Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has awarded two key contracts valued at around RO300 million ($779 million) to Omani businesses for work on its operations in the north of the sultanate, a report said.

Off-plot mechanical work will be carried out by local community contractor Seeh Al Sarya Engineering at PDO oilfields at Fahud, Lekhwair and Yibal and by Galfar Engineering & Contracting at Qarn Alam, reported Oman Observer.

The contracts will run for four years with options to extend, the report added.

“We are committed supporters of building local companies which are capable of competing locally, regionally and internationally,” PDO managing director Raoul Restucci was quoted as saying in the report.

“Local companies play an instrumental role in supporting and diversifying the country’s economic growth and PDO is delighted to support Omani companies which are staffed with committed professionals and are able to deliver great work in our fields, safely and efficiently.”

Seeh Al Sarya Engineering and Galfar Engineering & Contracting will mainly be responsible for providing off-plot mechanical work.

The contracts will provide around 700 job opportunities for Omanis, who will be trained and developed to international standards.