Al Wusta Governorate boosts Oman's food security with investments worth OMR857 million

Al Wusta Governorate is making a significant push to bolster Oman's food security, earmarking OMR857 million for development projects by the end of 2026. This strategic investment aims to harness the governorate's prime location and natural assets, fostering an integrated system designed to increase production, advance food industries, and attract high-quality investments in line with the national Oman Vision 2040 objectives.

Eng. Abdullatif bin Mohammed Al Balushi, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Wusta, detailed that current investments in food security initiatives across fisheries, livestock, and agriculture exceed OMR655 million. Further solidifying this commitment, new investment agreements valued at OMR202 million have been signed for aquaculture projects, focusing on shrimp and sea cucumber production, alongside the cultivation of onions and animal feed. These additions will bring the total investment in the sector to approximately OMR857 million by the close of 2026.

Al Balushi highlighted the governorate's distinct advantages, including a 700-kilometer coastline along the Arabian Sea and its strategic proximity to the Port of A’Duqm Port and Special Economic Zone. The availability of suitable sites for fish farming and a stable marine environment provide a robust foundation for industrial projects that directly support food security goals. These factors have positioned Al Wusta as a leader in artisanal fishing output, contributing significantly to Oman's food security and the export of marine products.

The fisheries sector alone hosts 55 industrial and investment facilities, representing an investment of about OMR79 million. These facilities are involved in canning, processing, packaging, fish oil production, and other value-added industries. Infrastructure development is also a key focus, with ongoing projects including the expansion of fishing ports, the establishment of fish markets and ice factories, and the creation of residential complexes for fishermen and cold storage facilities. A new sea fishing port in the Wilayat of Mahout is also approved, with an estimated cost of OMR37 million.

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Al Wusta Governorate boasts comparative advantages that enhance its ability to attract investments, most notably the governorate’s coastal 700-km stretch along the Arabian Sea, its proximity to the Port of A’Duqm Port and Special Economic Zone, the availability of suitable sites for fish farming and the stability of its marine environment, which all constitute an integrated base for establishing industrial projects that support food security.