Transport

After many years of building up the transport system – and with over $11bn in the budget for hard infrastructure projects during the 2011-2015 period – the next few years promise significant transformation for Oman’s transport sector. A number of large-scale developments are in the pipeline, and a proposed new railway connecting Oman with other GCC countries is expected to create capacity for 8800 tonnes of freight daily. The authorities are also diversifying port infrastructure to ensure each sector of the economy can benefit more fully. In addition, Muscat International Airport is gearing up for major capacity upgrades to cope with the 18% year-on-year increase in arrivals between August 2011 and August 2012. These are, therefore, highly exciting times for the sector, with major developments across the board creating opportunities not just for construction contractors, but also for logistics companies of all kinds. This chapter includes an interview with Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications.