SOHAR Port and Freezone continued to make a telling contribution to the community throughout 2021, helping with local initiatives, Cyclone Shaheen recovery and COVID-19 efforts. Despite a turbulent year, SOHAR strengthened its bond with the community through a series of social efforts designed to have a long-term, sustainable benefits for all sectors, maintaining a perfect balance between expanding operations, people and the planet.
The year’s main activities included a donation of OMR 250,000 to Cyclone Shaheen recovery efforts, where many staff volunteered to help with the clean up, as well as for those affected by the heavy rains in July. SOHAR also offered training experiences for students of the Vocational College of Marine Sciences in Al Khaboura, through the contribution of the process of stevedoring and shore handling of the Ship (Luban) that berthed at the Port. The ship provides simulation and is part of the college curriculum for the students development and training purposes. Furthermore, SOHAR continued to support the Ministry of Health in partnership with tenants at the Port in response to the national call to action to vaccinate the Omani population by securing vaccines and funding treatment facilities.
SOHAR also continued to supports its long-term programmes to enrich the community, including equipping the equestrian course in Liwa to promote horsemanship heritage and sport and cultural activities, funding the installation of solar panels on 100 local mosques to promote sustainability and reduce electricity costs, while also providing the Oman Charitable Organisation with funding in order to support ongoing welfare and community programmes
Speaking about SOHAR’s CSR activities throughout the year, Mohsin Al Jabri, Executive Manager – Corporate Affairs at SOHAR Port and Freezone, said, “This has continued to be an incredibly challenging year. Not just with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but heavy rains and Cyclone Shaheen causing damage throughout the governorate. We have always been committed to supporting the local community with a comprehensive programme of capacity-building.He added, “In 2022, we will continue investing in green energy and sustainability through various initiatives in supporting the social development of the Al Batinah North Governorate while preserving our important traditions.”
In addition, SOHAR has increased its contribution to the national economy by delivering in-country value by prioritising local suppliers and companies to serve the complex. The total purchase orders issued in 2021 reached 397, an increase of 19% from 2020, and of these, 72% – 285 – were awarded to local companies. The value of the purchase orders also increased dramatically in 2021 which accounts for 77%, going to Omani-based companies and SMEs.
For more information on SOHAR Port and Freezone, visit soharportandfreezone.com
