Muscat – The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is advancing plans to transform Duqm into a major tourism and investment destination, with a coastal tourism development targeting 740,000 visitors annually by 2040.

The master plan for the coastal tourism zone centres on a 16km waterfront along the Arabian Sea and seeks to capitalise on Duqm’s natural assets, including sandy beaches, rock formations and coastal landscapes. Its proximity to Duqm Port and Duqm Airport is expected to improve accessibility for tourists and investors.

Under the first phase, targeted for completion by 2030, the project envisages seven hotels and resorts offering 687 rooms, alongside 870 residential units. Annual tourist arrivals are projected to exceed 200,000.

By 2040, accommodation capacity is expected to more than double to 14 hotels with nearly 1,990 rooms. The plan also includes 3,770 residential units and 697 holiday homes, with visitor numbers forecast to reach about 740,000 a year.

The development will feature a marina, entertainment and cultural facilities, commercial centres, sports and wellness amenities, integrated residential and tourism districts, and a seafront promenade. Plans also include an equestrian club, a golf course and ecotourism attractions.

Investment commitments in Duqm’s tourism sector reached approximately RO853mn by the end of 2025, covering both existing and planned projects.

Abdullah bin Salem Al Hakmani, Director of the Department of Technical Affairs and Project Director for the coastal tourism area master plan, said the initiative forms part of SEZAD’s 2026-2030 five-year strategy to attract tourism investment and strategic partnerships.

“The project seeks to leverage Duqm’s natural and tourism assets while creating an integrated urban environment that strengthens its position as a tourism destination locally and internationally,” Al Hakmani said.

He noted that a 14km dual-carriageway coastal tourism road is under construction to connect urban sectors within the development area, improve access and link the zone with the fishing port and city centre.

According to SEZAD, tourism projects currently operating or planned within the coastal zone cover around 2sqkm, representing 6.5% of the total master plan area.

Al Hakmani said the economic zone already offers about 2,000 hotel rooms across different categories, providing a foundation for the expected growth in visitor numbers over the coming years.

The project aligns with Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy and increase investment in sectors beyond hydrocarbons, including tourism and services.