Al Duqm’s Next Chapter: How the New City Development Benefits Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT, NOVEMBER 4 – Al Duqm, having firmly established itself as a dynamic industrial and investment hub, is now embarking on an exciting new phase focused on becoming a vibrant city where investors, employees, tourists, and residents can genuinely feel at home.
Shaikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), highlighted this vision during the recent 2025 Duqm Economic Forum held within the Special Economic Zone. He emphasized the goal to develop Al Duqm into “a vibrant city, not merely an industrial zone.”
Dr. Al Sunaidy noted that while last year’s inaugural forum concentrated on green hydrogen and sustainability—initiatives that have already sparked major projects under various stages of development—the current agenda has expanded significantly. “A key focus now is enhancing the quality of life for those living and working in Al Duqm,” he said.
Pointing to global trends, he explained that successful economic zones worldwide are evolving into integrated communities where people live, study, and raise families. Reflecting this shift, Al Duqm has seen an increase in family-oriented arrivals, with approximately 600 children relocating to the city with their parents last year. Additionally, student enrollment in local schools has surged by nearly 47 percent over the past three years.
While progress in lodging and accommodation is promising, Dr. Al Sunaidy acknowledged that further efforts are required to make Al Duqm appealing to residents, workers, and tourists alike. To achieve this, OPAZ is working closely with urban planners and design specialists to develop a comprehensive masterplan for Al Duqm’s 16-kilometer beachfront, spanning from the Crowne Plaza Duqm to the Fisheries Port.
“We are envisioning how this waterfront area can evolve over the next 50 years to become a distinctive, natural attraction and a central gathering place where families can relax and enjoy the city,” he explained. “The objective is to attract more companies and residents by unlocking Al Duqm’s full potential as both an economic and social destination.”
Dr. Al Sunaidy underscored that OPAZ’s vision aligns with global developments, noting that there are over 7,000 free zones worldwide, many of which are transitioning into places where people live as well as work. “We cannot maintain Al Duqm as solely a workplace. People want to enjoy life after work—engaging in activities like fishing, relaxing, and feeling part of a community,” he said.
Significantly, recent regulatory reforms are facilitating permanent settlement and private property ownership in Al Duqm. “We want people to own their homes and buildings,” Dr. Al Sunaidy stressed. “The recent Royal Decree permitting property ownership in Al Duqm is a game-changer that will make a lasting difference.”
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The transformation of Al Duqm from an industrial hub into a vibrant, livable city presents significant opportunities for businesses and investors aiming to capitalize on this evolving market. With regulatory reforms enabling property ownership and comprehensive urban planning focused on quality of life, entrepreneurs should consider ventures in real estate, hospitality, and community services to meet growing residential and tourist demands. This strategic shift also mitigates risks of workforce attrition, as enhancing livability attracts and retains talent, positioning Al Duqm as a sustainable long-term investment hotspot.
