Overview
SEZAD (Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm) is the operational authority for the Duqm Special Economic Zone — Oman’s largest and most strategically significant industrial development project.
Established by Royal Decree 119/2011 and subsequently placed under OPAZ oversight, SEZAD manages:
- Land allocation and licensing for investors
- Infrastructure development within the zone
- Regulatory approvals and one-stop-shop services
- Community development for Duqm town
Duqm: The Strategic Vision
Duqm’s development represents a deliberate decision to create an industrial centre far from Muscat — diversifying Oman’s economic geography while leveraging the natural deep-water harbour at Al Wusta. The location is:
- Outside the Strait of Hormuz (reducing geopolitical transit risk)
- Adjacent to the Indian Ocean, with direct access to African and Asian markets
- Far from established population centres (reducing urban congestion pressures)
- In a low-rainfall desert environment with available land at low cost
The long-term vision for Duqm is an integrated industrial city of approximately 100,000 people, anchored by energy, petrochemicals, logistics, and manufacturing.
Major Investments
Duqm Refinery: The 230,000 bpd refinery, a JV between OQ Group and Saudi Aramco, is the zone’s anchor industrial investment. Operational since 2024, it processes crude into transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstocks, with the residue available for further upgrading.
Oman Drydock: A ship repair and maintenance facility capable of handling vessels up to Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). Oman Drydock serves commercial shipping, naval vessels, and offshore industry.
Hyport Duqm: The green hydrogen and ammonia project, anchored by OQ-Shell-Uniper-Engie consortium, is the most significant emerging investment — potentially transforming Duqm into a green energy export hub.
Logistics zone: Warehouse facilities, distribution centres, and freight handling for zone-based commerce.
Infrastructure Development
SEZAD has invested significantly in zone infrastructure:
- Port facilities (shared with ASYAD)
- Power and water utilities
- Road network within the zone
- Duqm town residential and commercial facilities for workers and zone residents
- Airport (Duqm International Airport)