Oman plans to build three new industrial estates, one each in Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas,in a move to diversify the country’s economy and create employment opportunities for the youth. Work is currently underway in coordination with various government agencies, especially the Ministry of Housing, to complete the allocation of lands for Public Establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE) in the wilayats of Thumrait, Al Mudhaibi and Shinas, said Hilal bin Hamad Al Hassani, chief executive officer of PEIE. Besides, Marmul and Qarn Al Alam are currently being studied in collaboration with the Ministry of Oil and Gas and Petroleum Development Oman to set up industrial estates. He pointed out that there are approximately 900 existing projects currently in the industrial zones in the Sultanate, which employ more than 15,000 local people, and there are 242 projects under construction that will enter the operating stage within two years and thus will provide 12,000 job opportunities, of which 4,500 jobs are for citizens. (Times of Oman)