Duqm – The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has presented a master plan for a major waterfront tourism project in Duqm, as Oman seeks to attract new private investment into the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

The plan, unveiled at a meeting attended by OPAZ chairman H E Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, covers 31sqkm and includes a 15km seafront along the Arabian Sea.

Representatives from private sector companies, real estate developers, banks and financing institutions attended the meeting, which focused on investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, real estate and retail.

Under the proposal, the waterfront will be developed into an integrated tourism and urban destination featuring beaches, natural rock formations, residential areas, hotels, entertainment facilities and ecotourism attractions.

OPAZ said the project is based on a long-term vision to transform the Duqm waterfront into a commercial and tourism hub supported by Duqm Port, Duqm International Airport, an integrated marina and modern transport infrastructure.

The plan targets the development of more than 2,600 hotel units by 2040, over 3,700 residential units and more than 63,000sqm of commercial space. Cultural and entertainment facilities would cover more than 1mn sqm.

Authorities estimate the project could attract around 370,000 visitors annually.

OPAZ said investors would benefit from incentives available in SEZAD, including tax exemptions for up to 30 years, 100% foreign ownership and land usufruct rights of up to 99 years.

Committed investment in Duqm’s tourism sector exceeded RO853mn by the end of last year, according to OPAZ.

The authority said tourism investments currently include 21 hotels, 10 hotel apartment projects and a mixed-use tourism development comprising hotels, villas and serviced apartments.

Statistics from SEZAD show that 16 tourism projects had been completed by the end of last year, while 11 projects were under construction and five had yet to begin construction.

Officials said the new waterfront plan marks a shift in Duqm’s development from building infrastructure to creating an integrated tourism destination combining housing, hospitality, entertainment and commerce.