Dedicated zone for AI activities in Duqm SEZ

High-tech manufacturing: 18 sq km site earmarked for Artificial Intelligence, drone experiments and future technologies

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) organized a field visit for the Steering Committee in charge of supervising the zone designated for artificial intelligence activities (AI) at Duqm. The steering committee includes representatives from several government entities, namely the Ministry of Defense, Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority.

OPAZ had recently announced the allocation of around 18 sq km of land to support and encourage the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

Ahmed bin Saleh al Farsi (pictured), Chairman of the Committee explained that: “The Authority is seeking to achieve several key objectives, most importantantly, the localisation of investment opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, drone experiments and future technology, in addition to building basic infrastructure to apply e-government strategy and smart cities, creating and implementing research opportunities in the zone under the supervision of the committee for practical and academic uses, and to overcome the challenges and difficulties facing the implementation of artificial intelligence projects, drones and future technology in the zone.”

The committee approved the initial plan for the AI zone, and incentives and facilities to be offered to investors. It also studied proposals for prototyping AI based products that can be then introduced to international markets.