SEZAD and SQU Launch Summer International Programme: Opportunities for Business Growth and Investment in Oman
Al Duqm, April 13 – The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) is set to launch a summer internship program in Al Duqm from June 7 to 18. This initiative will place students with seven prominent companies operating within the zone’s industrial and service sectors. Participating organizations include OQ8, ASYAD Drydock, Oman Tank Terminal Company, SIMAK, Port of Duqm, ASYAD Container Terminal, and Crowne Plaza Duqm.
The program is designed to connect academic talent with the operational environment of Duqm by assigning students specific projects within host companies. Each intern will receive guidance from both company mentors and SQU supervisors, culminating in final presentations at the end of the internship.
Recently, representatives from SEZAD, SQU, and the involved companies convened at the SEZAD Head Office to finalize the framework of this pilot program ahead of its June commencement.
This initiative provides SEZAD tenants with valuable support on active projects while offering early access to emerging talent. For students, it offers practical exposure to workplace routines, operational dynamics, and the fast-paced nature of large organizations. More broadly, it fosters closer collaboration between higher education institutions and the industrial sector.
Eng Ahmed Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, emphasized that Duqm’s long-term success hinges not only on robust infrastructure but also on strong human capital. He noted, “Internships enable students to experience the realities of professional life and give our tenants an active role in preparing future talent to meet Al Duqm’s evolving needs.”
Prof Salim al Harthy, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Community Service at SQU, highlighted the benefits for students: “This partnership underscores the university’s commitment to training, skill development, and employment. It allows students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world tasks, adhere to deadlines, and contribute meaningfully. This experience better equips them for the workplace and enhances the practical relevance of their studies.”
A total of fourteen students from SQU’s Colleges of Engineering, Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Science, Arts & Social Sciences, and Economics & Political Science will participate in the internship. In addition to their company assignments, interns will engage in evening lectures by professionals from SEZAD tenant companies and take part in a weekend team challenge focused on strategies to attract young professionals to Al Duqm.
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The SEZAD-SQU summer internship initiative embodies a strategic investment in developing human capital essential for Al Duqm’s industrial growth, bridging the gap between academia and industry. For businesses, this creates an opportunity to cultivate homegrown talent and strengthen operational capabilities early on, while smart investors and entrepreneurs should recognize the soon-to-rise skilled workforce as a key enabler for sustainable expansion and innovation in the zone. This collaboration signals a forward-looking approach to aligning education with market demands, reducing talent acquisition risks and boosting economic diversification.
