Transport & Logistics

Oman continues to capitalise on its geographical position, increasingly establishing itself as a major trans-shipment centre for traffic between Europe, Africa and Asia with ongoing development and expansion plans at various ports in the sultanate, particularly at Duqm where a new port and dry-dock are being developed. Coordinating this maritime-based growth with land and air-side growth is also under way, with the 2011-15 five-year development plan earmarking $15.5bn for the national rail project; $6.2bn for airport expansion; and $3.1bn for road network development. Plans to connect the national railway project with the GCC-wide rail network will boost integration in the region, while airport and road expansions will solidify Oman’s growing reputation as a logistics hub and encourage the sultanate’s growing tourism sector. This chapter contains interviews with Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, Minister for Transport & Communications; and Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO, Oman Air.