Thumrait Industrial City is a planned Madayn industrial estate of about 4 million m2 in Dhofar Governorate, inland from Salalah. It is aimed at mining and minerals processing, agricultural products and light manufacturing. As of October 2026 it is not yet operational: Madayn issued the Phase 1 infrastructure tender in September 2026. Investors who need a site in Dhofar now should look at Raysut or the Salalah Free Zone.
Where is Thumrait Industrial City?
The city is in the Wilayat of Thumrait, on the main road north of Salalah across the Dhofar mountains. Its advantages are:
- proximity to oil and gas concession blocks, quarries and gypsum deposits
- access to the Najd agricultural area for food processing
- road access to the Port of Salalah and Salalah International Airport, roughly an hour or more to the south
- position on the main north–south highway towards central Oman
Development status (what is real and what is planned)
- 2024: the consultancy for design and construction supervision was completed.
- 14 September 2026: Madayn tendered Phase 1 infrastructure, estimated at about OMR 15 million, with bids due 12 November 2026. Phase 1 covers about 120,000 m2.
- Phase 1 scope: utilities, internal roads, stormwater channels, water and sewerage networks, landscaping, plug-and-play industrial units and a facilities building.
- Also planned: a Madayn Entrepreneurial Complex for SMEs and solar street lighting.
Madayn lists the city's inauguration as "current", with rent and investment counts available "on request". Until the contract is awarded and works progress, no serviced plots are available. Treat any start date as indicative.
Target sectors
- mining and minerals processing, including gypsum and cement
- agricultural and food products, especially from Najd
- light and general manufacturing
- commercial, logistics and service activities
Incentives and ownership rules
Once open, the standard Madayn framework is expected to apply:
- up to 100% foreign ownership
- leases of up to 30 years, renewable, with rights to sell or sublease buildings and admit partners
- customs exemption on production inputs for licensed industrial projects, on approval
- corporate tax at the standard 15%
Specific rent levels or introductory offers for Thumrait have not been published.
How to prepare for a Thumrait project
- Register your interest with Madayn through the e-Masar portal or a Masar centre, and ask for the expected plot handover timing.
- Register the company on the Oman Business Platform when you are ready to sign (guide).
- Submit the project profile: products, plot size, utility loads, raw material sources and environmental impact.
- Allocation and usufruct agreement once plots are released.
- Permits: a Madayn building permit, environmental approval, industrial registration, and mining licences from the relevant authority if you extract raw materials yourself.
- Staffing: work permits and visas.
Documents usually required
- Commercial Registration and company documents
- Owner and signatory passport or ID copies
- Feasibility study or project description
- Raw material sourcing, utility and environmental data
- Power of attorney if an agent applies for you
Cost components
No rent has been published yet. Plan for land rent per m2 (to be set by Madayn), the common area maintenance charge, Madayn fees, utility connections, construction or unit fit-out, and registration and labour costs. Ready-built units may come with separate unit rents.
Pros and limitations
| Pros | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Next to minerals, gypsum and Najd farmland | Not operational in 2026 |
| Road link to the Port of Salalah | Rent and terms not yet published |
| Ready-built units planned in Phase 1 | Small Phase 1 (about 120,000 m2) |
| Part of Madayn's 2026–2030 investment plan | Remote inland location for staff |
Nearby alternatives
- Raysut Industrial City: operational, next to the Port of Salalah.
- Salalah Free Zone: free-zone incentives for export manufacturing.
- Al Mazunah Free Zone: on the Yemen border in western Dhofar.
Compare options on the industrial cities hub.
How Oman Register helps
Oman Register can register your company and set up in Raysut or Salalah now, while preparing your application for Thumrait so you are ready when plots open. We track Madayn's release timing and handle licensing, work permits and visas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thumrait Industrial City open for investors?
Not yet operational. Madayn issued the Phase 1 infrastructure tender (estimated OMR 15 million) in September 2026, with bids due in November 2026. Investors can register interest with Madayn ahead of plot handover.
What industries will Thumrait Industrial City host?
Mining and minerals processing such as gypsum and cement, products from the Najd agricultural area, and light and general manufacturing. Commercial and logistics activities are also planned.
What is the land rent in Thumrait Industrial City?
Madayn has not published a rate for Thumrait. Rent and charges will be set when plots are offered, so ask Madayn for the terms.
How far is Thumrait from Salalah?
Thumrait is inland, north of Salalah across the Dhofar mountains, roughly an hour or more by road. That gives access to the Port of Salalah and Salalah Airport.
What can I use instead while Thumrait is being built?
Raysut Industrial City and Salalah Free Zone near the Port of Salalah are both operational today.
Sources & official references
This guide is general information, checked against official sources at the date shown. Rules and fees in Oman change; we confirm the current requirements for your case before you apply.
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