Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law to boost investor confidence in Oman economy

MUSCAT: His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones appreciated the the issuance of the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. (38/ 2025).

“This Law aligns with the efforts of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to enhance the investment environment and make economic zones and free zones more attractive for the localization of quality projects,” HE Dr. Ali Sunaidi said in an interview.

He also stated that the new law seeks to enhance investor confidence by standardizing the legislative framework of these zones. “This includes harmonizing guarantees, benefits, incentives, exemptions, and facilities provided to economic activities within these areas. Additionally, it offers certain privileges to strategic projects to increase flexibility and appeal for high-quality investments,” he said.

“The new law has kept pace with developments in the special economic zones and free zones sector to reflect investors’ aspirations. The law allows for simplifying and facilitating procedures through the one-stop system, through which all approvals, permits, licenses, and certificates related to practicing economic activities in special economic zones and free zones are issued,” he explained.

The new law provides effective tools to link the stages of tax exemption to employment, increasing local content and attracting high-value-added projects. The new Law introduces provisions regarding the regulation of real estate development projects in special economic zones, allowing real estate developers to offer residential units for sale under the “freehold” system, which constitutes a new addition to the various sectors of economic activities in the special economic zones, and leads to the revitalization of these zones by attracting a larger number of residents, and developing public facilities and services in these zones.