Al Duqm’s next chapter: A city to call home — Dr Sunaidy

MUSCAT, NOV 4
Having successfully laid the foundations of a dynamic industrial and investment destination, Al Duqm is now entering a new phase of development — one focused on making this southeastern Omani city a place that investors, employees, tourists and residents alike can truly call home.
According to Shaikh Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), the vision is to transform Al Duqm into “a vibrant city, not merely an industrial zone”.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Duqm Economic Forum, held recently in the Special Economic Zone, Dr Al Sunaidy explained that while last year’s inaugural forum had focused on themes such as green hydrogen and sustainability — which have since spurred major projects now in various stages of planning and development — the current focus has broadened.
“One key pillar we are concentrating on now is enhancing the quality of life for those living and working in Al Duqm”, he said. “Around the world, successful zones are evolving into places where people not only work but also live, study and raise families. We’re beginning to see that shift here too — flights to Al Duqm now include more families and last year alone about 600 children moved here with their parents. The number of students in Al Duqm schools has grown by nearly 47 per cent over the past three years”.
While the growing number of lodges and accommodation options across the city is encouraging, Dr Al Sunaidy acknowledged that more needs to be done to make Al Duqm an attractive destination for residents, workers and tourists alike.
To this end, OPAZ is collaborating with urban planners and design experts on a comprehensive masterplan for Al Duqm’s 16-kilometre beachfront, stretching from the Crowne Plaza Duqm to the Fisheries Port.
“We are exploring how to model this stretch over the next 50 years — how to make it distinctive, capitalise on its natural beauty and create a central hub where families can gather, relax and enjoy the city”, he noted. “The goal is to attract more companies and residents by showcasing Al Duqm’s full potential as both an economic and social destination”.
Dr Al Sunaidy further emphasised that OPAZ’s vision aligns with global trends. “There are over 7,000 free zones worldwide and most are now transforming into places where people can live as well as work”, he said. “We cannot keep Al Duqm as a workplace alone. After work, people want to enjoy life — to go fishing, to relax, to feel part of a community”.
Crucially, recent regulatory changes are paving the way for permanent settlement and private ownership. “We also want people to own their homes and buildings”, Dr Al Sunaidy added. “The recent Royal Decree now allows property ownership in Al Duqm — and that’s what will truly make a difference”.