Oman's $36 billion logistics and transport vision: 300,000 jobs by 2040

Oman's logistics and transport sector stands at the threshold of unprecedented transformation.

With the current workforce of over 79,000 jobs¹ set to expand nearly fivefold to 379,000

positions by 2040¹, the Sultanate is positioning itself as the GCC's undisputed logistics

powerhouse through strategic advantages that leave competitors trailing behind.

Table of Contents

• From 79,000 to 379,000 jobs: the transformation begins
• Technology and infrastructure creating competitive advantage
• Sustainability initiatives driving future growth

From 79,000 to 379,000 jobs: the transformation begins

The numbers tell a compelling transformation story. Oman's logistics sector currently contributes approximately 7% to GDP¹, but ambitious plans target OR14 billion ($36.4 billion) contribution by 2040¹, positioning logistics as the second-highest economic contributor after hydrocarbons¹. This massive expansion represents more than growth—it signals a fundamental economic restructuring creating career opportunities across multiple transport disciplines.

Oman's strategic location at global trade route crossroads¹ provides inherent advantages, but the country's competitive edge comes from operational excellence. With shipping times 30-40% faster than competitors¹ and home to the GCC's fastest import-export compliance processes¹, Oman delivers measurable performance superiority that attracts international logistics partnerships.

The infrastructure expansion spans multiple transport modes. Connectivity through Muscat and Salalah airports supports a National Cargo Strategy targeting 780,000 tonnes of air cargo annually by 2040¹. Plans for 10 mid-sized domestic ports¹ complement major facilities, while the $3 billion railway link between Abu Dhabi and Sohar² creates seamless regional freight movement. Road construction projects exceeding 800 miles² ensure comprehensive land transport connectivity.

Technology and infrastructure creating competitive advantage

Oman's technological advancement strategy transforms operational efficiency into competitive moats. The revolutionary port community system reduces processing times from 48 hours to just two hours¹ while simultaneously cutting costs¹. This 96% time reduction demonstrates how strategic technology investments create insurmountable competitive advantages.

Blockchain technology pilots within economic zones¹ significantly improve lead times, while land transport optimization software tracks cross-border goods movement¹. The Royal Oman Police's customs clearance mandate requiring two-hour processing¹ enforces efficiency standards that competitors struggle to match.

Recent maritime law changes aim to position Oman among the top-10 global jurisdictions for shipowners¹, fundamentally reshaping vessel and owner interactions¹. These regulatory improvements, combined with Oman's ranking among the top-five countries globally in International Civil Aviation Organization audits¹, demonstrate systematic excellence across transport modes.

Investment projects spanning creek transformations into marinas, mining jetties, ship repair facilities, multipurpose ports, fulfillment centers, and new dry ports¹ create diverse employment opportunities from technical operations to strategic management roles.

Sustainability initiatives driving future growth

Oman's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050¹ positions the country ahead of global sustainability trends. With transport currently accounting for 19% of total emissions¹, targeted initiatives create specialized career opportunities in emerging green logistics sectors.

Government initiatives expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, establishing hydrogen fueling stations, and introducing hydrogen-powered vehicles¹ require skilled professionals across engineering, operations, and maintenance disciplines. The first hydrogen corridor for trucks in 2025¹ and mandatory offshore power solutions for ships by 2027¹ create immediate implementation opportunities.

Long-term strategies including LNG bunkers in maritime operations¹ demonstrate sustained commitment to sustainable transport solutions, ensuring career stability in emerging green logistics specializations.

For professionals seeking to capitalize on this transformation, Oman offers the rare opportunity to build careers within a rapidly expanding, technologically advanced, and sustainability-focused logistics ecosystem. The journey from 79,000 to 300,000 jobs represents individual career growth aligned with national economic transformation.

Naukrigulf connects ambitious logistics and transport professionals with leading companies driving Oman's sector evolution. Position yourself at the forefront of the GCC's most competitive logistics transformation.

References

1. Oxford Business Group Report
2. International Trade Administration Report