The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has issued the Executive Regulations of the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law. The move completes the legislative and regulatory framework established by Royal Decree No. 38/2025 and aims to strengthen Oman’s investment environment, raise zone competitiveness, and attract high-quality strategic projects.
Regulation No. 81/2026 translates the Law into a clearer implementation path covering land and property allocation, licensing, operations, services, incentives, exemptions, compliance, and real estate development. It reinforces the One-Stop Shop as the main channel for investor services and links applications electronically with relevant government systems.
The regulations also set timelines for key applications, require reasons for certain rejection decisions, and complete rules for real estate development in special economic zones, including off-plan sales, freehold ownership by non-Omanis in eligible projects, and escrow controls that protect buyers’ funds.
