DUQM: Located in Al Wusta Governorate on the west coast of the Sultanate of Oman along the Arabian Sea, Duqm awakens each morning to the rhythm of a new project, adding to the more than 2,300 projects established in the special economic zone since its inception in late 2011.
The City boasts encouraging relative and competitive investment advantages.
Its strategic location on the Arabian Sea, open to the Indian Ocean and near international shipping lanes, gives it significant economic importance on the global trade route. It is poised to become a logistics gateway for the region and a commercial hub linking the East and West.
The construction of the modern city of Duqm began with the launch of the Port of Duqm and Asyad Dry Dock in 2007. Over the years, Duqm has attracted local and international attention as a modern project aimed at drawing global investments and expertise, fostering numerous economic ventures, and creating more job opportunities for Omani youth.
Investment Projects
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) spans 2,000 square kilometers and accommodates a range of investments. These include industrial, commercial, and tourism ventures, as well as transportation, real estate development, and logistics projects.
Since its establishment, Duqm has welcomed investors, and it officially opened the Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company LLC (OQ8) under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The Refinery is the Sultanate of Oman’s third and largest oil refinery, with a production capacity of 230,000 barrels per day. Duqm also hosts the largest multipurpose commercial and industrial port, capable of handling the latest generation of container ships.
Duqm also hosts the largest fishing port in Oman, designed to support seafood and related industries. An industrial zone for seafood and food processing has been established to enhance the economic value of Duqm’s fishery resources. Additionally, Duqm is known for its dry dock for ship repair, maintenance, and construction, the Ras Markaz crude oil storage terminal, the Karwa Bus Factory specializing in buses and armored vehicles, and the integrated power and water plant at Duqm, which supplies power and industrial water to the Duqm Refinery and the oil storage facility.
In the previous year, during the Duqm Economic Forum, several agreements were signed to position Duqm as a major player in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and green ammonia. These agreements pave the way for Duqm to lead the green hydrogen industry in the Sultanate of Oman.
In addition, there are several notable hotel establishments, including the 4-star Crowne Plaza Duqm, invested in by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) under the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and the 4-star Park Inn by Radisson Hotel and Residence Duqm, funded by the private sector.
Urban Landmarks
On both sides of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road in the heart of Duqm, a row of modern commercial buildings line up, competing to attract customers from locals, residents, and tourists visiting this vibrant city.
This road reflects the philosophy of modern Duqm. It is a wide avenue with three lanes in each direction, flanked by green spaces and service roads, embodying the city’s vision of being accessible to everyone. The road has traffic safety signs, energy-efficient smart lighting systems, and traffic signals to manage flow. Any tourist or investor arriving in Duqm will notice the city’s transformation, via the Muscat-Sinaw-Duqm Road or the Haima-Jazir-Duqm Road. The first route leads to the Duqm Refinery, while the second route brings visitors to Duqm Airport, which serves as a vital air transport link with daily flights connecting Duqm to Muscat International Airport and several international destinations.
While Sultan Said bin Taimur Road facilitates commercial traffic along its length and routes vehicles towards the Duqm Refinery, the industrial quay, the Chinese Industrial City, and the bus manufacturing plant, Sultan Qaboos Road provides a smooth connection between the airport and Port of Duqm.
Its primary purpose is not just to ensure seamless transport for those arriving or departing through the airport but also to enhance the logistical link between Port of Duqm and the air cargo centre at the airport.
The buildings constructed along Sultan Qaboos Road reflect the modern architectural style being established in Duqm. Notable examples include the SEZAD building, the Hassad building, which was funded by government investments, and the building of Biladi Trading and Building materials, funded by foreign private sector investments.
City for Everyone
Over the years, Duqm has met the expectations and needs of its residents and visitors, evolving into a city that accommodates various nationalities. The local community has warmly embraced this diversity and actively participates in shaping the future of the new city.
The education sector is a key component in fostering stability and work-life balance in the city. A'soud Global School (AGS) welcomes both Omani and international students into a diverse school community. Additionally, Duqm hosts several public and private schools offering high-quality education. The opening of the first university college in Duqm is anticipated for the 2024/2025 academic year, which will further enhance the educational sector, both at the school and higher education levels.
In the healthcare sector, Duqm Hospital, operated by the Ministry of Health (MoH), works alongside several private healthcare facilities established in recent years to enhance health services in Duqm.
By the end of June, the number of private hospitals and health centres in Duqm had reached seven, with six pharmacies also operating in the area.
In the sports and recreational sector, the Oman Bowling Centre is a popular choice for both youth and families, offering a variety of facilities. It features a bowling hall with 12 lanes, high-quality score displays, and precise result calculations. The Centre meets high standards, allowing it to host both local and international competitions. Recently, the Centre expanded by adding three new buildings, which include padel tennis courts and a fitness centre.
In the parks and recreational sector, Duqm Beach Camping and Children Park are standout destinations.
A new public park is also under construction in the new Saay District, covering 13,000 square meters. This park will feature playgrounds, a walking path, and green spaces. The Saay District is part of the comprehensive development plan for the SEZAD and is designed to be a model neighborhood aligned with environmental sustainability plans.
In the tourism sector, the Rocks Garden, beaches, and Arabian Oryx Sanctuary are among the top destinations for tourists and residents. Duqm's unique environment offers a distinctive variety, making it a key tourist spot on the Arabian Sea, open to the Indian Ocean.
Preferred City for Living, Working and Settling
The numerous projects underway in Duqm, in infrastructure or various investment sectors, underscore the city’s economic prosperity. With over 2,300 economic activities operating in the SEZAD, diverse options in education and healthcare, and rich tourism assets, Duqm meets the expectations of its residents as a preferred city for living, working, and residing. The city continuously evolves to offer its inhabitants greater variety, richness, and excitement each day.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
