Al Duqm

Al Duqm, located on Oman's southeastern Arabian Sea coast, is undergoing a significant transformation from a small fishing village into a major urban and economic hub. Central to this development is the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), established in 2011, covering 2,000 square kilometers with 90 kilometers of coastline. SEZAD aims to diversify Oman's economy by attracting international investment and features a new seaport, dry dock, industrial and logistics areas, and residential neighborhoods. The master plan envisions Al Duqm accommodating over 250,000 residents by 2040, integrating sustainable urban planning with the natural landscape, including parks and open spaces. Strategically located along major shipping routes, Al Duqm is poised to become a vital trade and tourism center, contributing significantly to Oman's economic growth and diversification efforts.

Al Duqm is a new city, not just a district. Located on the southeastern coast of Oman, Al Duqm is being developed as part of Oman’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil. Originally a small fishing village, it has been transformed into a strategic economic zone with a focus on industrial development, logistics, tourism, and energy sectors. The city includes a deep-sea port, oil refinery, and free trade zone, as well as residential areas, commercial districts, and cultural attractions. Al Duqm is designed to be a self-sustaining urban hub and a key part of Oman’s long-term development plan.

Al Duqm is on a promising trajectory, evolving from a small fishing village into a significant economic and industrial center. While substantial progress has been made in infrastructure and investment attraction, continued focus on population growth, economic diversification, and sustainable development is essential to fully realize its potential as a thriving urban hub.

For now, despite all the planned infrastructure and investments, Al Duqm is still struggling to attract the kind of population and activity needed to become a fully realized city. Much of its progress has been on paper, with relatively slow uptake in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancy.

Strengths:

• Strategic Economic Initiatives: Al Duqm hosts the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), one of the largest in the Middle East, designed to drive Oman's economic diversification by attracting multi-billion-dollar investments across various sectors.
• Infrastructure Development: Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including over 200 kilometers of roads, expansion of Duqm Airport, and the development of Duqm Port, enhancing connectivity and logistics capabilities.
• Industrial and Energy Projects: The region is witnessing the growth of industrial projects like the Duqm Refinery, expected to commence operations soon, and the Hyport Duqm green hydrogen project, positioning Al Duqm as a key player in energy production.
• Tourism and Hospitality Expansion: The number of hotels has increased from three to over twelve in recent years, catering to both business travelers and tourists, and promoting Al Duqm as an attractive destination.

Challenges:

• Population Growth Lagging: Despite infrastructure advancements, the resident population remains modest, with approximately 12,000 people as of 2017, indicating a need for strategies to attract more inhabitants.
• Economic Diversification Needs: While industrial and energy sectors are developing, further efforts are required to diversify economic activities to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience against market fluctuations.
• Environmental and Social Considerations: Rapid development must be balanced with environmental preservation and social impacts, ensuring that growth does not compromise natural habitats or local communities.