Next Duqm Now Forum: How Turning Production into Dependable Exports Can Boost Your Business in Oman
MUSCAT: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is set to host the first Duqm Now session of 2026. The event, titled “Duqm Made,” will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 7:30 pm, at the Crowne Plaza Duqm.
Al Duqm is designed to serve industrial needs within a trade environment where tariffs, compliance requirements, and routing decisions are evolving rapidly. Industrial locations are increasingly evaluated based on their ability to convert production into exports efficiently, on time, and with minimal obstacles. Positioned on the Arabian Sea and near key shipping routes, Al Duqm offers strategic advantages for companies seeking resilient logistics and reliable operational conditions.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of a global trading system that remains substantial and active, yet marked by increasing political and operational complexities. According to UNCTAD, global trade reached a record $35 trillion in 2025. However, WTO economists forecast slower growth for 2026, citing higher tariffs and ongoing policy uncertainties. The IMF also expects trade policy uncertainties, including tariff-related issues, to persist throughout 2026.
Eng Ahmed Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, commented on the upcoming session: “Duqm Made focuses on transforming production into dependable exports. We will explore the full journey from output to shipment, using real-world examples from major Duqm tenants. The session will highlight how standards are maintained, operations are kept running smoothly, and goods are transferred rapidly from factory to ship. Additionally, it will address essential documentation, including emissions data, which buyers increasingly require. Whether you build, invest, supply, or support industrial activity, you will gain a clear understanding of what effective export performance looks like in practice.”
Oman’s trade statistics underscore the importance of this operational focus. Data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) shows that between January and October 2025, total merchandise exports reached RO 19.3 billion ($50 billion). Non-oil exports grew by 9.9%, reaching RO 5.6 billion ($14.5 billion) compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting that a growing portion of Oman’s export growth is driven by sectors dependent on consistent and reliable delivery.
The February Duqm Now session will convene investors, tenants, suppliers, and partners to examine how competitiveness is practically developed—focusing on key performance metrics, time efficiencies, and maintaining predictable delivery as export volumes increase.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The upcoming “Duqm Made” session at SEZAD underscores Oman’s strategic positioning as a resilient export hub, leveraging its prime location and industrial infrastructure. For businesses, this signals opportunities to capitalize on streamlined export processes amid global trade uncertainties, while investors should focus on operational efficiency and compliance to meet rising international standards. Smart entrepreneurs must now prioritize scalability and sustainability in export logistics to thrive in an increasingly complex and politically sensitive trading environment.
