Gulf Sustain delegation visits Renaissance Village Duqm

Renaissance Village Duqm recently welcomed a delegation from Gulf Sustain, the leading GCC worker welfare and human rights initiative, along with His Excellency Dr Thomas Oertle, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Sultanate of Oman. The visit focused on exploring how Renaissance Village Duqm’s ILO-compliant and integrated workforce accommodation advances Oman’s sustainability agenda. As one of the flagship projects within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), Renaissance Village Duqm plays a key role in supporting the Sultanate’s drive toward economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.

An initiative of the globally recognised think tank, the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), Gulf Sustain works across the GCC region to promote worker welfare and support a just transition toward diversified economies. 

Speaking on the occasion, Sarah Mostafa-Kamel, Gulf Sustain Manager, IHRB, said, “We were honoured to visit Renaissance Village Duqm and see how Renaissance Services is raising the bar for worker accommodation. The Village is built to align with both ILO standards and SEZAD worker welfare standards, offering dignified, climate-responsive housing and wellbeing facilities. This model shows that under Oman’s Vision 2040, economic growth can move hand in hand with worker welfare, and that investing in people strengthens business resilience and investor confidence. Just as Duqm is becoming a hub for the green transition – from hydrogen to green steel – this approach demonstrates that competitiveness and sustainability go together, setting a benchmark not only for Duqm but for the wider region.” 

For over 15 years, IHRB has been a trusted partner to businesses, governments, civil society and communities worldwide, driving meaningful systemic change for workers and communities impacted by business actions. Through research, capacity building and multi-stakeholder collaboration, Gulf Sustain ensures that progress toward economic and environmental goals remains grounded in worker welfare.

During the visit, the delegation toured Renaissance Village Duqm’s facilities, learning about its energy-efficiency initiatives, waste-management systems, green landscaping, recreational facilities and well-being programmes. These initiatives have positioned Renaissance Village Duqm as a benchmark for responsible, ILO-compliant workforce accommodation that facilitates Oman’s economic growth.