Royal Decree 105/2020 establishing the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones and determining its Competences.

This Decree consisting of 11 articles and 1 Annex aims at establishing the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, subordinate to the Council of Ministers. The Authority, among others, has the following main tasks (i) suggest policies and strategic plans in a way that contributes to achieving the development plans of the State; (ii) implement, follow-up, and evaluate the approved strategic policies and plans; (iii) prepare studies, plans and programs related to the Authority's competencies; (iv) supervise the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones; (v) propose their establishment and take procedures for issuing a Royal Decree establishing them, determining their location and limits, and the incentives, benefits, and facilities granted to both the operating entity and the operating company; (vi) regulate the investment environment; (vii) decide the usufruct right on state-owned lands located in the special economic zones and free zones (viii) regulate the application of the one-stop system; (ix) issue all types of licenses, approvals, and certificates related to the exercise of economic activities; (x) provide services and establish the necessary public utilities; (xi) determine the activities and projects that can be practiced in the special economic zones and free zones; (xii) approve concession agreements; (xiii) coordinate with the competent authorities to provide security and emergency services; (xiv) lay down the rules regulating the movement of goods and the movement of people to and from special economic zones and free zones.
The new Authority will replace the previous Special Economic Zone Authority established in the various areas. The benefits, incentives and exemptions available at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) and the various Free Zones will continue in force until further Royal Decrees are issued