Oman is expected to release tenders within weeks for the construction of roads and utilities for the first phase of a 95-square-kilometre integrated logistics hub in the South al-Batinah governorate.

Called Khazaen, the proposed logistics hub is being developed by Oman Logistics Company (Olco), a government-owned entity.

The public-private partnership (PPP) model is being seen to play a significant role in the development of the hub. An invitation for expressions of interest (EoIs) has been released for partnership proposals from investors towards the development of warehouses, hotels, commercial towers and potentially residential buildings within the proposed location, according to a report by local media.

However, it is understood a final decision on the procurement model for the roads and utilities segments has yet to be reached.

A dry inland port is envisaged to form the anchor of the hub. It is understood that bids for the operation and maintenance contract for the dry port are currently under evaluation, with an award expected in May.

“The project started out as a government initiative… to transform logistics into an economically viable sector and attract investors in all aspects of logistics activities,” said Ahmed bin Said al-Azkawi, acting CEO at Olco.