MUSCAT: The fishing port at Dibba in the Governorate of Musandam rates as the second largest fishing port in the Sultanate after Duqm Fishing Port.
Ahmed bin Ali al Aqbi, Head of Dibba Fishing Port, said that it is the foremost harbour at the national level that deals with the fishing sector, as well as the commercial and tourism sectors. It is a key hub in attracting investments, activating economic activity in the Governorate of Musandam and promoting the national economy.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Aqbi said that steps are under way to expand and develop the Port of Dibba through the construction of piers for fishing, business and tourism activities. These include one set up at a cost of RO 40 million for express ferries and the security sector, he added.
After the completion of expansion works by December 14, 2023, the area of the port will grow from 97,000 sqm to 779,000 sqm, said Al Aqbi, adding that the hub will provide enough open space to meet the expectations of local and foreign investors. A number of buildings will be floated for investment by owners of shopping outlets, restaurants and workshops.
Al Aqbi pointed out the new phase of the port’s expansion will constitute a great transformation of projects at Musandam Governorate.
The projects will contribute to attracting tourists and investors, besides facilitating the traffic of cargo and passengers on a daily basis. This includes the activities of the ferries company, cargo ships, loading and unloading vessels, which might be privately-owned or chartered by cargo firms from Musandam and other governorates.
During the period of pandemic lockdown and closure of borders, the Fishing Port of Dibba played a major role in the Wilayat of Dibba, being a gateway to the transport of passengers and goods.
During 2020, there were 140 voyages of cargo ships and loading and unloading vessels while express ferry voyages (Oman Ferries Company) ranged between 3 to 5 per week, said Al Aqbi, noting that the traffic helped provide coastal areas in Dib ba, Lima and Khasab with foodstuff and building materials.
Al Aqbi explained that, by the end of 2020, 47 fishing ships were licensed to operate at Dibba Port. This is in addition to 972 fishing boats that benefited from the port, said Al Aqbi, adding that the volume of exported fish stood at 11,209 tonnes.
Al Aqbi pointed out that the government mulls adding Dibba Port as a support line to the logistic services facilities. It can be accorded the mission of receiving cruise liners and cargo vessels from abroad. — ONA
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