Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Signs Agreements in the Roads and Ports Sector

The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology signed three agreements in the roads and ports sector. The ministry signed an agreement for the design and construction of a new road linking the Wilayat of Wadi Bani Khalid in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate with Al Raseed Trading & Contracting Company for a period of 24 months. The project also includes the construction of box culverts at the entrance of Siq in the Wilayat of Al Kamil and Al Wafi in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

 

The ministry will construct a new 9.2 km road to replace the current route passing through Wadi Bani Khalid’s steep terrain, running through the surrounding mountain range near the center of the wilayat. The new road will feature two lanes, each 3.5 meters wide, with 1.5-meter-wide asphalt shoulders on both sides, in addition to 1-meter-wide dirt shoulders.

 

The project will be constructed according to the approved standards outlined in the 2017 Road Design Manual and will include all road safety requirements, such as concrete and metal barriers, directional signs, and ground markings. The road will be suitable for all weather conditions. Once completed, the project will provide a permanent solution to the problem of road closures caused by landslides and flash floods during rainfall. It will also improve the flow of logistics and tourism traffic, strengthen social connections, and boost commercial and economic activities with other wilayats of the Sultanate of Oman.

 

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology by His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, while Mr. Othman bin Said Al Mahri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Raseed Trading & Contracting Company, signed on behalf of the company.

 

Additionally, the ministry signed an agreement with Security & Safety Services Corporation for the management and operation of tunnels on the Sharqiyah Expressway. The project includes the management, operation, and maintenance of two tunnels and associated buildings around the for five years, plus one month for preparations. The project covers the management and operation of systems such as SCADA, fire suppression, surveillance, traffic, and security systems, as well as routine management of the main building and security facilities.

 

The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by His Excellency Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shammakhi, Undersecretary for Transport, and on behalf of the Security & Safety Services Corporation by Major General Abdullah bin Ali Al Harithi, Chairman of the Board.

 

On another note, the ministry and Asyad Group, represented by Asyad Ports Company, signed a framework agreement for a six-month feasibility study to develop, manage, and operate Sultan Qaboos Port, paving the way for a long-term agreement. The agreement includes a feasibility study and a plan for operational and commercial development phases for the port, as well as infrastructure enhancements to accommodate tourism and commercial activities. It also explores the possibility of partnering with one or more strategic local partners to manage and develop the port.

 

The agreement outlines a master development plan, including the redesign of port facilities in line with the government’s future vision for the port and its role in the overall logistics and tourism ecosystem in Oman. The development plan consists of three phases: the first phase involves the rehabilitation of the port’s infrastructure, the second phase focuses on updating equipment and operational systems, and the third phase includes the construction of an additional berth to accommodate large cruise ships.

 

Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqer, Director General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, highlighted that this agreement aims to enhance economic and social development in Oman and underscores the importance of developing Sultan Qaboos Port as a key project contributing to national goals. He added that the agreement complements the ministry’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the port’s development in line with the government’s aspirations to position it as a prominent tourism destination.

 

Omar bin Mahmood Al Mahrizi, CEO of Asyad Ports Company,, commented, “We appreciate the trust placed in us by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, and we reaffirm our full commitment to continuing to enhance the operational efficiency of Sultan Qaboos Port, in line with the rapid growth of maritime tourism in Oman. This trust serves as a strong motivation for us to contribute to the development of this vital port and to strengthen its role as a key driver in supporting the national economy.”

 

The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by Mr. Muhanna bin Moosa bin Baqir, Director General of Ports, and on behalf of Asyad Ports Company by Omar bin Mahmood Al Mahrizi.