Monday 05 / October / 2026
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) organised on Monday an investment meeting for the “Duqm Waterfront” project, reviewing the master plan, components, and investment opportunities of the project before developers, investors, and operators, as part of its participation in the Urban October Exhibition 2026 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The meeting reviewed the key features of the project’s master plan, the nature of the areas it covers, its components in the hospitality, residential, commercial, and entertainment sectors, and the proposed vision for its phased development.
The meeting also included a visual presentation of the project, followed by a discussion session with developers, investors, and operators on investment opportunities, ways to participate in their development, market needs, and requirements associated with project execution.
Eng. Ahmed Ali Akaak, CEO of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), stated that the Duqm Waterfront project represents an extension of the integrated development path witnessed by SEZAD, adding a new dimension to its investment opportunities by developing a coastal destination that combines residential, hospitality, commercial, entertainment, and tourism uses, thereby enhancing quality of life and elevating Duqm’s attractiveness for investment, work, residence, and visits.
He added that through its participation in the Urban October Exhibition 2026, the Authority seeks to open broader horizons for partnership with developers, investors, and operators, and to introduce the opportunities offered by the project, taking advantage of Duqm’s advanced infrastructure, strategic location on the Arabian Sea, and connectivity with the airport, port, road network, and existing economic and industrial projects.
He pointed out that developing the Duqm Waterfront comes within a long-term vision that considers the nature of the location and market needs, working to achieve integration between urban development, economic activities, services, and public facilities, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of the region and boosting its contribution to economic diversification.
The “Duqm Waterfront” project forms one of the most prominent projects showcased at OPAZ’s pavilion at the exhibition, presenting the master plan, components, and investment opportunities as a multi-use coastal destination within SEZAD that combines residential, tourism, commercial, entertainment, and cultural uses.
The project’s master plan extends over an area of approximately 31 square kilometres, with a waterfront length reaching nearly 15 kilometres on the Arabian Sea, taking advantage of the site’s nature and its diverse terrain encompassing beaches, rock formations, highlands, and sea views, enabling the development of diverse and integrated zones and experiences.
The project’s developmental vision includes hotels, resorts, and residential units, alongside commercial, cultural, and entertainment facilities, marine activities, and eco-tourism projects, in addition to public spaces, facilities, and services that enhance quality of life and support Duqm’s growth as an integrated city for business, residence, and tourism.
Upon completion, the project is expected to feature more than 2,600 hotel hospitality units, over 3,700 residential units, more than 63 thousand square meters of commercial space, and cultural and entertainment facilities exceeding 1 million square meters in area, while the waterfront is projected to receive approximately 370 thousand visitors annually by 2040.
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones is showcasing a group of investment opportunities in real estate and urban development at its exhibition pavilion, with the participation of Salalah Free Zone, Khazaen Economic City, and Sohar Free Zone.
The Authority’s participation comes as part of its efforts to highlight available opportunities in the areas under its supervision, enhance direct communication with developers, investors, and operators, and build partnerships that contribute to developing qualitative and integrated projects, utilizing the strategic locations, advanced infrastructure, and supportive investment environment enjoyed by these regions.
It is noteworthy that the Authority reviewed the master plan of the “Duqm Waterfront” project before a group of developers and businessmen last June, while its participation in the “Urban October Exhibition 2026”, which continues through 8 October 2026, provides a broader platform to introduce the project and its investment opportunities, and to explore partnership prospects with developers, investors, and entities interested in developing integrated urban destinations and projects. -ONA
