Muscat: Spanning 31 square kilometres and featuring a 15-kilometre seafront, the project is expected to attract around 370,000 visitors annually and create new opportunities across the tourism, hospitality, real estate and retail sectors.

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones organized an expanded meeting to review the master plan for the Duqm waterfront tourism scheme, as part of its efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and attract high-quality investments to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

The meeting showcased the development and tourism vision for the waterfront project and highlighted key investment opportunities and proposed tourism and real estate developments aimed at positioning Duqm as one of the region’s most promising investment and tourism destinations.

Covering an area of 31 square kilometres, the master plan includes a 15-kilometre coastline featuring pristine beaches, dramatic rock formations and unique natural landscapes. The development seeks to create an integrated destination that combines luxury tourism, premium residential communities, ecotourism and recreational attractions.

The project is built on a long-term vision to transform Duqm’s waterfront into a vibrant urban and tourism centre supported by world-class infrastructure, including Duqm Port, an integrated marina, hospitality facilities and entertainment destinations.

Under the proposed plan, more than 2,600 hotel hospitality units and over 3,700 residential units are expected to be developed by 2040. The project will also include more than 63,000 square metres of commercial space and cultural and entertainment facilities covering over one million square metres.

Authorities estimate that the waterfront development could attract approximately 370,000 visitors annually, underscoring the significant opportunities available to investors and developers in tourism, hospitality, retail and real estate.

The project’s appeal is further strengthened by Duqm’s strategic location between Muscat and Salalah, supported by advanced infrastructure including Duqm International Airport, Duqm Port and a modern road network. Investors also benefit from incentives offered within the Special Economic Zone, including tax exemptions of up to 30 years, 100 per cent foreign ownership and land usufruct rights of up to 99 years.

According to OPAZ, committed investments in Duqm’s tourism sector exceeded RO 853 million by the end of last year. The current tourism portfolio includes 21 hotels, 10 hotel apartment projects and a large mixed-use tourism development featuring hotels, villas and serviced apartments.

Statistics from the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm show that 16 tourism projects had been completed by the end of last year, while 11 projects were under construction and five were yet to begin development.

Officials noted that the new waterfront plan marks Duqm’s transition from an infrastructure-focused development phase to the creation of a fully integrated tourism destination. The project aims to deliver a modern urban environment that blends housing, hospitality, entertainment and commercial activities while supporting Oman Vision 2040’s objectives of economic diversification.

The waterfront development also leverages Duqm’s unique location on the Arabian Sea and its favourable summer climate. Plans include marine resorts, marinas, adventure tourism facilities, recreational attractions and ecotourism projects such as rock gardens, offering a diverse range of experiences for domestic and international visitors.

During the meeting, OPAZ emphasized that the waterfront project represents a key milestone in maximizing the economic value of the area and creating a sustainable coastal city aligned with global development trends. The initiative forms part of a broader programme to expand investment opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships and accelerate growth within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.