Saturday 13 / June / 2026
Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is moving ahead with an ambitious master plan for its coastal tourism zone, aimed at transforming Duqm into a premier tourism and investment destination while supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The development strategy capitalizes on Duqm’s unique natural assets, including its long sandy beaches, striking rock formations and scenic coastal landscapes. Its strategic location near the Port of Duqm and Duqm Airport further enhances accessibility for tourists and investors alike.
At the heart of the plan is the creation of a vibrant 16-kilometre waterfront featuring integrated tourism facilities such as hotels, resorts and holiday homes. The project will also include public spaces, walking trails and eco-tourism attractions, while incorporating green energy solutions and sustainability principles throughout the development.
The master plan envisions a world-class marina alongside entertainment and cultural venues, sports and wellness facilities, an equestrian club and a golf course, offering a diverse range of experiences designed to attract visitors from around the world.
By 2030, the project aims to deliver seven hotels and resorts with 687 hotel rooms, along with 870 residential units. Annual tourist arrivals are expected to exceed 200,000 visitors. Looking ahead to 2040, the development plans call for 14 hotels with nearly 1,990 rooms, 3,770 residential units and 697 holiday homes, with visitor numbers projected to reach around 740,000 annually.
The coastal tourism zone will feature a variety of key components, including marinas, entertainment hubs, commercial centres, sports and healthcare facilities, integrated residential and tourism districts, a seaside promenade and waterfront communities.
According to Eng. Abdullah Salim Al Hakmani, Director of the Technical Affairs Department for the Coastal Tourism Area Plan, the initiative is a cornerstone of SEZAD’s 2026–2030 five-year strategy aimed at strengthening tourism investment and strategic partnerships.
He said the project seeks to leverage Duqm’s natural and tourism assets through a comprehensive urban development framework that will enhance the city’s standing as both a domestic and international tourism destination.
Al-Hakmani noted that the tourism zone overlooks the Arabian Sea and boasts unique geological formations and natural scenery that significantly enhance its appeal. He added that construction is underway on a 14-kilometre dual-carriageway coastal tourism road, which will connect various urban sectors within the master plan, improve access to development plots and link the area with the fishing port and city centre.
He revealed that existing and planned tourism projects currently cover around two square kilometres, representing approximately 6.5 percent of the total area covered by the plan.
Tourism investment commitments in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm had reached about RO853 million by the end of 2025, encompassing both operational and planned projects.
The zone already offers around 2,000 hotel rooms across various categories, providing a solid foundation to accommodate the anticipated growth in tourist arrivals as the coastal tourism development progresses.
The project reflects SEZAD’s broader vision of creating an integrated development model that combines sustainable tourism, enhanced quality of life and economic diversification, reinforcing Duqm’s role as one of Oman’s most promising growth and investment destinations.
