Duqm: The 2nd edition of the Duqm Economic Forum 2025 kicked off today. Organized by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones ‘OPAZ’ under the theme ‘Leading Change’, the event is attended by over 400 participants and 54 speakers from Oman and abroad. The forum commenced under the auspices of Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, who highlighted the forum’s role in promoting growth and exploring investment opportunities in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, focusing on processing industries, green industries, and clean energy.
According to Oman News Agency, Minister Al Habsi emphasized the government’s commitment to offering incentives to serious investors in Duqm and other economic zones. A government Negotiation Team has been formed to expedite approvals for major investors. He elaborated on Duqm as an integrated environment with efficient infrastructure, including a commercial port, a dry dock, and an airport, making it one of the largest economic zones in the Middle East.
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heikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, noted that the forum focuses on Duqm’s quality of life and its potential as a service-equipped center due to its energy resources. Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, reported that investments in Duqm have grown to over RO 6.3 billion, reflecting its strong economic and tourism presence. The SEZAD Strategy (2026-2030) aims to enhance Duqm’s attractiveness for investments, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industries.
Andrew Michael Payne of Interbrand Group discussed destination branding, while the forum saw several agreement signings. Notably, a strategic partnership between OQ and Royal Vopak was established to invest in storage facilities for petroleum and chemical products, with plans to expand into green ammonia and hydrogen. Eng. Salim bin Marhoon Al Hashmi of OTTCO highlighted this as a milestone for Duqm as a global economic hub.
A strategic partnership was also signed between Energy Development Oman and Japan’s Sumitomo Corpo
ration to manage a specialized company for energy sector supply chain management. An MoU between SEZAD, Tatweer, and Al Abrar Real Estate Company aims to develop a tourism, residential, and commercial project in Duqm.
Marafiq Duqm and the German University of Technology in Oman agreed to construct a social complex using 3D printing technology, while an MoU between Port of Duqm Company and Japan’s NYK Line seeks to enhance Duqm Port’s maritime and logistics status.
The forum’s first day included sessions on Oman’s economic achievements, Duqm’s tourism potential, regenerative tourism, and sustainable manufacturing. The second day will feature sessions on manufacturing agility, urban infrastructure design, future-ready urbanization, and community empowerment through tourism.