Be’ah’s Circular Economy Strategy

Be’ah’s Circular Economy (CE) Strategy is a comprehensive urban initiative in Oman designed to modernize waste management practices through incorporating principles of CE into the country’s policies.¹ It supports Oman Vision 2040 and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).²
The strategy envisions a “sustainable Oman”, by promoting minimal waste generation, efficient resources utilization, and a strong focus on environmental well-being.³
Be’ah’s CE strategy aims to reduce landfill dependency, enhance recycling and reuse, and implement innovative energy-efficient technologies.⁴ Through this integrated approach, Be’ah’ seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.⁵

To achieve its vision, Be’ah developed a comprehensive master plan, incorporating various projects and initiatives, mainly:^{6 7 8}

• Waste-to Energy Projects (WtE): Barka plant processes 4,500 tonnes of daily municipal solid waste generating 130-150 megawatts of electricity. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 50 million tonnes by 2050, with an investment potential of USD 700-900 million.⁹
• Biogas Production & Organic Waste Management: Biogas plants at Barka landfill, Sultan Qaboos University, and the Omani Agriculture Association convert organic waste into renewable energy. Additionally, partnerships with Omani Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) are converting fish waste into organic fertilizers and recycling used cooking oil for biofuel production.¹⁰
• Recycling Initiatives: Establishing safe and efficient systems for recycling used lead-acid batteries and PET plastics, including Blue Bins project. Partnering with Oman Oil Marketing Company and Omantel for Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), while enhancing waste sorting and recycling via Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).¹¹
• Industrial & Hazardous Waste Management: Collaborating with Oman Cement Company to repurpose End-of-Life (ELT) tires as alternative fuel, partnering with Omantel and PDO for E-Waste (electronic waste) recycling, and developing strategies to reuse construction and demolition waste to reduce landfill impact.¹²
• Public Awareness and Community Engagement: “Oman Tistahil” campaign, Ramadan initiatives, mobile awareness units, and educational activities to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal, food waste reduction, and sustainable recycling.¹³

The beneficiaries of Be’ah’s CE Strategy include Omani citizens, businesses, as it enhances public health, creates economic opportunities, and preserves natural resources.¹⁴ As the national waste management entity, Be’ah drives this transition through waste reduction, energy recovery, recycling, and community engagement, fostering a greener, more resource-efficient future.¹⁵

Be’ah engages government agencies, private sector partners, academic institutions, and local communities.¹⁶ It also involves SMEs to create job opportunities and attract foreign direct investment.
The Omani government has allocated OMR 528 million ($1.5 billion) for CE projects. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance supports green financing through bonds and sukuk.¹⁷
The implementation of Be’ah Circular Economy strategy is structured across multiple phases. The first phasefocuses on infrastructure development, closing illegal dumpsites, and promoting material and energy recovery from waste. Subsequent phases include feasibility studies, stakeholder collaborations, and build-operate-transfer (BOT) models.^{18 19} Implementation began in March 2025. The Barka WtE plant is set to launch in 2028, while biogas and recycling programs will roll out in stages, supporting Oman’s net-zero target by 2050.²⁰ Key Dates:

• 2021: Reforms, exploring circular economy principles, and launching sustainability-driven projects, including WtE initiatives, biogas feasibility studies, and enhanced recycling programs.
• March 2025: Official initiation of Be’ah’s CE strategy.
• 2028: Barka WtE plant is set to launch
• 2050: Oman’s net-zero emissions target, with the strategy contributing to this goal.