Duqm Economic Forum 2025 Kicks Off on 27 October

Duqm: The Duqm Economic Forum 2025 themed "Leading Change" will commence on Monday, 27 October 2025, in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The two-day event will be held under the patronage of Sultan Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance. According to Oman News Agency, Eng. Ahmed Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and Head of the Duqm Economic Forum Supervisory Committee, emphasized the forum's role as a meeting ground for experts, specialists, and investors to engage with decision-makers. The forum aims to attract more substantial multinational projects, particularly in tourism and urban development, and to advocate for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in essential investment sectors, including smart and sustainable manufacturing and green finance. Al Dheeb mentioned that this second edition of the forum will witness extensive participation from both within and outside Oman, with more than 400 participants and 54 speakers a nd session moderators, including 23 international experts and 19 Omani experts from over 50 nationalities. The forum is set to cover three primary themes. The first theme, "Integrated Tourism and Lifestyle Development," will explore opportunities for enhancing SEZAD's tourism potential and introducing appealing products that improve lifestyle. The second theme, "Green Manufacturing and Renewable Industries," will focus on the green industries sector, which depends on renewable energy and has significant investments under consideration and execution. The third theme, "AI-Powered Smart Cities and Digital Innovation," will concentrate on the role of technology and data in designing smart and resilient future cities. On the first day, the forum will feature four sessions. The opening session, "Opportunity Unleashed," will discuss the significance of Oman's recent economic accomplishments in boosting its competitive edge, emphasizing Oman Vision 2040 as a catalyst for investment in renewable energy, tourism, man ufacturing, logistics, and sectors like fisheries, data networks, and national competency development. The second session, "The Duqm Experience," will address the creation of a new concept for luxury and adventure tourism, as well as the comparative and competitive advantages of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The third session, "Building a Regenerative Tourism Model," will investigate how Duqm can lead by implementing innovative business models and investment frameworks that enhance natural environments while achieving sustainable economic value. The fourth session, "The Green Blueprint," will focus on utilizing AI, renewable energy, and green hydrogen to support a sustainable industrial revolution. On the second day, the forum will emphasize industrial resilience and futuristic thinking in shaping Duqm's infrastructure, smart borders, talent attraction for living, working, and recreation, and empowering communities through tourism development.