Duqm: A Global Investment Destination in Industry, Tourism, Renewable EnergyDuqm, 1 Oct (ONA) – The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is considered a global investment destination due to its strategic location, modern infrastructure (including roads, an airport, and a port), its vast area of 2,000 square kilometers, and the availability of diverse industrial areas, a logistics zone, clean energy projects, in addition to the incentives and facilities offered to investors.The second edition of the Duqm Economic Forum 2025 reinforced Duqm’s position as one of the most prominent economic cities globally. The Forum saw the attendance of over 400 participants and 54 speakers and experts from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, explained that the second edition of the Duqm Economic Forum is an affirmation of SEZAD’s potential and capabilities, which encompass numerous investments across various sectors.In a statement to Oman News Agency, he affirmed that SEZAD has been equipped with services and facilities to attract qualitative investments, not just in the processing industries sector, but also in the logistics sector, smart industries, and food and fisheries industries. He added that SEZAD is also focusing on green industries, including aluminum and iron, in addition to hydrogen production.He noted that the wide participation in the Forum from outside Oman confirms the investment attractiveness of SEZAD, which possesses numerous opportunities for investment, especially with the availability of diverse energy sources, vast land area, and complete infrastructure.Akaak explained that the second edition of the Forum focused on new sectors, such as tourism, as it will contribute to creating and developing lifestyles in the Zone. He added that the Forum also focused on smart cities powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, pointing out that SEZAD has a dedicated area of 18 square kilometers to attract this type of technology.Over two days, the Forum included nine discussion sessions with the participation of government officials, decision-makers, investors, business owners, academics, and economic experts from within and outside Oman. They affirmed that the Duqm Special Economic Zone possesses promising and attractive opportunities for investors in various fields, in addition to its ready infrastructure.Dr. Sulaiman bin Salim Al Hashmi, Researcher at the Centre for Environmental Studies and Research at Sultan Qaboos University, explained that Oman possesses unique competitive advantages in the region for renewable energy. This is particularly evident through the mega-projects underway in solar power, wind energy, and green hydrogen, which align with global trends towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.He pointed out that the SEZAD is one of the most promising economic zones in Oman, thanks to its distinguished geographical location on the Arabian Sea and its modern infrastructure, making it a strategic center for investment in renewable energy projects.He added that Duqm’s location makes it a global attraction point for clean energy investors. It has high solar rates and stable wind speeds throughout the year, along with vast available land and advanced infrastructure that allow for the implementation of large-scale projects for efficient electricity generation and storage.Al Hashmi explained that Duqm can become a regional model for a sustainable energy mix. Its geographical nature allows for integrated projects that combine solar power, wind energy, and green hydrogen to supply major industries with clean energy and reduce their emissions.For her part, Caragh Curran, CEO and Founder of Sustainable Tourism Consultants, affirmed that the plans set for the development of SEZAD are encouraging for investors. They reflect a government commitment to developing infrastructure and providing investment opportunities in various sectors, which will increase the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).She also noted that holding the Duqm Economic Forum and other economic and tourism events in the Zone contributes to attracting investors and promoting its many appealing features. She added that Duqm is distinguished by its geographical terrain and natural assets, making it a preferred destination for tourists from around the world, thanks to its beautiful and extended beaches and its biodiversity.Wendy Werner, Country Manager for the World Bank Group in Oman, pointed out that Oman has many attractive qualities. She added that Oman has clear goals centered on diversifying income sources and developing free zones, which enhances future potential and investments.She noted that Oman has a future vision with clear objectives, especially regarding income diversification, which increases opportunities in various fields such as industry, tourism, and the financial sector.She added that Oman is a suitable destination for investors due to its stability in policies, an aspect on which investors focus. She also stated that Oman’s improved credit rating is an additional attractive factor for investors, alongside Oman’s promotional efforts to attract more local and international investments.Yusra bint Hamad Al Busaidi, Chief Financial Officer at Marafiq, explained that economic forums provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the experiences of countries, governments, and international companies in investment and how to advance their sectors, leveraging the comparative advantages of each country. She added that the Duqm Economic Forum 2025 covered many rich topics in economic work, which enhances the investment environment and allows for the exchange of expertise with participants.She indicated that the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Marafiq and the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) to establish the Marafiq social complex in Duqm will contribute to serving children and providing an integrated educational and recreational environment for the residents of the wilayat and neighboring areas.Andy Payne, Global Creative Chair & Creative Partner at Interbrand, pointed out that there is diligent work underway to make Oman in general, and Duqm in particular, a preferred brand destination for investors, tourism, and economic activity related to special economic zones.He added that Duqm is a suitable tourist destination due to its geological diversity and seasonal weather, which contributes to increasing the interest of wide segments of visitors. This makes it a suitable area for both tourism and economic activities simultaneously, as it possesses the necessary components for the sustainability of both fields.—Ends/AG