LLC, said that the private sector has received strong government support, simplifying paperwork and expanding business opportunities in Oman. Fisheries play a key role in Oman Vision 2040, with a focus on value addition, regulatory measures such as minimum catch requirements, and diversification into aquaculture.
Mohammed emphasized the importance of aquaculture in providing essential proteins and production stability, noting Oman’s vast land resources as an attractive factor for potential investors.
