Washington DC
UAE-based chemicals manufacturer Al Ghaith Industries has signed a landmark agreement with Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) to establish a $25 million (OR9.6 million) trichlorosilane production facility in Sur Industrial City, located in Oman’s Sharqiyah region. The project, spanning a 20,000-square-meter site, marks a significant step in advancing Oman’s chemical and high-purity silicon manufacturing sectors, aligning with the sultanate’s economic diversification goals.
The agreement, announced earlier this month, positions Sur Industrial City as a hub for advanced technology-based industries. Trichlorosilane, a key chemical used in the production of high-purity silicon, is critical for the renewable energy and electronics industries. Nasser al Mabsali, Director General of Sur Industrial City, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “This investment represents a significant value addition to South Sharqiyah governorate and Sur Industrial City in particular. The project will support the localization of advanced technology-based industries and create employment opportunities for Omani cadres.”
Almamoon al Baadani, CEO of Al Ghaith Industries, described the trichlorosilane plant as a “major milestone” for Oman’s chemical sector. The facility is expected to bolster the sultanate’s industrial capabilities, supporting its ambition to become a regional leader in high-tech manufacturing. “This plant opens new horizons for high-purity silicon manufacturing, a cornerstone of renewable energy and electronics industries,” Baadani noted.
The $25 million investment underscores the growing economic ties between the UAE and Oman, particularly in industrial and technological collaboration. Sur Industrial City, under Madayn’s oversight, continues to attract significant foreign direct investment, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s focus on developing integrated industrial cities through private-sector partnerships. This project follows other recent investments in the region, such as the $200 million clean energy fund signed between Omani and Chinese companies, highlighting Oman’s push toward sustainable and innovative industries.
The trichlorosilane plant is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities for Omani nationals, contributing to local economic growth and skill development. By producing a critical component for renewable energy technologies, the facility will also support global efforts toward sustainability, positioning Oman as a key player in the green technology and the supply chain.
This development comes at a time when the UAE is strengthening its position as a global producer of innovation, moving beyond its role as a consumer of technology. Alongside initiatives like the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence’s new AI research lab in Silicon Valley, the Al Ghaith Industries project reflects the region’s broader ambition to lead in cutting-edge industries.
As construction progresses, the trichlorosilane plant is expected to enhance Oman’s industrial landscape, foster cross-border collaboration, and contribute to the economic diversification strategies of both Oman and the UAE. Further details on the project’s timeline and operational start date are yet to be announced.
