Oman is rapidly emerging as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture, supported by its strategic location, clean coastlines, and government investment aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Among the most compelling developments is the planned abalone farm in Sharbathat — a landmark project that brings together marine resource strength and cutting-edge artificial intelligence innovation.
This project centers on the cultivation of Haliotis mariae, a high-value abalone species native to the Arabian Sea coast and internationally recognized as a luxury delicacy. With a national push toward private-sector growth and food security, Sharbathat offers an ideal location where the natural ecosystem meets modern industrial capability.
A High-Growth Sector, Strengthened by AI
Seafood consumption in the GCC continues to rise, driven by expanding tourism, household income growth, and regional culinary demand. Abalone is one of the fastest-growing premium seafood segments, with global supply unable to meet increasing demand from markets such as China, Japan, Singapore, and the high-end hospitality sector in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
To capture this momentum, the proposed Sharbathat facility is designed for an annual production capacity of 500 tons over a land area of 300,000 square meters. The estimated total project investment is valued at OMR 10 million (USD ~26 million), positioning it as one of the most strategically important aquaculture developments on Oman’s southern coast.
What elevates this opportunity beyond traditional aquaculture is the integration of artificial intelligence solutions through Engine AI, transforming the farm into Oman’s first smart and fully digitized abalone production facility.
Engine AI: Enhancing Sustainability and Profitability
Engine AI will deploy an advanced digital infrastructure that turns biological and environmental complexity into actionable intelligence. AI-enabled systems can continuously monitor water quality, salinity, temperature, oxygen levels, and algae nutrition. Underwater computer vision tracks growth performance, biomass density, and health indicators, predicting disease risks before they impact production.
These technologies reduce mortality, optimize feeding efficiency, improve consistency in abalone size and quality, and guarantee the traceability required by premium export markets. Smart automation also supports internationally recognized sustainability standards, making Sharbathat a competitive exporter from day one.
The AI and automation technology component is expected to represent approximately 15–20% of the project’s total investment value, or OMR 1.5–2.0 million. This includes intelligent sensors, smart feeding systems, real-time data analytics platforms, and global technology transfer partnerships facilitated by Engine AI.
Gateway to the Global Blue Economy
Oman already hosts successful aquaculture ventures across its coast, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the sector. With lower operational costs compared to neighboring GCC markets — particularly energy — Sharbathat’s foray into AI-powered abalone farming positions Oman as a competitive player in the global blue economy.
The project also contributes to national priorities including sustainable food production, export diversification, job creation, and the establishment of a domestic high-tech aquaculture capability. By integrating Engine AI’s expertise with world-leading aquaculture innovators, Sharbathat becomes a lighthouse example for how technology can unlock the full economic potential of the ocean.
A Transformational Partnership Opportunity
Partnering in the Sharbathat abalone farm is not merely a stake in seafood production — it is an opportunity to co-create the future of intelligent aquaculture at scale. With rising global demand, limited supply, and increasing focus on environmental stewardship, this venture offers a clear pathway to sustainable growth and premium market positioning.
Oman has the coastline, the species, and the government support. The world has the demand. Through Engine AI’s technological leadership and the right strategic partners, Sharbathat is poised to become the Middle East’s most advanced and profitable center for abalone cultivation.
The future of aquaculture in Oman will not be defined only by the ocean — but by intelligence guiding every decision beneath the surface.
For partnership inquiries:
📩 Email: executiveoffice@engineai.om