Manufacturing in Oman: metals, petrochemicals and industrial zones
How Oman's manufacturing sector is growing around Sohar, Rusayl, Nizwa and Duqm, from aluminium and steel to petrochemicals and food processing.
2026-10-19
Manufacturing is one of the sectors Oman relies on to diversify its economy, using its gas, minerals, ports and location to build export industries.
Key industries
- Aluminium: a large smelter at Sohar.
- Steel: steel plants in Sohar producing for the region and export.
- Petrochemicals and plastics: refineries and petrochemical plants in Sohar and Duqm.
- Fertilisers: plants near Sur using natural gas.
- Food processing: dairy, poultry, flour and packaged foods, including a food cluster at Sohar Port.
- Building materials: cement, glass, pipes and steel products.
Where industry is located
- Sohar industrial port and free zone.
- Industrial estates run by Madayn, including Rusayl near Muscat, Nizwa, Sur, Raysut in Salalah and others.
- Duqm special economic zone.
Incentives
Foreign companies can own 100% of manufacturing businesses, lease land in estates and free zones, and benefit from customs exemptions on raw materials and machinery, as well as tax incentives in special zones.
Jobs
Manufacturing employs engineers, operators and managers; Omanisation targets apply but international specialists remain in demand.
How R2LUX helps
Industrial professionals working in Rusayl and Sohar often choose homes in Muscat's western communities. Current listings are below.
Mining in Oman: copper, chromite, gypsum and limestone
Logistics and ports in Oman: Sohar, Salalah and Duqm
Customs in Oman: allowances for travellers and import rules for business
