Muscat: Khazaen Economic City, the master developer of the largest public-private-partnership project in Oman, has awarded the first construction package to Galfar Engineering & Contracting for OMR 9.2 million.

Galfar is expected to begin construction in October of this year and will be responsible for developing 10 km of asphalt roads, a streetlight network, 15km of stormwater channels, and a 22km potable water network including the main water transmission line and storage tanks. The project is scheduled for completion within 12 months.

Khalid Awadh Al-Balushi, Chief Executive Officer of Khazan Economic City, said: “The development of a high-quality infrastructure network at Khazaen Economic City demonstrates our commitment to this project and will serve as an important catalyst for growth – attracting investors and tenants alike.

The first phase of development will open up an area of 3 million square metres, representing a major investment opportunity in one of the Sultanate’s key infrastructure initiatives. We encourage all interested parties, both foreign and domestic, to submit investment applications at the earliest available opportunity.”

Eng. Salim Al Thuhli, General Manager of Project at Khazaen Economic City, added: “The awarding of this initial infrastructure contract will enable and support the development of all subsequent initiatives and projects at Khazaen, and establishes fully serviced platforms for local and international investors. Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Khazaen project is well underway, and is being conducted in line with the highest international standards. We look forward eagerly to the completion of this phase, which is expected within the next 10 months.”

The award of the contract to Galfar Engineering & Contracting, which has been linked to a number of the largest and most prominent public and private construction projects in the Sultanate, follows the announcement of the detailed master plan for Khazaen Economic City last month.

Khazaen is strategically located in Barka, between Muscat and Sohar, and will cover an area of ​​52 square kilometres in its first stage. The city will serve as Oman’s northern logistics hub, connecting many key development projects across the Sultanate via its extensive dry port facilities. Khazaen will also host dedicated areas for commercial, industrial, and residential use, whilst also providing the residents of the wider region with new health, education and leisure facilities.

Khazaen Economic City is the master developer of a world-class fully-integrated economic city over 52 million square metres, located 60km north of Muscat.

Over the coming 20 years, Khazaen is expected to attract various local and foreign direct investments into the city.

The new economic city will include a dry port along with residential, commercial, and industrial zones, as well as a business hub. Khazaen will be developed in several phases to become an integrated city, located strategically between Oman’s capital and Sohar free zone.