Oman has achieved a major milestone on the global investment stage, as the Financial Times’ fDi Magazine has ranked Sohar Freezone among the world’s top three free zones in its October/November 2025 edition.
The ranking reflects significant improvements in Sohar Freezone’s operational performance, service efficiency, sector diversification, and investment competitiveness. An international arbitration committee evaluated global free zones against criteria including infrastructure, legislation, incentives, governance, innovation, sustainability, and economic impact — with Sohar emerging as one of the strongest performers worldwide.
The report also officially added the Duqm Special Economic Zone to the fDi database, recognising its growing role as an emerging industrial and logistics hub and underscoring Oman’s rising presence in global investment rankings.
This achievement strengthens Oman’s position as a competitive logistics and industrial centre strategically connected to Asian and African markets and major international shipping routes. It also reflects growing investor confidence in the Sultanate’s stable, transparent, and forward-looking business environment.
Sohar Freezone’s commitment to sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation — including support for environmentally friendly industries and adoption of smart electronic platforms — continues to enhance its competitiveness and contribution to national economic growth.
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has recommended forming a national team to prepare a unified file for the 2026 global rankings to further advance Oman’s international standing and monitor the impact on investment flows.