Salalah Free Zone aims to create 21, 000 jobs in the next three years on the back of new diversification policies, and expansion plans being implemented in the country that are already attracting major investors to the free zone.

These jobs will also help the Sultanate get closer to its Omanisation plans by employing talented and skilled local human resources.

“The free zone is currently holding a joint meeting for a project to provide 21,000 job opportunities during the next three years, in co-operation with the companies investing in the free zone along with employment training programmes. This will be done through the academy of the free zone,” the statement said.

Ali Tabouk, CEO of the Salalah Free Zone was also quoted as saying that their aim was to ensure that there is no gap in the jobseeker’s market in next three years.

The Salalah Free Zone has already attracted foreign direct investments with many major companies setting up shop and investments amounted to US$7.8bn. In May 2019, Salalah Free Zone signed a usufruct subcontract agreement for two projects in food and import-export trade sectors with an investment of $19mn.

Companies such as DHL, Dunes Oman, PGC Textile Corporation, Salalah Methanol Company, Oman Saltic FZCO, and Hind Aluminium already have a presence in the Free zone.

Earlier this month, His Highness Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and the Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, inaugurated the main building of the Salalah Free Zone.

The OMR13.4mn facility encompasses an area of ​​22,500Sqm and comprises seven floors including administrative offices and offices for rent. Ali bin Mohammed Tabuk, Chief Executive Officer of Salalah Free Zone had affirmed that the building is poised to provide world-class integrated services to investors and companies in a way that enhances workflow and service efficiency which in turn will contribute to raising the level of competitiveness and achieving the Sultanate’s sustainable development goals.