{"id":2673,"date":"2025-07-28T16:19:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T12:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/sezad-duqm-ai-summer-series-opens\/"},"modified":"2025-07-29T08:00:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T04:00:25","slug":"sezad-duqm-ai-summer-series-opens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/sezad-duqm-ai-summer-series-opens\/","title":{"rendered":"SEZAD Launches Duqm Summer Series with AI Focus: What This Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitv3sogw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitv3soga{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitv3soga:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitv3sogg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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.hitv3sogbl{display:flex;align-self:center;text-align:left}\r\n  .hitv3sogbtn{width:100%;justify-content:center;padding:12px 20px}\r\n}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Wide: >= 600px (leaderboard style) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (min-width:600px){\r\n  .hitv3soga{min-height:90px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><!-- HiT Land Banner \u2014 Container Query Responsive -->\r\n<div class=\"hitv3sogw\">\r\n<a class=\"hitv3soga\" href=\"https:\/\/hit.land\/services\/web-app-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-fadein 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0s;\">\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogg1\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogg2\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3soggl\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-shimmer 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogc\">\r\n    \r\n    <div style=\"display:inline-flex;align-self:flex-start;align-items:center;gap:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>BUSINESS REPORTER<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>AL DUQM, JULY 28<\/strong>  <\/p>\n<p>The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) will inaugurate its Duqm Summer Series on August 5, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. The initiative aims to support the zone\u2019s expanding business community.<\/p>\n<p>The opening session will feature Saeed Abdul Ghafoor, whose company, Star Drones, developed TARIQ\u2014Oman\u2019s first drone manufactured domestically using local materials. Star Drones has utilized its AI-powered drones across 19,000 acres in agricultural projects and is advancing applications in environmental monitoring and manufacturing.<\/p>\n<p>Ghafoor\u2019s expertise is particularly relevant to SEZAD-based companies that are currently applying AI solutions but require practical insights to scale their operations effectively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile SEZAD tenants are already implementing AI solutions successfully, the true challenge is scaling these initiatives,\u201d stated Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO of SEZAD. \u201cThe Duqm Summer Series connects our business community with experienced practitioners who can share proven strategies, successes, and the obstacles they have faced.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The potential impact of AI adoption is significant. The World Economic Forum\u2019s Global Lighthouse Network, comprising 189 production facilities using AI, reports 53% higher productivity and a 26% reduction in costs. Additionally, AI has contributed to 50% faster new product introductions and notable environmental benefits, including 30-50% emissions reductions and a 30% decrease in material waste.<\/p>\n<p>Strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, SEZAD sees these advancements as both an opportunity and a necessity. Research from UNIDO highlights that each manufacturing job creates more than two additional jobs in other sectors, emphasizing technology adoption as a driver of broad economic development beyond mere efficiency gains.<\/p>\n<p>This broader economic perspective shapes the format of the Duqm Summer Series. \u201cInnovation occurs when professionals from different sectors\u2014such as logistics, fisheries, renewable energy, and manufacturing\u2014exchange knowledge and solutions,\u201d Eng. Akaak noted.<\/p>\n<p>The sessions, each lasting one hour and starting at 1:00 pm, will combine presentations with interactive discussions. Following the opening session, the series will cover workforce development with Auf Al Aufi from the Development Bank (August 12), supply chain resilience with Nabeel Al Balushi from the Ministry of Transport, Communications &amp; Information Technology (August 19), and workplace culture and wellbeing with Dr. Aziza Al Sawafi from Sultan Qaboos University (August 26).<\/p>\n<p>With SEZAD attracting RO 6 billion (USD 15.5 billion) in cumulative investment commitments\u2014a 55% increase compared to 2023\u2014the Duqm Summer Series aims to address the practical challenges faced by tenant companies. \u201cOur tenants are not only seeking cost advantages; they are confronting critical questions facing modern industries: How to transition from AI pilots to full-scale deployment? What does workforce development entail amid rapid technological change? How to ensure supply chain resilience in a fragmented global landscape?\u201d Eng. Akaak explained.<\/p>\n<p>For SEZAD companies already working with AI but looking to expand their efforts, Ghafoor\u2019s approach may offer the roadmap necessary to unlock substantial productivity improvements observed worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>To participate in the Duqm Summer Series, please register at: <a href=\"https:\/\/shorturl.at\/uKJ0a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/shorturl.at\/uKJ0a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes 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.hitl8gakbl{display:flex;align-self:center;text-align:left}\r\n  .hitl8gakbtn{width:100%;justify-content:center;padding:12px 20px}\r\n}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Wide: >= 600px (leaderboard style) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (min-width:600px){\r\n  .hitl8gaka{min-height:90px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><!-- HiT Land Banner \u2014 Container Query Responsive -->\r\n<div class=\"hitl8gakw\">\r\n<a class=\"hitl8gaka\" href=\"https:\/\/hit.land\/services\/web-app-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-fadein 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0s;\">\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakg1\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakg2\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakgl\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-shimmer 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakc\">\r\n    \r\n    <div style=\"display:inline-flex;align-self:flex-start;align-items:center;gap:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The launch of the Duqm Summer Series, focusing on AI and automation, signals <strong>a transformative opportunity for Oman&#8217;s Special Economic Zone at Duqm<\/strong>, encouraging businesses to scale AI initiatives beyond pilot stages, boosting productivity and cost-efficiency. <strong>Smart investors and entrepreneurs should capitalize on SEZAD&#8217;s growing ecosystem, leveraging AI-driven innovation and cross-sector collaboration to tap into emerging markets and drive sustainable economic growth.<\/strong> However, they must also address workforce development and supply chain resilience to maintain competitive advantage amid rapid technological change.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) launches its Duqm Summer Series on August 5, focusing on AI and automation for its business community. The series features Saeed Abdul Ghafoor of Star Drones, Oman\u2019s first drone-maker, sharing insights on scaling AI solutions effectively.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2674,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[277,916,917],"class_list":["post-2673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-ai","tag-automation","tag-business-development"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/3083773.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2673"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2675,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673\/revisions\/2675"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2674"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}