Forum Sessions in Al Duqm Spotlight Innovation and Sustainability: Key Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
AL DUQM: On its second day, the Duqm Economic Forum 2025, themed “Duqm Leads Change,” featured five key sessions highlighting the city’s strategic role as a gateway to innovation, investment, sustainability, and future-ready urbanization. The event brought together senior officials, industry leaders, and international experts to discuss Duqm’s ambition to become a global hub connecting industries, communities, and sustainable growth opportunities.
The forum opened with “The Art of Agility: Manufacturing in a Fast-Paced World,” which showcased how Duqm’s manufacturing sector is leveraging IoT, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, reduce product cycles, and strengthen supply chains. Panelists stressed that these technologies could establish Duqm as a regional leader in advanced manufacturing.
Next, the session “Greenfield Development, Blue Sky Thinking: Duqm Urban Infrastructure Design” explored the unique prospects of building a city from scratch. Discussions focused on sustainable construction, innovative water management, AI-driven urban planning, and participatory community design, presenting Duqm as a living laboratory for cutting-edge urban development.
“The Smart Frontier: Positioning Duqm as a Leader in Future Ready Urbanisation” examined how Duqm can lead in smart growth by integrating renewable energy, advanced mobility solutions, and digital infrastructure. Panelists highlighted the alignment of these initiatives with Oman Vision 2040, positioning Duqm as a model for climate-conscious, future-ready development.
Attention then shifted to talent attraction in “Talent Magnet: Live, Work & Play.” Speakers pointed out that with 65% of Oman’s population under 35, Duqm is poised to become a hub for young professionals. Creating vibrant neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and digital services was emphasized as essential to fostering a city that merges innovation and quality of life.
The concluding session, “It Takes a Village: Empowering Communities Through Tourism Development,” emphasized the critical role of local communities in shaping tourism. Drawing on examples from Misfat Al Abriyeen and Nizwa, panelists shared innovative models such as scattered hotels and cultural tourism projects that generate employment, preserve heritage, and promote long-term community engagement.
Overall, the Duqm Economic Forum 2025 reaffirmed its role as a strategic platform uniting government, industry, and communities to transform Duqm into a future-ready city, establishing it as a key driver of Oman’s economic diversification and sustainable development.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Duqm’s rapid transformation into a smart, sustainable urban and industrial hub aligned with Oman Vision 2040 presents strategic opportunities for investors in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure. Businesses that leverage digital innovation and community-centric models stand to benefit from a young, dynamic workforce and growing tourism economy. Smart investors should focus on sectors driving future-ready growth and sustainable economic diversification in Duqm to capitalize on its emerging regional leadership.
