Saturday 01 / August / 2026
Muscat: Oman is banking on its construction and engineering sector as a key driver of economic growth, with major infrastructure projects expected to boost investment, create jobs, strengthen the private sector, and advance the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Among the leading contributors is Galfar Engineering and Contracting, which is currently executing strategic projects worth more than RO1 billion across the Sultanate, spanning infrastructure, energy, water, roads, railways, and industrial facilities.
Dr. Hamoud Rashid Al-Tobi, Chief Executive Officer of Galfar Engineering and Contracting, said the company continues to strengthen its position as one of the region’s leading engineering and construction firms by delivering integrated and sustainable solutions focused on quality, innovation, local value addition, and execution efficiency.
Speaking to the Oman News Agency (ONA), Al-Tobi said Galfar’s strategy is built around five key priorities: enhancing project execution, accelerating technology and digital transformation, developing Omani talent, diversifying revenue streams, and expanding its operations both within Oman and internationally.
He said the company is also increasing its presence in high-growth sectors, including infrastructure, energy, water, industry, and railways, while investing in advanced engineering capabilities and modern technologies.
According to Al-Tobi, Galfar’s current portfolio exceeds OMR1 billion, with around 40 percent of the projects already completed. As work progresses, the company continues to compete for new contracts to maintain a balanced and sustainable pipeline while creating opportunities to develop national talent.
Oman-UAE railway project
Al-Tobi described the Oman-UAE railway link as one of the region’s most significant strategic projects, saying it will transform transport and logistics by improving connectivity between ports, industrial zones, and production centres, while reducing transportation costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
He said Galfar is proud to be the first Omani company participating in the implementation of the railway project, reflecting confidence in its engineering expertise and ability to deliver projects of strategic national importance.
The railway initiative, he added, will facilitate technology transfer, develop Omani expertise in railway infrastructure, and create significant opportunities for SMEs, local suppliers, and contractors, thereby increasing the project's economic impact within Oman.
AI-powered construction technology
Highlighting innovation, Al-Tobi said Galfar has introduced AI-powered autonomous asphalt paving technology on the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road dualisation project, marking a major advancement for Oman’s construction industry.
The technology is expected to improve paving accuracy and quality, increase productivity, optimise material usage, reduce waste, lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and enhance worker safety by minimising human involvement in high-risk operations.
He added that adopting such technologies will equip Omani engineers and technicians with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence, smart equipment operation, data analytics, and digital engineering, supporting the knowledge-based economy envisioned under Oman Vision 2040.
Key road projects progressing
Al-Toubi said the Al Ansab–Al Jafnain dual carriageway, being developed for Muscat Municipality, has reached 90 percent completion, with most bridge works finished and the project entering its final stages.
Meanwhile, the Nizwa–Izki dual carriageway in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has surpassed 30 percent completion. The project, implemented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, is expected to improve regional connectivity, enhance road safety, and support economic and tourism growth.
Focus on Omani workforce
Galfar continues to invest heavily in human capital through training and employment programmes developed in partnership with relevant authorities. These include graduate development initiatives, vocational and technical training, student internships, and leadership programmes across engineering and management disciplines.
The company currently provides direct employment to approximately 5,000 Omani nationals and continues to invest in developing their skills to prepare them for specialised and leadership roles within the engineering and construction sector.
