Williamstown, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/28/2009 -- In the first quarter of 2009, Oman's infrastructure sector saw a number of new projects announced across the various subsectors. In BMI's Q209 Oman Infrastructure Report we are forecasting real growth of 3.71% in 2009, to reach a value of OMR1bn (US$2.6bn). A number of large projects are ongoing in Oman's infrastructure sector, which are continuing to fuel activity in the industry; in addition, a number of new projects have been recorded over the past quarter. The largest project awarded in the last quarter was to a consortium formed by Singapore's Sembcorp and the Oman Investment Corporation, announced as the preferred bidder in January 2009 for the more than US$1bn Salalah Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP). The project is part of the government's strategy to meet growing demand for both water and power, which is threatening to lead to future shortages in production. The transport sector continues to be dominated by plans to upgrade the country's airports and ports, and to diversify the over-ground transport network through the development of a national and regional rail network. There are plans to construct six new airports and expand existing airports at Muscat and Salalah. In February, six bids were shortlisted for the tender for the US$1.4bn Muscat terminal project, including Bechtel, Vinci and Binladen Group. Bidding is also underway for the US$200mn Duqm Airport project, with a number of international majors having shown interest. Projects at Oman's ports, both in operation and under construction, have been centred on catering for industrial users and the transport of freight, in response to the country's attempts to diversify its economy. The construction industry, which has been the sector hit worst by the downturn across the Middle East, continues to post activity in Oman. A drive in tourism has seen a number of hotels built over recent years, and preparations for the 2010 Asian Beach Games to be held in Muscat are further fuelling construction projects. However, BMI notes that Oman will not escape the slowdown in the commercial and residential construction sectors, which is a trend across the region. Despite the continued activity in the industry, the forecast growth rate in 2009 will be reduced when compared to the growth levels of previous years. This is due to the declining macroeconomic climate (real GDP is forecast to contract by 0.52% in 2009) related to decreased oil revenues, which will in turn reduce government spending capabilities. In addition, the general risk aversion and difficulties in securing financing will reduce the level of private sector activity in the country.

Report Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
- Market Overview
- Global Overview
- Governments To The Rescue: The Global Surge In Infrastructure Spending

Table: Infrastructure Stimulus Plans List, Correct As Of July 2009
- SWOT Analysis
- Oman Infrastructure Industry SWOT
- Oman Political SWOT Industry SWOT
- Oman Economic SWOT
- Oman Business Environment SWOT
- Major Infrastructure Developments And Key Projects
- Transport Infrastructure Overview
- New And Ongoing Projects
- Airports
- Ports
- Road Networks
- Rail Networks

Table: Oman Major Infrastructure Projects - Transport
- Energy And Utilities Infrastructure Overview
- New And Ongoing Projects
- Power Plants And Transmission Grids
- Oil And Gas Pipelines
- Water

Table: Oman Major Infrastructure Projects - Energy And Utilities
- Construction Overview
- New And Ongoing Projects
- Residential Construction
- Commercial Construction
- Industrial Construction
- Tourism Construction

Table: Oman Major Infrastructure Projects - Construction
- Industry Forecast Scenario

Table: Oman - Construction And Industry Data
- Business Environment
- Middle East Infrastructure Business Environment Ratings

Table: Middle East Infrastructure Business Environment Ratings
- Oman Business Environment Overview
- Limits Of Potential Returns
- Risk To Realisation Of Potential Returns
- Project Finance Ratings: Outlook For The Middle East

Table: Design And Construction Rating

Table: Commissioning And Operating Rating

Table: Overall Project Finance Rating
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Labour Force
- Legal Framework
- Tax Regime
- Macroeconomic Outlook

Table: Oman - Economic Activity
- Political Outlook
- Domestic Politics
- Foreign Policy
- Company Monitor
- Galfar Engineering and Contracting


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