Issue No 44 of Duqm Economist Highlights Investment Opportunities and Projects Across Oman Economic Zones Free Zones and Industrial Cities

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has published the 44th issue of Duqm Economist, featuring a collection of economic files, reports and surveys highlighting the latest developments in investment and development across the special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities in the Sultanate of Oman.

The issue features a special report on 189 promising investment opportunities offered by the special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities in the sectors of industry, logistics, renewable energy, mining, tourism, food industries and advanced technologies. It also includes a report addressing the question, “Why Choose the Special Economic Zone at Duqm for Investment?”, outlining the zone’s competitive advantages, including its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, investment incentives and integrated logistics ecosystem supporting a wide range of economic activities.

The issue also covers the latest investment projects, led by the signing of 10 investment agreements and memoranda of cooperation in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, with a total investment value of RO 2.9 billion, in addition to new investment agreements across the economic zones and free zones exceeding RO 200 million, covering projects in manufacturing industries, energy, electric vehicles, chemicals, steel, pipes and pharmaceutical products.

The issue includes a report on the signing of the third and fourth packages of agreements for The Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD), together with an update on the project’s progress. It also reviews a Korean project for the production of electric vehicles and battery cells in Duqm, the Royal Decree establishing the Artificial Intelligence Special Zone in Muscat Governorate and its role in advancing the digital economy and attracting technology investments, as well as a report on the Oman Financial Centre, which represents a major step toward strengthening the national economy and attracting investment.

The issue also highlights Khazaen Economic City and investment opportunities within Food City, where investments have reached RO 181 million. It also features a report entitled “Why Invest in Sohar Port and Freezone?”, outlining the competitive advantages of the port and free zone and their role in supporting manufacturing industries, supply chains, logistics services and export growth.

In addition, the issue features a report on the industrial cities operated by Madayn, highlighting that the total number of projects has reached 2,493 investment contracts distributed across 12 industrial cities in the Sultanate of Oman, reflecting the continued growth of the industrial sector and its contribution to economic diversification and the attraction of local and foreign investment.

On the international cooperation front, the issue covers OPAZ’s visits and meetings aimed at strengthening economic and investment cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China, as well as its participation in the KazanForum in the Russian Federation and the World FZO Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Panama, during which investment opportunities and the competitive advantages offered by Oman’s economic zones, free zones and industrial cities were showcased.

The issue also features an interview with H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, in which he reviewed the issuance of 8,882 environmental permits for projects in the special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities during 2025, in addition to environmental monitoring mechanisms and coordination with operating entities to strengthen environmental compliance and achieve a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

The issue further includes specialised surveys and reports, including one on investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, another highlighting Thumrait Industrial City as a promising logistics and industrial gateway, and a report on the Zone Service Platform, presented as an integrated digital gateway for investment opportunities and services provided to investors. It also showcases the success story of the Omani brand Oman Luxury and Vale’s experience in the mining industry.

The issue also contains a selection of specialised articles covering a range of economic and strategic topics, including an article on the knowledge-based economy and its role in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, an article entitled “What Truly Makes an Economic Zone Successful?”, examining the key factors that contribute to the success and competitiveness of economic zones, as well as an article entitled “The Artificial Intelligence Special Zone: Opportunities and Benefits”, highlighting the importance of the zone in supporting the digital economy, attracting technology investments, fostering innovation and reinforcing Oman’s position as a regional hub for advanced technologies.

Overall, the issue underscores the continued efforts of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to highlight the latest investment developments, strategic projects, enabling legislation and high-value opportunities that enhance the competitiveness of the Sultanate of Oman and reinforce its position as an attractive destination for regional and international investment.