Effective 11 October, Dr. Raid Al Rubaiey will be appointed CEO of SOHAR Port and Freezone. SOHAR Port and Freezone is a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam Authority N.V. and the Sultanate of Oman (ASYAD Group). He succeeds Emile Hoogsteden, who has held the position for more than four years.

Dr. Al Rubaiey currently serves as Deputy CEO of SOHAR Port and CEO of SOHAR Freezone. Fabio Grandchamp has been appointed Deputy CEO of SOHAR Port and Freezone. Grandchamp is the former Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Pecém in Brazil, where the Port of Rotterdam Authority is also a shareholder. Emile Hoogsteden will remain associated with the Management Board and Supervisory Board of SOHAR Port and Freezone as an advisor until the end of the year.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: “We are pleased with the appointments of Dr. Raid Al Rubaiey and Fabio Grandchamp. With their extensive knowledge of the organisation, the region, and the international port sector, they are exceptionally well positioned to drive the continued growth of SOHAR Port and Freezone. At the same time, we would like to thank Emile for his commitment and leadership over the past four years. Under his leadership, the port of Sohar has achieved strong growth and further strengthened its position as an international logistics and industrial hub.”

Dr. Raid Al Rubaiey

SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the Middle East’s leading integrated port and industrial complexes. Strategically located on the Gulf of Oman, the port serves as a vital link between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Over the past two decades, the Port of Sohar has evolved from a regional port into an international logistics, maritime, and industrial hub, bringing together port operations, industry, and a free trade zone. As such, SOHAR plays a key role in Oman’s economic development and in connecting global trade flows.