Duqm – The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has completed the first phase of the detailed master plan for the Fisheries and Food Industries Complex as part of its efforts to encourage investment in the sector and establish new projects.

Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, said the first phase covers 95 hectares of the total 750-hectare area designated for the complex. The facility will eventually house 60 separate structures, with provisions for future expansion.

“The detailed plan for the fisheries and food industries complex was created with a focus on encouraging sector investment and ensuring service corridors are efficiently integrated with the area’s roads, factories, and other infrastructure.”

The project, which will be developed in multiple phases, includes key facilities such as a cold chain complex, red meat industrial complex, public utility complex, central market, fresh produce outlets, and various residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

A commercial and administrative service area will be located outside the complex near the main entrance, featuring shops, a mosque, a guest house, public service centres, a fuel station and vehicle service centres.

Akaak stated that the planning process involved information gathering, site studies and market research. The first phase saw the completion of the initial master plan and infrastructure network designs, while the second phase will focus on architectural designs for service buildings.

Located about 3km from the multi-purpose fishing port, the complex benefits from multiple access points to facilitate smooth traffic flow and efficient import-export activities.

“The Fisheries and Food Industries Complex plays a critical role in the region’s economy and has already accommodated several fisheries-related projects,” Akaak said.

SEZAD is working with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones to promote the complex both locally and internationally.

Akaak noted that the completion of the first phase of the detailed plan marks a milestone in the development of Duqm’s fisheries and food industries, which is expected to attract further investment.