Duqm – Construction of the model fishermen’s village at Ras Madrakah in Duqm has reached 60%, ahead of the planned 47.98%, as Oman develops integrated coastal communities aimed at supporting fishermen and strengthening the fisheries value chain.

The project includes 19 residential villas, each with three rooms, as well as a mosque, three shops and an office for ministry employees. It is designed to accommodate 228 fishermen.

Asaad bin Salem Al Amri, Director of the Fisheries Department in Al Wusta, said the development reflects a broader approach that goes beyond providing housing.

“The idea of fishermen’s villages goes beyond housing to creating integrated fishing communities where the basic services fishermen need in their daily lives and profession are available,” Al Amri said.

He added that construction at Ras Madrakah was progressing through finishing, electromechanical and infrastructure works.

Al Wusta is among the main areas targeted for such projects because of its long Arabian Sea coastline, diverse fish resources and multiple fishing seasons.

Authorities see the villages as a way to bring Omani fishermen closer to productive fishing grounds and landing sites, reducing travel distances and costs while encouraging greater activity in fish landing, transport, marketing and processing.

Al Amri said the economic impact could extend beyond fishermen to small and medium enterprises and businesses involved in logistics, trade and fisheries support services.

“The importance of fishermen’s villages lies in their ability to create an economic impact that goes beyond the direct beneficiaries,” he said.

The projects are also intended to make fishing more attractive and sustainable as a profession by providing a stable residential and service environment close to production areas.

Al Amri said Al Wusta was particularly well placed for such development because of its fisheries resources and the growth of logistics, industrial and other economic activities in Duqm.

He added that the success of fishermen’s villages would not be measured only by the number of housing units built, but by their ability to increase fishing activity, support coastal communities and raise the economic value generated from Oman’s fisheries resources.