28 January 2026 at 07:51 pm IST
Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, known as Madayn, has reported that it attracted more than RO 272 million (approximately USD 706.8 million) in investments into the food sector, underscoring the Sultanate’s strategic push to enhance food security and develop sustainable industrial value chains. The figure was announced at a high-profile event held on the sidelines of Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, where policymakers and industry leaders gathered to highlight growth opportunities in food manufacturing and related supply chains. The investments support 121 food-related projects across Madayn’s industrial cities, with 28 new initiatives localised in 2025 alone, reflecting renewed momentum in domestic production and processing. These projects span a range of food manufacturing activities and are seen as critical to reducing dependence on imports, bolstering local employment, and building long-term resilience in the national food system. Speakers at the Gulfood event emphasised the importance of technology adoption and supply-chain innovation in strengthening sustainability outcomes. Discussions highlighted the role of AI-enabled tools to reduce food waste at retail and distribution levels, where significant losses have historically undermined efficiency and resource use. Industry delegates also stressed coordination between policymakers and private stakeholders as key to fostering innovation and integrating sustainable practices into production processes. The food investment drive is aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises economic diversification, enhanced food self-sufficiency, and improved export capacity. By attracting capital into food manufacturing hubs and developing integrated food value chains, Oman aims to strengthen its resilience against external supply shocks, create quality jobs, and support broader sustainability and development goals.
