Saturday 20 / June / 2026
MUSCAT— The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has unveiled an ambitious master plan for the Duqm waterfront, aimed at transforming the area into a leading tourism and investment destination while strengthening private-sector participation in the development of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).
The master plan was presented during an expanded meeting attended by government officials, investors, real estate developers and financing institutions. The initiative forms part of OPAZ's strategy to attract high-quality investments and accelerate economic diversification in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Spanning 31 square kilometres and featuring a 15-kilometre coastline, the waterfront development leverages Duqm’s natural assets, including pristine beaches, striking rock formations and scenic coastal landscapes. The project is designed to create an integrated destination that combines luxury tourism, residential communities, ecotourism, entertainment and commercial activities.
Under the long-term development vision, the waterfront will evolve into a vibrant urban and tourism hub supported by world-class infrastructure, including Duqm Port, Duqm International Airport, a marina and a range of hospitality and leisure facilities.
The plan targets the development of more than 2,600 hotel hospitality units and over 3,700 residential units by 2040. It also includes more than 63,000 square metres of commercial space and cultural and entertainment facilities covering over one million square metres.
Once completed, the project is expected to attract around 370,000 visitors annually, creating significant opportunities for investors in tourism, hospitality, real estate, retail and recreation.
Duqm’s strategic location between Muscat and Salalah, combined with advanced infrastructure and investor-friendly regulations, is expected to enhance the project's appeal. Incentives offered within the Special Economic Zone include tax exemptions of up to 30 years, 100 percent foreign ownership and land usufruct rights for up to 99 years.
Tourism investment commitments in the Duqm Special Economic Zone exceeded OMR853 million by the end of 2025, reflecting growing confidence in the region’s development prospects.
The current tourism portfolio includes 21 hotels, 10 hotel apartment projects and a large mixed-use tourism development comprising hotels, villas and serviced apartments.
According to statistics from the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, a total of 16 tourism projects had been completed by the end of last year. An additional 11 projects are currently under construction, while five more remain in the planning stage.
Officials said the new waterfront plan marks a significant shift in Duqm’s development trajectory, moving beyond infrastructure development toward the creation of a fully integrated tourism and urban destination.
The project is expected to capitalize on Duqm’s unique position along the Arabian Sea, offering opportunities for marine resorts, marinas, ecotourism attractions, adventure tourism and recreational facilities. The area’s relatively mild summer climate also enhances its potential as a domestic and regional tourism destination.
During the meeting, OPAZ emphasized that the waterfront development represents a key step in maximizing the economic value of the area while creating a sustainable coastal city that aligns with international standards and evolving market demand.
The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, and forms part of a broader programme aimed at expanding private-sector partnerships and accelerating development within the Duqm Special Economic Zone.
