Wednesday 23 / September / 2026
Duqm: The volume of committed cumulative investment in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) rose to OMR8.818 billion by the end of last June, registering a 141 percent growth compared to its 2021 level of OMR3.650 billion.
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz), explained that this rise reflects the improvement in the investment environment within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm over the past five years. It also highlights the development of the zone's infrastructure, the efforts exerted to attract investments, and the incentives and facilities offered by the zone to investors.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he stated that the Port of Duqm recorded growth in the handling volume of containers, roll-on/roll-off cargo, oil and gas field pipelines, and various goods required by the projects being implemented in the zone.
In this regard, Al Yousef pointed out a 5.66 percent increase in total cargo handling at the Port of Duqm. Furthermore, dry bulk cargo handling increased by 3.88 percent, and roll-on/roll-off cargo handling rose by 8.2 percent between 2021 and 2025.
He added that the Duqm Refinery successfully increased its production capacity to 255,000 barrels per day, and the Dry Dock completed approximately 1,340 projects from 2020 until the end of last year.
The Chairman of Opaz affirmed that the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones is working to localise several other projects in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, aligning with the Sultanate of Oman's plans for net-zero carbon emissions and the ongoing efforts to develop the green hydrogen sector.
Al Yousef noted that the Special Economic Zone at Duqm is also working to attract various other projects in the tourism, commercial, and logistics sectors. Additionally, the zone is preparing the necessary means to ensure the stability of its workforce by attracting educational and healthcare projects.
He explained that the Duqm University College, which is launching its first academic year this year, represents a qualitative addition to the education sector in the zone.
He stated that the zone has also focused on expanding health and medical services in cooperation with the private sector. In this context, the emergency building at Duqm Hospital will be inaugurated in partnership with OQ Group, and a kidney dialysis unit will be established at the hospital. Furthermore, a cardiac unit will be established at the Badr Al Samaa Medical Centre in Duqm, alongside an increase in the number of medical specialties offered at the center.
In the field of social services, He explained that the Educational Community Cultural Center in Duqm, which was built using 3D printing, has been completed, reflecting Duqm's role in supporting sustainable development, innovation, and social development.
Al Yousef affirmed that the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones will continue its work in enhancing the investment environment in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, localising more qualitative projects, and raising the efficiency of services in line with the expected growth in the volume of investments and economic projects.
