DUQM : Committed cumulative investment in Oman’s Special Economic Zone at Duqm reached RO8.818 billion ($22.9 billion) by the end of June 2026, up 141% from RO3.65 billion in 2021, underscoring the rapid expansion of one of the Sultanate’s biggest industrial and logistics hubs.

His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), said the increase reflected improvements in Duqm’s investment environment over the past five years, the development of infrastructure and efforts to attract investors through incentives and facilitation measures.

“The increase reflects the improvement witnessed in the investment environment in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm over the past five years,” Al Yousef told the Oman News Agency.

Duqm Port has also recorded strong growth across several cargo categories, including containers, roll-on/roll-off cargo, oil and gas field pipes and materials required for projects under development in the economic zone.

Total cargo handling at the port rose 5,667% between 2021 and 2025, while dry bulk cargo handling increased 3,879% and roll-on/roll-off cargo surged 8,217% over the same period, Al Yousef said.

The expansion comes as Duqm develops into a major industrial and energy centre on Oman’s Arabian Sea coast.

The Duqm Refinery has raised its production capacity to 255,000 barrels per day, while the dry dock completed about 1,340 projects between 2020 and the end of 2025, Al Yousef said.

OPAZ is working to bring further projects into the economic zone in line with Oman’s net-zero ambitions and its plans to develop a green hydrogen industry.

Duqm is also seeking investment across tourism, commercial and logistics activities as authorities work to develop the social infrastructure needed to support a growing workforce and population.

Al Yousef said education and healthcare projects were being expanded as part of that effort.

Duqm University College is beginning its first academic year in 2026, adding to the educational infrastructure available in the area.

Healthcare facilities are also being expanded in cooperation with the private sector. Plans include the opening of an emergency building at Duqm Hospital in partnership with OQ Group and the establishment of a dialysis unit at the hospital.

A cardiac unit is also planned at Badr Al Samaa Medical Complex in Duqm, alongside an expansion in the number of medical specialties offered at the facility.

Duqm has also completed a cultural, community and educational centre built using 3D-printing technology, part of efforts to support sustainable development, innovation and community services.

Al Yousef said OPAZ would continue improving Duqm’s investment environment, attracting more specialised projects and expanding services to keep pace with the expected growth in investment and economic activity.

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is a central part of Oman’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons, with investments spanning refining, petrochemicals, renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing, tourism and supporting services.

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