Duqm 2025-30 Strategy: Key Sub-Zones and Priority Sectors Investors and Businesses Must Watch
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has outlined its strategic plan for 2025-2030, aiming to localize investments across diverse sectors and accelerate the development and marketing of priority sub-zones to meet the needs of current and prospective investors.
By the end of June 2025, total committed investments in the zone surpassed RO6.3 billion, reflecting a 5.3 percent increase.
In the real estate sector, the Misan Square Duqm project—a comprehensive business complex featuring offices, residential units, and commercial spaces—has reached approximately 80 percent completion. Meanwhile, in green industries, Jindal Steel is progressing on its green steel plant with a 26 percent completion rate as of June.
The green hydrogen sector is marked by Acme’s green ammonia project, designed to produce 100,000 tons annually. This project has reached 17 percent completion and is slated for its first phase completion in July 2027.
The first half of 2025 also saw the launch of the initial phase of the wind turbine manufacturing project by Mawared Turbine. With investments exceeding RO70 million, the facility is designed to produce up to 1,000 megawatts annually of various turbine types, including 6.25 MW and 9.6 MW models. Commercial operations are expected to commence in 2026, generating over 1,000 job opportunities.
Infrastructure developments include the opening of traffic on the 51 km dual carriageway connecting Duqm Airport and Ras Markaz’s crude oil tanks. Additionally, 94 percent of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Southern dual carriageway project (14 km) and over 83 percent of the first phase of the National Road 32 dual carriageway (total 27 km over two phases) have been completed, with the second phase at 58 percent.
Significantly, a new 16 km dual coastal road project has been awarded within SEZAD, aiming to enhance tourism by linking the tourist area with the fishing port and the fish and food industries complex. The road offers direct views of the Arabian Sea and forms part of an integrated transportation development plan.
SEZAD’s management remains focused on attracting investment and encouraging workforce settlement to transform Duqm into a fully operational city for work and living. Recent progress includes the completion of a 13,000 sqm commercial district park with modern irrigation and afforestation, as well as internal roads covering 13 km, sewage and rainwater drainage systems, afforestation along Airport Street, and development of the beach park.
Moreover, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones is establishing a multi-purpose community entertainment complex spanning approximately 1,500 sqm to enhance social life for residents and workers in the Duqm zone.
The zone recorded new usufruct agreements valued at RO22.6 million, with investment applications rising from 7 in the first half of last year to 19 this year. Commercial registrations also surged to 225 compared to 68 in the same period last year. Licensing activity included 181 economic activity licenses, 262 public service licenses, and 599 work licenses, underscoring SEZAD’s positive impact on the business environment.
By June 2025, the total workforce in the zone exceeded 12,400, with Omani employment rising significantly to 3,245 from 1,544 in the first half of 2024. The Omanization rate notably improved to over 26 percent compared to 20 percent a year earlier.
These developments highlight SEZAD’s commitment to sustainable growth, economic diversification, and enhanced quality of life for its community.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The significant growth and diversification of investments in SEZAD, highlighted by projects in green industries, renewable energy, and infrastructure, signal strong opportunities for businesses to capitalize on Oman’s strategic push towards sustainable economic development. With rising Omanization rates and job creation, smart investors should prioritize ventures aligning with environmental innovation and workforce localization, while entrepreneurs can leverage the improving infrastructure and expanding commercial ecosystem to establish competitive footholds. This integrated development positions Duqm as a future-ready hub, offering long-term strategic advantage amid global shifts towards green economies.
