Latest news with #SultanAhmedbinSulayem
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
PCFC and Government of Ghana sign MoU to establish an economic zone & digital incubator in Accra
Samuel Nartey George: This partnership will position Ghana as a regional hub for technological advancement in Africa The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country's transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa. The MoU was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometer area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone's operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone. H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC's commitment to supporting the UAE's global outreach and sharing Dubai's pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. 'This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC's role as a key contributor to Dubai's knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai's status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation'. He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana's trust in PCFC's expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. 'This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana's industrial and technological infrastructure'. Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana's economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. 'This initiative aligns with Ghana's vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.' PCFC will implement and manage the advanced digital infrastructure in the zone to support the growth of local and regional businesses across Africa. The project will provide a robust platform for innovation, investment opportunities that empower global and local expansion. Dedicated teams from both countries specializing in AI and investment will manage the zone, fostering innovation, business growth and regional connectivity. The collaboration aims to empower local communities, traders, and investors, driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress across the continent. The partnership marks a major milestone in fostering international partnerships that advance technology and economic development, positioning Ghana at the forefront of Africa's digital future.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DP World unit in deal to develop Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone project
Mahadha Development Company, an Emirati-Omani joint venture majority owned by DP World, today (May 26) signed an agreement with Omani authorities for the development of the first phase of Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Al Buraimi Governorate. The Phase 1 will cover 14 sq km, with expansion plans to reach 25 sq km in Phase 2. The zone will benefit from direct connectivity to both Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Omani ports, enhancing cross-border logistics. Under the agreement, Mahadha will be responsible for developing the infrastructure and facilities, preparing the masterplan and environmental studies, and designing the initial layout. The first phase will target a range of economic activities, including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, plastics, mining, food processing, and security and safety services - all provided through an integrated one-stop-shop service model. The agreement was signed by Engineer Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz), and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, representing Mahadha Development Company, which will develop the new zone. The deal was inked in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman. On the occasion, Bin Sulayem said: "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone represents a new chapter in the growing economic relationship between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. Through close collaboration with Opaz and our Omani partners, this new zone will strengthen our deep trade ties while reflecting our shared ambition for sustainable and diversified economic growth." "At DP World, we are committed to developing a world-class platform that will create new opportunities for growth, strengthen connectivity and bring long-term economic value to both Oman and the UAE," he stated. In his speech, Engineer Al Dheeb said: "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone has been designed to support key development goals, including creating jobs, attracting advanced knowledge and modern technologies, and fostering a business-friendly environment that aligns with the sustainable development objectives of Oman Vision 2040." "The zone's strategic location in the Buraimi Governorate - at the crossroads between Oman and the UAE - provides seamless connectivity to both Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port. This positioning is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, lower costs, and improve market access across Gulf, Asian, and African trade routes," he added. The Al Rawdah project is a strategic initiative that will leverage its geographic location to strengthen supply chains, re-export activity, and logistics connectivity between Oman, the UAE, and international markets. The zone will serve as a key engine of economic diversification aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Oman Vision 2040. It aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), increase industrial output, and create thousands of jobs as the zone scales over the coming decades. In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Oman reached a record AED56 billion - a 9.8% increase from the previous year - highlighting the deepening economic partnership. The Al Rawdah Zone is expected to accelerate this trend by establishing a modern and advanced ecosystem for trade and manufacturing. DP World brings four decades of expertise in developing and operating economic zones, including the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the first free zone in the Middle East and one of the most successful globally. This experience along with its portfolio of 11 economic zones worldwide positions DP World to deliver a future-ready, integrated platform in Oman, supported by Opaz's national development strategy.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
26-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
DP World unit in deal to develop Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone project
Mahadha Development Company, an Emirati-Omani joint venture majority owned by DP World, today (May 26) signed an agreement with Omani authorities for the development of the first phase of Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Al Buraimi Governorate. The Phase 1 will cover 14 sq km, with expansion plans to reach 25 sq km in Phase 2. The zone will benefit from direct connectivity to both Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Omani ports, enhancing cross-border logistics. Under the agreement, Mahadha will be responsible for developing the infrastructure and facilities, preparing the masterplan and environmental studies, and designing the initial layout. The first phase will target a range of economic activities, including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, plastics, mining, food processing, and security and safety services - all provided through an integrated one-stop-shop service model. The agreement was signed by Engineer Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz), and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, representing Mahadha Development Company, which will develop the new zone. The deal was inked in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman. On the occasion, Bin Sulayem said: "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone represents a new chapter in the growing economic relationship between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. Through close collaboration with Opaz and our Omani partners, this new zone will strengthen our deep trade ties while reflecting our shared ambition for sustainable and diversified economic growth." "At DP World, we are committed to developing a world-class platform that will create new opportunities for growth, strengthen connectivity and bring long-term economic value to both Oman and the UAE," he stated. In his speech, Engineer Al Dheeb said: "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone has been designed to support key development goals, including creating jobs, attracting advanced knowledge and modern technologies, and fostering a business-friendly environment that aligns with the sustainable development objectives of Oman Vision 2040." "The zone's strategic location in the Buraimi Governorate - at the crossroads between Oman and the UAE - provides seamless connectivity to both Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port. This positioning is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, lower costs, and improve market access across Gulf, Asian, and African trade routes," he added. The Al Rawdah project is a strategic initiative that will leverage its geographic location to strengthen supply chains, re-export activity, and logistics connectivity between Oman, the UAE, and international markets. The zone will serve as a key engine of economic diversification aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Oman Vision 2040. It aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), increase industrial output, and create thousands of jobs as the zone scales over the coming decades. In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Oman reached a record AED56 billion - a 9.8% increase from the previous year - highlighting the deepening economic partnership. The Al Rawdah Zone is expected to accelerate this trend by establishing a modern and advanced ecosystem for trade and manufacturing. DP World brings four decades of expertise in developing and operating economic zones, including the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the first free zone in the Middle East and one of the most successful globally.
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses Al Rawdah Zone agreement signing
High-level attendance at signing ceremony The signing of the agreement, which took place in Muscat, was attended by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman. The agreement is part of the flourishing economic cooperation between the two nations. Signatories of the agreement The agreement was signed by Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, representing Mahadha Development Company, which will develop the new zone. Mahadha Development Company is an Emirati-Omani joint venture in which DP World is the majority partner. Comments from DP World Chairman and CEO Commenting on the occasion, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: 'The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone represents a new chapter in the growing economic relationship between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. Through close collaboration with OPAZ and our Omani partners, this new zone will strengthen our deep trade ties while reflecting our shared ambition for sustainable and diversified economic growth.' He added: 'At DP World, we are committed to developing a world-class platform that will create new opportunities for growth, strengthen connectivity and bring long-term economic value to both Oman and the UAE.' Speech by deputy chairman of OPAZ In his speech, Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb highlighted: "The Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone has been designed to support key development goals, including creating jobs, attracting advanced knowledge and modern technologies, and fostering a business-friendly environment that aligns with the sustainable development objectives of Oman Vision 2040.' He added: 'The zone's strategic location in the Buraimi Governorate - at the crossroads between Oman and the UAE - provides seamless connectivity to both Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port. This positioning is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, lower costs, and improve market access across Gulf, Asian, and African trade routes.' Project details and expansion plans Phase 1 of the project will cover 14 square kilometres, with expansion plans to reach 25 square kilometres in Phase 2. The zone will benefit from direct connectivity to both Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Omani ports, enhancing cross-border logistics. Responsibilities of Mahadha Development Company Under the agreement, Mahadha Development Company will be responsible for developing the infrastructure and facilities, preparing the masterplan and environmental studies, and designing the initial layout. The first phase will target a range of economic activities, including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, plastics, mining, food processing, and security and safety services - all provided through an integrated one-stop-shop service model. Strategic importance of Al Rawdah Project The Al Rawdah project is a strategic initiative that will leverage its geographic location to strengthen supply chains, re-export activity, and logistics connectivity between Oman, the UAE, and international markets. The zone will serve as a key engine of economic diversification aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Oman Vision 2040. It aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), increase industrial output, and create thousands of jobs as the zone scales over the coming decades. Growth in UAE-Oman trade In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Oman reached a record AED56 billion - a 9.8% increase from the previous year - highlighting the deepening economic partnership. The Al Rawdah Zone is expected to accelerate this trend by establishing a modern and advanced ecosystem for trade and manufacturing. DP World's expertise in economic zones DP World brings four decades of expertise in developing and operating economic zones, including the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the first free zone in the Middle East and one of the most successful globally. This experience along with its portfolio of 11 economic zones worldwide positions DP World to deliver a future-ready, integrated platform in Oman, supported by OPAZ's national development strategy. Distinguished attendees at the signing ceremony The signing was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Also present at the signing were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Application; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department; and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman, UAE sign deal to launch Al-Rawdah SEZ
MUSCAT: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has entered into a landmark agreement with Mahdah Development Company—an Omani-Emirati partnership represented by DP World—to develop and operate the first phase of the Al-Rawdah Special Economic Zone in Al Buraimi Governorate. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth, and His Highness Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates. Signing on behalf of OPAZ was Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Vice-Chairman of OPAZ, while Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, represented the Emirati side. Eng Ahmed al Dheeb emphasised that the Al-Rawdah Special Economic Zone is a strategic initiative aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that the project is designed to create employment opportunities, attract cutting-edge technologies, and promote a sustainable, business-friendly environment. The zone's location in Wilayat Mahdah, strategically positioned at the crossroads between Oman and the United Arab Emirates, ensures direct connectivity to Sohar Port and Jebel Ali Port. This geographic advantage is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve market access across the Gulf, Asia, and Africa. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem described the project as a new chapter in economic cooperation between Oman and the UAE. He reiterated DP World's commitment to developing a world-class trade and investment hub in partnership with OPAZ and Omani stakeholders. The project, he said, will serve as a platform for sustainable and diversified economic growth while deepening commercial ties between the two countries. Under the 50-year usufruct agreement, Mahdah Development Company will initially develop 14 square kilometers of the zone, with the potential to expand to 25 square kilometers in a second phase, subject to a detailed development plan. The company is tasked with delivering core infrastructure, including road networks, water and sewage systems, and other public utilities. It will also prepare a comprehensive master plan, conduct environmental assessments, and outline zoning layouts for industrial, logistics, commercial, and service sectors. The first phase will focus on attracting investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, mining, food processing, and safety and security services. This multi-sectoral approach is expected to attract high-value investors and support long-term business viability. To incentivize investment, Al-Rawdah Special Economic Zone will offer a host of benefits, including a 10-year income tax exemption extendable for two additional terms, customs duty exemptions on imports, exports, and stored goods, and streamlined licensing and permitting through a one-stop shop. Foreign investors will be permitted 100% ownership of their enterprises, while strategic projects will benefit from a single-window approval process for establishment and operation. In addition to its economic and trade focus, the zone is positioned to facilitate supply chain development and re-export activities between Oman, the UAE, and broader global markets. It is also expected to enhance lifestyle offerings, promote tourism, and support business diversification within Mahdah and the wider Al Buraimi Governorate. The initiative is seen as a catalyst for job creation and small and medium enterprise (SME) development in the region. The signing of the agreement reinforces Oman's commitment to economic diversification, strengthening strategic partnerships, and attracting quality investments in alignment with the long-term aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.
