BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, MARCH 12
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) inaugurated its 2025-2030 strategy on Wednesday as part of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones’ (OPAZ) efforts to enhance the zone’s capabilities and attract investments.
The strategy focuses on establishing SEZAD as the preferred strategic location for renewable energy and sustainable industries. It aims to create numerous business opportunities, boost the tourism sector, and enhance the quality of life, positioning Duqm as a desirable destination for living, working and residing for local and international investors, residents and visitors.
During the ceremony, attended by Shaikh Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, the Institutional Transformation Programme and the enhanced identity of SEZAD were also inaugurated.
Eng Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, stated that the launch of the zone’s strategy, institutional transformation programme, and enhanced identity aims to build on the successes achieved over the past years. These achievements stem from the zone’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and the incentives and facilities offered to investors.
He added that the new strategy adopts the creation of a sustainable city and business ecosystem within SEZAD, offering real business solutions, support, and guidance for local and international investors to grow their enterprises based on the values of responsibility, transparency, cooperation, and innovation.
He emphasised that localising investments across various economic sectors is the primary strategic goal of the new strategy. SEZAD’s management will focus on activating and accelerating the development and marketing of priority sector sub-zones to meet the needs of both existing and potential investors.
During the event, Huda bint Abdullah al-Habsi, Head of the Transformation Team at OPAZ, presented a visual briefing on the strategy development phases and the efforts undertaken over the past year since the project was launched in February 2024.
She explained that SEZAD’s strategy was developed through a comprehensive process involving intensive workshops and consultations with OPAZ employees and SEZAD staff. Throughout this period, various proposals related to the vision and mission were discussed. She emphasised that the newly established vision will provide SEZAD with a clear sense of purpose and direction, while the mission will unify all employees toward a long-term goal, with the core values serving as a guiding framework for institutional conduct.
She further noted that the strategy will be implemented by focusing on five key objectives: localising investments across different sectors, ensuring efficient operations and management, developing a balanced lifestyle, attracting tourists and strategic partners, and achieving institutional excellence. The strategy aims to increase investments in SEZAD while enhancing investor satisfaction and Duqm’s competitiveness through high-quality, sustainable infrastructure, facilities, and services. Additionally, it seeks to enhance Duqm’s appeal as a preferred lifestyle destination through urban, commercial, and social development plans.
She highlighted that the strategy also prioritises attracting tourists and strategic partners by promoting investment and positioning Duqm as a unique tourism destination with diverse visitor experiences. Furthermore, institutional excellence will be pursued through a set of tools designed to ensure that SEZAD has the right culture, plans, skills, and systems to achieve its strategic objectives.
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