Oman’s Job, Investment and Entrepreneurship Bonanza

The $6 bn project to build a railway line from the northern border to the south of Oman will bring a bonanza of jobs, investment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The project is anticipated to create around 70,000 jobs, as well as investment opportunities to the value of up to $10 bn. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said created a OMR 70 million fund to replace the Sanad Program to support self-employment among the young. A network of business-service points to support the project in every town along the route, run by Omani companies funded by the new SME initiative is planned.

The 1,000 km route will have 20 stations along the route of the first phase from Khatmat Malalah in the north to Duqm town. On completion (which is scheduled for 2017) the UAE and Saudi Arabian borders will connect with seven planned airports and major ports which are also under development.

The Oman Project is part of the wider GCC joined up rail network project, which will have major impacts on transport, commerce and trade in the region, making travel seamless between the countries and improving political links between the member states. Dependence upon polluting road and air travel will be decreased.