The Salalah Free Zone has signed a usufruct agreement with Advanced Packaging Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Essa Holding, to establish an industrial project specialising in carbonated beverages, juices and energy drinks.
The investment in the Salalah Free Zone totals OMR 3.85 million (about US$10 million) and the project will cover approximately 25,500 square metres, including an existing facility and additional land to support operations and future expansion. The project forms part of efforts to diversify economic activity and increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
According to Salalah Free Zone CEO Dr Ali bin Mohammed Tabouk, the project supports the zone’s food and beverage industry and benefits from its location and links to the Port of Salalah for access to local, GCC, East African and Asian markets.
Mohammed Ali Al-Essa, Chairman of Al-Essa Holding, said the factory, the company’s third after two in Saudi Arabia, will target the Omani market and export to Yemen and Africa. Production is expected to begin within six months, creating direct and indirect jobs, while the company is also considering a cardboard box factory in Muscat and relocating a third beverage production line to Oman.