Jobs in Sohar: Port, Industry and Top Employers (2026 Guide)

Jobs in Sohar are concentrated around SOHAR Port and Freezone and the industrial estate next to it, so the strongest demand is for logistics, plant operations, maintenance, engineering and support roles. Recent reporting credits the port and freezone with supporting about 42,000 direct and indirect jobs, and new investment keeps adding projects. This guide explains which sectors hire, what roles to target and how to apply.

Why Sohar is one of Oman's main job markets

Sohar, the main city of North Al Batinah, sits about halfway between Muscat and the UAE border. Over the past two decades it has grown from a historic trading town into Oman's largest port and heavy-industry complex. SOHAR Port is a deep-sea port owned in equal shares by the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam, and the adjoining freezone covers around 4,500 hectares.

According to the Oman Observer, SOHAR attracted about USD 4.9 billion of new investment over six years through 55 leasing agreements, contributes roughly 2.6% of Oman's GDP and supports nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. In 2025 alone it signed eight new agreements worth about USD 968 million and handled around 72 million tonnes of cargo. Because the first freezone phase is close to full, an expansion of roughly 500 additional hectares has been announced, and the Hafeet Rail line to the UAE is under construction. For job seekers this means a steady pipeline of construction, commissioning and then permanent operations jobs.

Main sectors and employers in Sohar

Most vacancies in and around Sohar fall into a handful of clusters:

• Petrochemicals and refining - large OQ facilities, including the Sohar refinery and the Liwa plastics complex, plus downstream plastics and chemicals plants.
• Metals - aluminium smelting, steel making and iron ore pelletising, with well-known operators such as Sohar Aluminium, Jindal Shadeed and Vale.
• Ports, shipping and logistics - terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehousing and trucking companies serving the port and the UAE corridor.
• Manufacturing and the industrial estate - building materials, food processing, packaging and light engineering in Sohar Industrial City (Madayn).
• Services - hospitals and clinics, schools and universities, retail, hotels, banking and contracting companies that serve a fast-growing population.

The economic zones also have a strong localisation push. Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) reported that Omanis held about 36% of roughly 85,000 jobs across all zones at the end of 2025, and that more than 4,400 jobs for Omanis were created in the zones that year. Sohar Freezone alone accounted for about a quarter of new zone investment in 2025.

Roles in demand in Sohar

The table below summarises the kinds of positions most often advertised in the area. Exact titles vary by employer.

Sector	Typical roles	Useful background
Petrochemicals and metals	Process operator, control room operator, instrument and electrical technician, mechanical fitter, HSE officer	Technical diploma, plant experience, safety certificates
Logistics and port	Equipment operator, warehouse supervisor, customs clearance officer, logistics coordinator, heavy driver	Valid licence, ERP or WMS skills, shipping documentation
Engineering and projects	Mechanical, electrical, civil and project engineers, planners, QA/QC inspectors	Degree, project or shutdown experience
Support functions	HR and PRO staff, accountants, procurement officers, sales coordinators	Arabic and English, office software, local regulations
Services	Nurses, teachers, retail and hospitality staff	Professional licensing where required

You can browse current openings by sector on our logistics, manufacturing, oil and gas and engineering pages, or see everything located in the city at jobs in Sohar.

Omanisation and expatriate hiring

Many operator, technician, administrative and driver positions in Sohar are targeted at Omani nationals, in line with Ministry of Labour Omanisation rules and the localisation targets of the free zones. Expatriates are still recruited, mainly for specialist engineering, senior technical, commissioning and management roles where experience is scarce. If you are an expatriate, focus your applications on niche skills and certifications. If you are Omani, look out for trainee, apprenticeship and job-linked training programmes that large industrial employers run with training institutes.

Shift work, safety and working conditions

Industrial jobs in Sohar often run on rotating shifts because plants operate around the clock. Many employers provide transport from Sohar, Liwa, Saham or Shinas, and some offer housing or a housing allowance. Expect strict health and safety rules, mandatory site inductions and medical checks. Working hours are governed by the Oman Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023), which sets normal limits on daily and weekly hours and requires overtime pay when they are exceeded. Always read your contract and confirm shift patterns, allowances and overtime terms before signing.

Living in Sohar

Sohar is generally cheaper than Muscat for housing, and it has a growing range of schools, hospitals, malls and a long public beach. The drive to Muscat takes a few hours, and the UAE border is close, which matters to families who visit Al Ain or Dubai. Some workers at the port live in Liwa or Shinas to be closer to the industrial area. Summers are very hot and humid, so check that accommodation has reliable air conditioning.

How to find and apply for jobs in Sohar

1. Tailor your CV to industry keywords. Mention the exact equipment, processes, software and certificates you know, such as DCS, SAP, forklift or rigging certificates, NEBOSH or IOSH.
2. Apply directly and through job boards. Large operators publish vacancies on their own careers pages; contractors and suppliers often advertise on job boards.
3. Watch project announcements. New plants and expansions signal hiring 12 to 24 months ahead for construction and later for operations.
4. Set up alerts. Our free job alerts email you when new Sohar vacancies match your profile.
5. Be careful with offers that ask for money. Genuine employers do not charge candidates fees for a job or visa.

Key takeaways

• Sohar's job market is driven by its port, freezone and heavy industry, with roughly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs linked to SOHAR.
• Logistics, petrochemicals, metals, manufacturing and engineering offer the most vacancies.
• Many operational roles prioritise Omanis; expatriates are mainly hired for specialist skills.
• Expansion of the freezone and Hafeet Rail point to continued hiring in coming years.
• Use precise technical keywords in your CV and set up free alerts for Sohar.