Sohar Port, Oman
SOHAR Port and Freezone is a large deep-water industrial port on the Gulf of Oman, about 15–20 km north-west of Sohar city centre in Al Batinah North governorate. It has been operating since 2004.
Where is Sohar Port?
| Location | Batinah coast, between Sohar and Liwa, Al Batinah North governorate |
|---|---|
| Approx. coordinates | 24.49° N, 56.61° E |
| Sea | Gulf of Oman (outside the Strait of Hormuz) |
| From Sohar city centre | About 15–20 km north-west |
| From Muscat | About 200 km in a straight line; roughly 230–250 km by road (2.5 hours) |
| Nearest airports | Sohar (OHS), about 12 km; Muscat International (MCT) |
About the port
The port is developed and managed by SOHAR Port and Freezone, a 50/50 joint venture between Oman's Asyad Group and the Port of Rotterdam. The adjacent Sohar Freezone hosts manufacturing and logistics companies.
Sohar is primarily an industrial port. Heavy industries in the port area include a refinery and petrochemical plants, the Sohar Aluminium smelter, iron-ore pelletising and steel plants, alongside container, general-cargo, dry-bulk and liquid-bulk terminals. When Muscat's Port Sultan Qaboos stopped handling commercial cargo in 2014, its cargo traffic was moved to Sohar.
A rail link between Sohar and Abu Dhabi (Hafeet Rail, a joint project of Oman and the UAE) has been under construction, aimed at connecting the port to the UAE rail network.
Nearby
For the city itself — the fort museum, corniche and day trips — see the Sohar map page. Other Omani ports are compared on the ports of Oman page.
Practical notes
- Commercial port areas are secure zones; access is for authorised staff, drivers and visitors with permits only.
- Coordinates on this page are approximate (from OpenStreetMap) and intended for orientation, not navigation or shipping use.
- For current terminal information, tariffs and schedules, use the port operator's official channels.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sohar Port located?
On the Batinah coast of the Gulf of Oman, about 15–20 km north-west of Sohar city centre, at approximately 24.49° N, 56.61° E.
Who owns Sohar Port?
SOHAR Port and Freezone is a 50/50 joint venture between Asyad Group (Oman) and the Port of Rotterdam.
How far is Sohar Port from Muscat?
Roughly 230–250 km by road depending on your starting point in Muscat, about 2.5 hours; about 200 km in a straight line.
Is Sohar Port bigger than Port Sultan Qaboos?
Yes. Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat no longer handles commercial cargo — since 2014 it serves cruise ships and tourism, and its cargo traffic moved to Sohar.