Salalah - A hub for advanced manufacturing, downstream industries. Published: 9:51 AM, May 25, 2026 Muscat: Salalah is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing and downstream industries. Backed by strong infrastructure, port connectivity and Oman Vision 2040's focus on industrial diversification and In-Country Value (ICV), the region continues to attract high-impact investments that strengthen local capabilities, create skilled employment opportunities and reinforce supply chain resilience. Aligned with Salalah's growing role as a strategic industrial and logistics gateway, SNF Oman's latest investment in polymer manufacturing at Raysut marks a significant step in advancing Oman's industrial diversification ambitions. The project is expected to strengthen local production capabilities, enhance supply chain resilience and accelerate ICV generation, while supporting the Sultanate's vision of becoming a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and downstream industries. As part of its long-term expansion strategy in the Sultanate, SNF Oman LLC has announced a major investment in a local polymer manufacturing plant in the Raysut Industrial Area, reinforcing the country's industrial growth and ICV objectives under Oman Vision 2040. "The project, operated through SNF Oman LLC, marks a significant step toward strengthening Oman's downstream industrial sector and positioning the Sultanate as a regional hub for advanced polymer technologies," said Christophe Rivas, Oil & Gas Director at SNF Oman LLC. Flavien Gathier, Engineering & EOR Director - VP O&G at SNF Oman LLC, said phase one operations commenced in January 2026 and currently focus on local polymer processing activities with an annual production capacity of around 6,000 metric tonnes. "The facility is expected to support growing domestic demand while improving supply chain resilience for key industrial sectors," he said. Ishaq Al Shaqsi, Business Development Manager at SNF Oman, said the project as an Omanisation rate of nearly 87 per cent and is expected to create close to 500 jobs for Omani citizens over the coming years. "As part of its workforce development programme, between 10 and 20 Omani engineers, supervisors and technicians will be sent to France for specialised technical training and skills enhancement during the initial phase." SNF Oman said the second phase of the project will upgrade the facility into a full-scale polymer manufacturing plant by the fourth quarter of 2026. The expansion is expected to add more than 10,000 metric tonnes annually in production capacity and further strengthen Oman's role in advanced polymer manufacturing for regional and international markets. Initially, the plant's products will cater to Oman's oil and gas and mining industries, sectors that increasingly rely on advanced polymer solutions for enhanced operational efficiency and enhanced oil recovery applications. The company also plans to expand exports to GCC markets and other international destinations in subsequent phases. SNF has already committed investments exceeding $100 million in Oman and plans to inject an additional $250 million over the next five to 10 years as part of its broader regional growth strategy. The company said raw materials and products will initially be sourced from the Indian market, adding that deliveries to prospective customers in Oman have so far been completed on schedule. Established in 2010, SNF Oman LLC operates under SNF Group, a leader in polyacrylamide-based polymers and enhanced oil recovery technologies used in the energy, mining, water treatment and industrial sectors. Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here

Permian Basin road safety group honors champions at annual awards. By Mella McEwen, Oil Editor March 30, 2026 Best practices took center stage at the Permian Road Safety Coalition's fourth annual Road Safety Champions Award event. Keep Watching Watch More "This is a tremendous opportunity to recognize those making a positive difference," said Michael Smith, president and chief executive officer of the coalition. Article continues below this ad Speaking with the Reporter-Telegram, Smith said the event recognizes individuals, companies and programs - out of many trying to do the right thing - working to improve road safety. Hopefully, he added, the award recipients can inspire others to adopt best practices. Smith said he is pleased with the broad range of nominations for individuals, companies and programs who are moving the needle for road safety. Nominees ranged from heavy haul drivers and first responders to safety leaders. The year has gotten off to a good start in terms of road safety, Smith said, though "we are ever watchful." Article continues below this ad He said he is watching the latest developments in Winkler County, where there have been several incidents that claimed lives. And, he said, "the Midland-Odessa metropolitan area remains a struggle. PRSC will steer programming to Midland-Odessa in 2026, much like we did southeast New Mexico last year." PRSC Champions recognized at the event included: * The "No Need for Speed" Awards honored David Cody of Atlas Energy Solutions and Francine Paul of Fountainhead Logistics for their outstanding safe driving performance and consistent adherence to best practices on the road. * Leo Salgado, DOT Manager for SNF Oil and Gas, received the "Safe and Sound" Award, which recognizes health, safety and environmental professionals who have demonstrated a total commitment to road safety throughout their careers. * Dirk Kolnsberg, VP Enterprise QHS for Patterson-UTI Energy, received "The Extra Mile" Award for implementing impactful programs that have significantly improved safety performance within his organization and beyond. * Receiving the "Second to None" Award was Anthony Velasquez, AEMT, Operations Chief at Dell Valley EMS. This award recognizes a Permian Basin first responder who has gone above and beyond in service to our community. * Eric Lykins, PE, of the Texas Department of Transportation, received the "Front Seat Driver" Award for his leadership and commitment to improving roadway safety across the TxDOT Odessa District while serving as District Engineer. Article continues below this ad March 30, 2026 Oil Editor Mella McEwen is the oil editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram.