The UAE and Oman have signed an agreement to jointly develop and operate the first phase of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Mahadha, Al Buraimi Governorate.
Initially covering 14 sq. km, and with plans to expand to 25 sq. km, the zone aims to become a major hub for cross-border trade and industrial activity.
The project will be led by Mahadha Development Company, a UAE-Oman joint venture tasked with infrastructure development, master planning, environmental studies, and initial design.
The zone will benefit from direct links to Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Omani ports, with targeted sectors including manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, mining, and safety services.
The initiative builds on growing bilateral trade, which reached a record $15bn in non-oil exchange in 2024.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer