Sandan, Oman’s first integrated city for light industries, on Tuesday signed an agreement for expansion works that would among other things include the Sultanate’s first indoor vehicle auction house to be operated electronically.

The OMR1.5mn expansion pact also includes warehouse units and large workshops to repair cars. The projects being constructed in Halban by the Omani-Lebanese company are set to be completed in eight months.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ali Hassan Sulaiman, CEO of Sandan, said that the company has decided to carry out expansion to meet the needs of investors, “especially in the areas related to cars including workshops to repair vehicles, and exhibitions.”

He added, “The company plans to establish the first project of its kind in the Sultanate, which is an indoor car auction house equipped with all modern systems and will be managed via the Internet to match with the best houses in the world specialised in buying and selling cars through open auctions.”

The auction house will be run by American company, Copart, which is a pioneer in online car auctions.

Carlos Sabgero, CEO of Copart for Middle East, Africa and India, also spoke on the occasion and said, “Sandan City will expand the company’s business in Oman and will be able to boost Copart’s sales, especially in light of the city’s advantages and the unified services required by both buyers and sellers. Our customers can visit us in the city and inspect the cars they want to compete to buy or offer their cars for sale. An integrated space will be designed for exhibition and inspection.”