Positioning Oman as a key player in the region’s polymer industry, OQ, the global investment group of Oman, has signed 11 new investment agreements under the Ladayn Polymer Park initiative. With over OMR 27 million in investments, the total now reaches OMR 85 million. These agreements, signed during the 19th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum in Bahrain, involve a variety of polymer manufacturers from local, regional, and international backgrounds, strengthening the ecosystem that transforms local polymers into high-value products.
This development expands Ladayn’s portfolio, enhances Oman’s downstream capabilities, and reflects growing confidence in Oman as a competitive hub for polymer manufacturing.
Ladayn, a collaboration between OQ, Madayn, and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones, supported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, exemplifies a public-private partnership aimed at boosting value chains, attracting investments, fostering SME growth, and creating skilled jobs.
A significant factor for these investments is OQ’s reliable supply of locally produced polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, from the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex in Suhar. This flagship asset converts Omani natural gas into polymers, creating a fully integrated value chain with stable pricing and logistics efficiency for manufacturers.
Managed by Sadiq Hassan Al Lawati, these agreements expand Ladayn’s role as Oman’s first integrated polymer-to-product platform, accelerating the country’s move towards advanced manufacturing.
Ashraf Hamed Al Mamari, CEO of OQ, remarked, “These agreements align with OQ’s investment goals and transform national strategies into impactful projects. Our investments under Ladayn are reshaping Oman’s manufacturing landscape, positioning polymers as a core part of an integrated ecosystem that attracts investment, enhances local content, and supports private sector growth, aligning with Vision 2040.”
He added, “The programme enhances the localisation of raw materials, boosts industrial integration, and improves the global competitiveness of Oman’s downstream industries.”
Eng. Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi, CEO of Madayn, noted, “The signing in Bahrain reaffirms the success of the Ladayn Programme, established in May 2022. It has effectively attracted and localised plastics industries, supporting economic diversification and private-sector growth.”
Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Tabouk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, highlighted, “These agreements enhance industrial value chains and local content, contributing to the competitiveness of the industrial sector.”
Eng. Mundhar Saleh Al Rawahi, Ladayn Programme Head, emphasized the public-private integration, stating, “At OQ, we believe in enhancing the plastics industry to improve resource use, stimulate innovation, and contribute to economic diversification.”
Investors appreciated the facilitation measures like preferential raw material rates, boosting their competitiveness and opening growth avenues.
The GCC chemical and petrochemical sector remains resilient despite global market changes, maintaining 93% capacity utilization and contributing 33% to the region’s manufacturing GDP. With global producers facing challenges, Gulf economies are investing in higher-value industries, aligning with Ladayn’s goals and Oman’s industrial ambitions.
Through Ladayn, OQ is establishing Oman’s first integrated polymer-to-product ecosystem near the Suhar complex, leveraging feedstock advantages and logistics to enhance Oman’s manufacturing appeal.
The new investments cover diverse products like water storage systems, healthcare materials, containers, packaging, and specialized PE/PP applications, expected to create over 400 skilled jobs and stimulate SME participation.
Ladayn’s momentum continues since its showcase at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, highlighting Oman’s strategic position and cost advantages. Increased investor interest marks a shift in Oman’s regional industrial perception.
OQ is solidifying Oman’s industrial future, translating Vision 2040 and national strategies into real outcomes. By enhancing the domestic value chain, OQ is establishing a sustainable, export-ready industrial base, supporting long-term growth and diversification.
