Phased operations have begun at Barka Fishing Port Project, also known as Barka Marina, in South Al Batinah Governorate, Oman. Developed and invested in by the private sector, the project has an investment value of over 55 million Omani rials (about $142 million USD) and aligns with Oman Vision 2040.
Engineer Hassan bin Hussein Al-Aghbari, assistant director-general for fisheries, said current activities at the site are focused on fisheries services. These include the fish market, ice plant, marine workshop and fishing equipment outlets, which support the port’s daily operations.
He added that vessel traffic has increased since operations began, especially from artisanal and coastal fishing boats. Fish landings have also gone up following improved handling systems, logistics services and upgraded facilities.
Work continues across the site as the commercial and tourism areas progress through finishing stages. Restaurants, cafés and other leisure and retail units are still undergoing interior work and await final approvals before opening.
Plans also include expanding yacht berthing capacity, introducing digital systems for tracking fish landings, improving seafood marketing processes, as well as developing hospitality facilities such as beachfront accommodation.
In 2019, Salim bin Ali al-Siyabi, chairman of Al-Siyabi Group (Falcon), the main investor in the project, said the development covers a total area of about 133.62 hectares, with the actual development area standing at around 11.52 hectares. The project includes 450 commercial units and a marina with berths for around 80 vessels.
