< PreviousFEATURE | SOHAR PORT AND FREEZONE 20www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST SOHAR PORT AND FREEZONE: CONNECTING COMMERCE AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES With over $1.3 billion in new investments and a 670-hectare expansion, SOHAR Port and Freezone is redefi ning what it means to be a gateway to sustainable growth O man’s logistics landscape is entering a decisive new phase, and SOHAR Port and Freezone sits at its centre. In the fi rst half of 2025, the port and freezone attracted more than $1.3 billion in fresh investments, evidence of its growing role as an industrial magnet and a pillar of the Sultanate’s Oman Vision 2040 strategy. The ongoing 670-hectare expansion goes beyond adding capacity, focusing on attracting industries that create lasting, sustainable economic value. By integrating new technologies, renewable energy sources, and a robust logistics infrastructure, SOHAR is positioning itself as both a national asset and a regional benchmark for sustainable industrial development. INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE GROWTH SOHAR’s cluster-based model has been instrumental in shaping Oman’s industrial base, uniting the metals, petrochemicals, food, and logistics sectors within one interconnected ecosystem. The latest expansion builds on this foundation, focusing on renewable energy and circular economy ventures. New solar and hydrogen initiatives, including projects involving JA Solar, United Solar Polysilicon, Green Ferro Alloy, and Sohar Solar Qabas, are aligning the port’s industrial growth with global decarbonisation goals. Complementary developments such as Starsun’s battery-recycling facility and Elite’s hazardous waste management plant are turning environmental responsibility into an economic advantage. This coordinated growth strategy ensures that SOHAR’s industrial clusters function as synergistic networks where energy, materials, and logistics converge to strengthen Oman’s competitiveness across multiple sectors. POWERING THE GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION SOHAR is advancing one of the region’s most ambitious energy-transition agendas. Its roadmap leverages Oman’s natural solar and wind potential to power industrial operations and attract investors focused on sustainability. Among the fl agship projects is the MARSA LNG facility, designed to operate entirely on solar power once it begins production in 2028. Progress continues through the HYNAT natural-hydrogen initiative, the 500 MW solar plant for Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel, renewable-supply agreements with Vale, and the Port Solar Farm project. Innovation also extends to maritime operations. SOHAR has implemented pilot programmes that use recycled cooking oil as a renewable fuel for tugboats, demonstrating how clean-energy principles can be applied to day-to-day port logistics. Collectively, these initiatives illustrate how SOHAR is moving beyond incremental sustainability measures to 670 HECTARE SOHAR Port and Freezone is undergoing this expansion to attract industries that create lasting and sustainable economic value LOG_Oct2025_20-21_Sohar Advertorial_13729151.indd 2009/10/2025 10:10SOHAR PORT AND FREEZONE | FEATURE 21www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 build an integrated clean-energy ecosystem capable of decarbonising industry at scale. COMPETING IN A CROWDED PORT LANDSCAPE Competition among regional ports has never been stronger, but SOHAR’s strength lies in its integration. By combining a world-class port with a high performance freezone, the complex off ers end-to-end logistics and manufacturing solutions in one location. Global investors benefi t from 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions of up to 25 years, zero customs duties, and a one-stop shop for streamlined licensing. These incentives, coupled with SOHAR’s strategic location on global shipping routes, have made it a preferred entry point for companies seeking access to GCC and global markets. The port handles approximately 75 million tonnes of cargo annually. Infrastructure upgrades, most notably the $3 billion Hafeet Railway connecting SOHAR with the UAE, are set to further elevate its connectivity. This multimodal integration—linking sea, road and soon rail—reinforces SOHAR’s role as a regional logistics powerhouse and an enabler of effi cient cross-border trade. BALANCING GLOBAL WITH LOCAL Beyond industrial and logistical performance, SOHAR’s growth is delivering tangible socioeconomic impact. More than 60% of purchase orders in the fi rst half of 2025 were awarded to Omani suppliers, underscoring the country’s commitment to local content. The port and freezone have generated over 42,000 jobs and achieved Omanisation levels above 90%, underscoring their commitment to national workforce development. Training and education form another cornerstone of this approach. Across 66 specialised programmes and more than 5,000 hours of instruction, SOHAR has invested in equipping local talent with advanced technical and digital skills. Youth-oriented initiatives such as the Maseer programme extend this impact further by fostering capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy technologies. The result is an industrial hub where global partnerships complement, not overshadow, local capability building. GATEWAY TO OMAN’S SUSTAINABLE FUTURE SOHAR Port and Freezone has evolved from a trade gateway into a symbol of Oman’s industrial transformation. Its expansion refl ects a blueprint for how ports can integrate sustainability, technology, and human capital into a single growth narrative. As the Middle East intensifi es its push toward green energy and diversifi ed economies, SOHAR’s model stands out for its balance of environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and community impact. The port’s next wave of development is not only about capacity, but is about shaping a sustainable industrial future for Oman and setting new standards for the wider region. Regional port competition is fi ercer than ever, yet SOHAR’s true advantage lies in its integrated model SOHAR Port and Freezone embodies Oman’s journey of transformation 75 MILLION TONNES The volume of cargo handled by the port annually LOG_Oct2025_20-21_Sohar Advertorial_13729151.indd 2109/10/2025 10:10PARTNER CONTENT | STELLIUM 22www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST Digital transformation in supply chain has shifted from being a competitive advantage to a necessity. Across the Middle East, governments and companies across multiple industries are increasingly digitising their operations to handle evolving business needs such as handling e-commerce expansion, meeting regulatory requirements, improving effi ciency, and participating in programmes such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As Manoj Raikar, Regional Vice President for the Middle East, puts it, “We are not just an IT system integrator, we work as a trusted advisor to our clients and help them solve their supply chain and business problems.” When a requirement comes in, Stellium starts by assessing the problem, creating a digital roadmap, and ensuring stakeholder alignment. BUILDING A HOLISTIC DIGITAL ROADMAP While Stellium is a global SAP partner, its diff erentiation lies in the blend of business expertise and technology know-how. “Putting a system in place and running processes through it is not digitisation,” explains Randeep Nambiar, Stellium’s CEO. “The most important pillar is visibility. The second is accuracy, which comes down to data. The third is process simplifi cation. If you put all of these together, then digitalisation starts making sense.” This philosophy means Stellium does not deliver one-size-fi ts-all solutions. Instead it maps technology choices against the client’s business maturity and pain points. IoT integration, smart warehousing and analytics frameworks are often layered on top of core systems to provide real-time visibility and measurable performance improvements. “Whenever we deploy a system, we have to ensure that the expected business outcomes are met and ROI delivered,” Raikar explains. “That’s when Stellium brings in its consulting and analytics framework to ensure that senior management can objectively track progress and ensure its supply chain performance is enhanced.” GUIDING MIDDLE EAST SUPPLY CHAINS INTO THE DIGITAL ERA With a growing presence across the GCC, Stellium is positioning itself as the advisory-led partner that companies can turn to for improving their supply chain resilience and bring in innovation to achieve their business goals INNOVATION AS DNA For Stellium, technology adoption is not the end of the journey. The fi rm embeds an innovation layer into client engagements, encouraging businesses to push beyond the obvious benefi ts of system automation. “Our natural DNA is innovation,” says Nambiar. “We look for opportunities where, beyond putting a system in, we can further automate and create value. We bring those ideas, ideate with the client, and when they see the value, money is never the problem.” That commitment translates into practical results. As an example in warehousing, from paperless warehousing using handheld devices to AI-driven automation that reduces manual Randeep Nambiar CEO, Stellium LOG_Oct2025_22-23_Stellium Advertorial_13728428.indd 2209/10/2025 10:11STELLIUM | PARTNER CONTENT 23www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 “In the Middle East’s accelerating digital landscape, Stellium stands as the preeminent advisory partner, redefi ning supply chain resilience and innovation” interventions, Stellium enables clients to achieve touchless, exception-based operations where staff intervene only when disruptions occur. WHY THE MIDDLE EAST, WHY NOW Stellium entered the Middle East market in 2021 and has since become the fastest-growing region for the company worldwide. Headquartered in Houston with operations in India, Canada, and the US, Stellium recognised the timing and opportunity presented by the region’s rapid digitalisation drive. “Governments are pushing for digitisation not just for effi ciency, but to have better control and visibility,” Raikar says. “Take pharma as an example: authorities want to know which medicines are coming in, what the batch numbers are, how they are stored, and at what temperature. Imagine doing this manually, it creates a need for digitisation.” The rise of e-commerce is another driver. “Ten to fi fteen years ago, same-day delivery would have been unthinkable,” notes Raikar. “Today it’s standard, and that’s possible only because of integrated systems that allow companies like Amazon, Noon, or Talabat to operate seamlessly and without friction.” With the Middle East emerging as a strategic logistics hub bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe, the pressure to digitise is only increasing. “A lot of imports are coming in from China, India and Europe. The Middle East is becoming a trading hub and with that comes the need for processes and systems to manage goods movement,” says Raikar. ACTION PLAN FOR GROWTH Looking forward, Stellium’s leaders are clear about their roadmap in the region. The company is preparing to open an offi ce in Saudi Arabia in the coming months, followed by Qatar next year, as part of its drive to build a regional presence and cater to local needs. “We want to align with the transformation visions that countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have set,” Nambiar explains. “This is not just about putting systems in, it is about transforming how businesses operate as complexity grows. That’s why we’re investing in a strong consulting team and building an ecosystem of trusted partners to deliver end-to-end digital transformation.” Vertical specialisation is also a priority. “We’ve contributed signifi cantly to digitising dairy operations in Qatar and Saudi,” Raikar says. “We’ve also worked with FMCG, automotive spare parts, and retail companies. We understand industry specifi c problems, have templatised the solutions by industry so that when we start engaging with our clients, we already understand their specifi c challenges. We also deploy systems at a rapid pace which increases the ROI for our clients when choosing Stellium.” The company also plans to launch managed services and centres of excellence in the region. These will enable Stellium not only to implement solutions but to manage planning, analytics, and day-to-day operations for clients. “One of the biggest challenges clients face is not just implementing an IT solution but managing it,” says Raikar. “We want to take that headache away so they can focus on growth.” MAKING TRANSFORMATION STICK One of the biggest obstacles in digital projects is adoption. Stellium approaches this by making change management a core pillar of its methodology. Raikar stresses the importance of communication and leadership. “Every new implementation will face resistance. That’s why change management has to be built in. None of these projects succeed without top-down leadership support,” he says. True transformation endures through meticulous change management. Stellium integrates this from inception, championing business ownership and executive sponsorship to navigate resistance with grace. As complexity mounts, the company’s holistic approach empowers Middle Eastern enterprises to thrive. In Nambiar’s words, “Over the next three to fi ve years, Stellium will solidify as the region’s foremost advisory and transformation partner.” Manoj Raikar, Regional Vice President for the Middle East, Stellium LOG_Oct2025_22-23_Stellium Advertorial_13728428.indd 2309/10/2025 09:58EVENT | LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 24www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 Industry leaders gathered in Riyadh to discuss strategy, innovation, and the future of supply chains under Vision 2030 LOG_Oct2025_24-29_Saudi Logistics Leaders_13716861.indd 2428/09/2025 23:18LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 | EVENT 25www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 Logistics Leaders Saudi 2025 brought together the Kingdom’s most infl uential voices in logistics and supply chain, creating a day of insight, debate, and collaboration. Hosted in Riyadh, the event showcased the strategies, innovations, and leadership driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global logistics hub under Vision 2030. From keynote addresses and thought-provoking panels to dynamic networking moments, the day highlighted how industry leaders are shaping the future of trade, transport, and connectivity across the region. SAUDI ARABIA’S GLOBAL LOGISTICS AMBITION The tone of the conference was set early, with keynote remarks underlining how logistics is central to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversifi cation journey. The Kingdom has committed to becoming a top 10 global logistics hub by 2030, underpinned by a bold national logistics strategy that focuses on infrastructure expansion, regulatory reform and partnerships with the private sector. Speakers from across government and industry reinforced that logistics is not just an enabler of trade but a catalyst for investment, innovation, and job creation. This framing positioned the day’s discussions around how Saudi Arabia can turn ambition into reality, and how collaboration between policymakers, operators, and investors will accelerate that journey. AT THE HEART OF GLOBAL LOGISTICS One of the standout sessions of the day was the panel “Saudi Arabia at the Heart of Global Logistics.” The discussion featured HE Mousa Richard Lee, CEO, SATS Saudi Arabia LOG_Oct2025_24-29_Saudi Logistics Leaders_13716861.indd 2528/09/2025 23:18EVENT | LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 26www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST The opening session of the day featured HE Mousa Al Bagri on the topic of Saudi Arabia at the Heart of Global Logistics Al Bagri, Deputy Minister of Logistics Services, alongside Ali Hamidaddin, Chief Digital and Information Offi cer at SILZ Company, and Maad Abdul Jawad, CEO of Globe Group. The panel examined how the Ministry is attracting global companies into the Kingdom’s logistics ecosystem, the rollout of a national masterplan for logistics hubs, and the development of new trade routes across Saudi Arabia. HE Mousa emphasised the role of government in creating the right environment for growth: from integrated inland hubs to streamlined customs processes. Hamidaddin brought a digital lens, explaining how advanced platforms and automation at SILZ will support global competitiveness. Abdul Jawad off ered the operator’s perspective, highlighting how Globe Group is building multimodal solutions that can link Saudi Arabia seamlessly with international trade corridors. Together, the panellists painted a picture of a sector that is increasingly connected, technologically advanced, and globally integrated. DRIVING INNOVATION IN THE KINGDOM Innovation took centre stage in another key panel session: “Transforming Saudi Arabia into a Global Leader in Logistics Innovation.” This panel explored how digitalisation, automation, and AI are reshaping logistics models to enable operators to deliver effi ciency and resilience. Speakers stressed that the Kingdom’s logistics sector must not only expand capacity but also A panel discussion on Building Smarter Trade Corridors and Future-Ready Infrastructure Michael Stockdale, Group Head of Supply Chain and Logistics, Red Sea Global LOG_Oct2025_24-29_Saudi Logistics Leaders_13716861.indd 2628/09/2025 23:18LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 | EVENT 27www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 Attendees had the opportunity to hear from the leading fi gures in Saudi Arabia’s logistics industry pioneer new methods and technologies that redefi ne global standards. The discussion highlighted how private operators are embedding digital solutions into cargo fl ows, creating transparency and agility for customers. Experts also underlined the importance of human capability development, ensuring Saudi talent is trained to manage next-generation logistics systems and data-driven platforms. The consensus is that innovation is not a choice but a necessity if Saudi Arabia is to fulfi l its Vision 2030 target of becoming a logistics powerhouse. LOGISTICS FOR A LOW-CARBON FUTURE Sustainability was another defi ning theme of the event, with the panel “Logistics for a Low-Carbon Future in the Kingdom” providing a platform for candid discussion on decarbonisation. Speakers included Ali Alsaileek, Co-Founder and CEO of Intersect Holding, Malek Kamal, Associate Director of ESG and Strategic Execution at Abudawood Logistics, and Dr Ibrahim Ezmigna, Regional Director of Operations at Aramex. The conversation tackled head-on the pressures facing logistics operators to cut emissions while maintaining growth. Panellists explored how companies are piloting cleaner fl eet technologies, adopting ESG frameworks, and working with regulators to align on national sustainability goals. From electric vehicles and alternative fuels to green warehousing and supply chain transparency, the session underscored that decarbonisation is Ryan Harmon, Editor of Logistics Middle East, alongside Hisham Al-Ansari, CEO of MSC Saudi LOG_Oct2025_24-29_Saudi Logistics Leaders_13716861.indd 2728/09/2025 23:18EVENT | LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 28www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comOCTOBER 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST both a challenge and an opportunity for the sector. Crucially, collaboration between private industry and government was seen as the key to scaling green initiatives quickly and eff ectively. HIGH-LEVEL NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION Beyond the stage, the event delivered powerful networking opportunities. Senior executives, government offi cials, and industry experts connected to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore potential collaborations. For many, the chance to meet with peers across shipping, air cargo, contract logistics, ports, technology, and retail provided added value, with conversations extending well beyond the formal sessions. The presence of C-suite leaders underscored the seriousness with which the Kingdom’s logistics ambitions are being pursued. The event also underscored the commitment of both regional and international players to Saudi Arabia’s logistics transformation. Their participation highlighted the confi dence in the Kingdom’s emergence as a hub for global trade. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EVENT The day’s discussions revealed several key takeaways for the industry: • Logistics as a growth engine: Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector is not only supporting trade but actively driving economic diversifi cation and global positioning. Logistics Leaders Saudi 2025 returned to Riyadh for its 4th edition this year Charles RW Meaby, Managing Director of Hamad Port, QTerminals CEO and Founder of IQ Fadi Amoudi discusses smart logistics in the Kingdom LOG_Oct2025_24-29_Saudi Logistics Leaders_13716861.indd 2828/09/2025 23:19LOGISTICS LEADERS SAUDI 2025 | EVENT 29www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2025 • Innovation as the diff erentiator: From AI to automation, technology will defi ne the Kingdom’s ability to compete internationally. • Sustainability as a mandate: Decarbonisation is now a business imperative, requiring companies to rethink operations and supply chains. • Collaboration as the enabler: Public–private partnerships will be essential to unlock the full potential of Saudi Arabia’s logistics ecosystem. • These themes aligned closely with Vision 2030’s ambition to place Saudi Arabia at the crossroads of global trade, a goal that is increasingly within reach. BUILDING ON MOMENTUM As the event concluded, there was a clear sense of momentum. The conversations at Logistics Leaders Saudi 2025 refl ected a logistics sector that is no longer just responding to Vision 2030 but actively shaping its outcomes. The Kingdom is building the infrastructure, policies, and partnerships to cement its role as a global logistics leader. And as attendees departed Riyadh, the message was clear: Saudi Arabia’s logistics transformation is well underway, and the best is yet to come. By convening government offi cials, industry pioneers, and international players, the event highlighted the Kingdom’s unique position at the heart of global trade. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is steadily advancing toward its Vision 2030 goal of becoming a top-10 logistics hub worldwide. For the logistics and supply chain industry, the takeaway is clear: the Kingdom is not just open for business, it is building the future of global logistics. Logistics Middle East will be back in Riyadh in early 2026 for the Logistics Saudi Awards. Human capability development is a key focus for industry leaders such as Dr Abdullah Alabdulkarim Innovation has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s logistics growth in recent years Industry leaders discuss the frameworks, technologies, and investments transforming supply chain resilience LOG_Oct2025_24-29_Saudi Logistics Leaders_13716861.indd 2928/09/2025 23:19Next >