Duqm Economic Forum 2025

About the Special Economic Zone at Duqm

Organized by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), the Duqm Economic Forum is Oman's flagship initiative to shape and showcase the country's economic transformation through Duqm— a rapidly emerging global investment hub positioned at the intersection of trade, innovation, sustainability, and smart development.

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) is one of the worldwide renowned economic destinations with great potential; its prime location, political stability, natural resources, exceptional topography, and picturesque scenery makes it an excellent choice for business and tourism.

Covering an area of 2000 sq. kilometers, the Zone -including 90 kilometers of coastline- is regarded as a major new drive for the socio-economic development in the Sultanate of Oman over the coming decades.

2025 Program & Speakers

8:15am - 9:00am
Registration & Welcome Coffee

9:00am - 9:05am
Welcome Remarks
9:05am - 9:15am
Opening Remarks
Andrew Michael Payne

Noor Abdullah Al Mamari

Emcee

Oman TV

9:15am - 9:20am
Duqm Film
9:20am - 9:50am
Keynote Address
Andrew Michael Payne

Andrew Michael Payne

Global Chief Creative Officer

Interbrand Group, USA

9:50am - 10:30am

Signing Ceremony for New Projects

10:30am - 10:45am
Networking Break
10:45am - 11:45am
Panel 1: Opportunity Unleashed

Oman strengthens investment appeal with rising FDI, diversification, stable ratings, and strategic ports linking Asia and Africa's growth.

Syeda Tabinda Bukhari

Syeda Tabinda Bukhari (Moderator)

Senior Strategist,

Muscat Stock Exchange, Oman

Reggy Vermeulen

Reggy Vermeulen

CEO,

Port of Duqm, Oman

Dr. Janamitra Devan

Dr. Janamitra Devan

Senior Advisor,

Global6, USA

Eng. Omar Mahmood Al Mahrizi

Eng. Omar Mahmood Al Mahrizi

CEO,

ASYAD Ports & Free Zones, Oman

Harssha Shetty

Harssha Shetty

CEO,

Jindal Steel, Oman

11:45am - 12:45pm
Panel 2: The Duqm Experience: Crafting a New Narrative in Luxury & Adventure Tourism

This panel will examine how Duqm can position itself as a premier global destination for both mindful luxury travellers and adventure seekers.

Talal Al Shahri

Talal Mubarak Al-Shahari (Moderator)

Director of Specialized Radio Stations & Radio Presenter

Ministry of Information, Oman

Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis

Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis

Professor of Strategic Marketing & Tourism

Bournemouth University Business School, UK

Prof. Ashok Som

Prof. Ashok Som

Professor of Global Strategy

ESSEC Business School, France

Eng. Wael Ahmed Al Lawati

Eng. Wael Ahmed Al Lawati

CEO,

Muriya Group, Oman

Syeda Tabinda Bukhari

Lee Paul Stone

CEO,

HausofStein, UK

12:45pm - 2:00pm
Lunch
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Panel 3: Building a Regenerative Tourism Model: Taking the Lead

This panel will explore how Duqm can go beyond sustainable tourism to become a leader in regenerative tourism that actively enhances ecosystems while creating economic value.

Jamal Khalfan Al Asmi

Jamal Khalfan Al Asmi (Moderator)

Creative Thought Leader & Storyteller

RealityCG, Oman

Keith Brewis

Keith Brewis

Managing Partner

Grimshaw, UK

Caragh Curran

Caragh Curran

Founder & MD

Sustainable Tourism Consultants, UAE

Dr. Anna Spenceley Chair

Dr. Anna Spenceley Chair

IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Tourism Specialist Group, UK

3:00pm – 3:30pm
Duqm Impact Session 1: Power Shift - Duqm Renewable Energy

A one-on-one conversation on Duqm renewables, attracting global investment, pioneering largescale projects and supporting Oman's 2050 Net Zero goal.

Dr. Idris Al Siyabi

Dr. Idris Hamood Salim Al Siyabi (Moderator)

Renewable Energy Lead

PDO, Oman

Dr. Sulaiman Salem Al Hashimi

Dr. Sulaiman Salem Al Hashimi

Researcher, Center for Environmental Studies and Research

Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

3:30pm – 3:45pm
Networking Break
3:45pm - 4:45pm
Panel 4: The Green Blueprint - Manufacturing in the Net Zero Era

This panel will examine how Duqm is pioneering Net-Zero manufacturing and positioning itself as a global hub for sustainable industry.

Zakariya Yahya Al Hasani

Zakariya Sulaiman Abdullah Al Hasani

CEO

Osoul Riam Trading LLC, Oman

Essam Al Sheibany

Essam Naseer Al Sheibany

VP Sustainability

ASYAD, Oman

Mohab Ali Talib Al Hinai

Mohab Ali Talib Al Hinai

VP Sustainability & Circular Economy

be’ah, Oman

Wendy Werner

Wendy Werner

Country Manager

The World Bank, Oman

Alex Van Breedam

Alex Van Breedam

CEO

TRI Vizor NV, Belgium

4:45pm - 5:15pm
Duqm Impact Session 2: Powering Connectivity, Enabling Growth

This session will spotlight Asyad Group’s strategic presence in Duqm and its pivotal role in transforming the region into a global logistics hub. Asyad integrated logistics ecosystem in Duqm is a key enabler of economic diversification, industrial development, and cross-border trade, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040 and the national logistics strategy.

Khalid Al Siyabi

Khalid Abduallah Mohammed Al Syabi (Moderator)

General Manager

Oman Logistics Association, Oman

Dr. Abdulsalam Al Rabaani

Dr. Abdulsalam Omar Al Rabaani

COO

Asyad Drydock, Oman

Vincent Flamant

Vincent Flamant

Executive Director

Asyad Container Terminal, Oman

6:45pm - 7:30pm
Networking Reception
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Gala Dinner
7:00am – 8:30am
Breakfast
8:30am - 9:30am
Panel 5: The Art of Agility - Manufacturing in a Fast-Paced World

This panel will examine how Duqm is pioneering Net-Zero manufacturing and positioning itself as a global hub for sustainable industry.

Musab Al Farsi

Musab Zuhair Al Farsi (Moderator)

CEO

Nafath Renewable Energy, Oman

Erwin Verstraelen

Erwin Verstraelen

VP Innovation

Port of Antwerp Burges, Belgium

Professor Carl Diver

Professor Carl Diver

Professor Innovative Manufacturing & Director

PrintCity Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Marcel van de Kar

Marcel van de Kar

MD

Vopak, the Netherlands

Dr. Ahmed Al Qasmi

Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Qasmi

CEO, The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2026-2030)

Ministry of Economy, Oman

9:30am - 10:30am
Panel 6: Greenfield Development, Blue Sky Thinking - Duqm Urban Infrastructure Design

This panel explores how Duqm, as one of the most ambitious greenfield urban projects in MENA, is shaping a next-generation city with sustainability and innovation at its core.

Romil Sheth

Romil Sheth (Moderator)

Urban Designer

Principal Sasaki, USA

Anna König Jerlmyr

Anna König Jerlmyr

CEO

Arwidssonstiftelsen, Sweden

Professor Carl Diver

Ali Ahmad

Senior Energy Specialist

The World Bank, Oman

Eng. Abdulrahman Al Kharusi

Eng. Abdulrahman Khamis Al Kharusi

MD

Marafiq, Oman

10:30am - 10:45am
Networking Break
10:45am – 11:15am
Duqm Impact Session 3: Localization & Industrial Growth

In this Duqm Impact session, Andre Da Silva from Energy Development Oman (EDO) explains how local content programs can create jobs, support Omani businesses and strengthen the country’s industrial base. He will also share EDO’s plans for the new Integrated Supply Chain Hub in Duqm and the joint venture between eco SPC and Sumitomo Corporation to set-up a Supply Chain Management Company that will help local manufacturers serve Oman’s energy sector.

Dr Syham Bentouati

Dr Syham Bentouati

Managing Director 

Nafas International, Oman

Dr. Andre Da Silva

Dr. Andre Da Silva

Chief Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Management Officer

EDO, Oman

11:15am – 12:15pm
Panel 7: The Smart Frontier: Positioning Duqm as a Leader in Future Ready Urbanization

This panel will explore how Duqm can lead the region in future-ready urbanisation as global cities expand. rapidly.

Mahmood Humaiyid Hamed Al Wahaibi

Mahmood Humaiyid Hamed Al Wahaibi (Moderator)

Co-founder/Partner

Oman Think Urban, Oman

Eng. Said Abdullah Al Mandhari

Eng. Said Abdullah Al Mandhari

CEO

ITHCA Group, Oman

Ozan Beser

Ozan Beser

Investment Officer

IFC, UAE

Jide Sleiman Haidar

Jide Sleiman Haidar

Associate Urban Designer

Skidmore Owings & Merrill, UAE

12:30pm – 2:00pm
Lunch
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Panel 8: Talent Magnet - Live, Work & Play

This panel will examine how Duqm can become a hub for young talent, ensuring long-term competitiveness by offering not only jobs but a vibrant lifestyle.

Joe Rafferty

Joe Rafferty (Moderator)

Business Development and Event Director

Oman Sail, Oman

Alfredo Fraile

Alfredo Fraile

Executive Director

Saffron Brand Consultants, Spain

Abdulmalik Al Balushi

Abdulmalik Abdulkarim Al Balushi

Chief People Officer

Asyad Group, Oman

Philip Heylen

Philip Heylen

Chief International Relations & Corporate Affairs Officer

Ackermans & van Haaren, Belgium

Zakariya Yahya Al Hasani

Zakariya Sulaiman Abdullah Al Hasani

CEO

Osoul Riam Trading LLC, Oman

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Panel 9: It Takes a Village: Empowering Communities Through Tourism Development

This panel will discuss how Duqm can build a tourism model that is authentic, inclusive, and community-driven.

Dr. Hamed Mohammed Al Mahrazi

Dr. Hamed Mohammed Al Mahrazi (Moderator)

Dean

Oman Tourism College and Tourism, Oman

Daniele Kihlgren

Daniele Kihlgren

Founder

Group Sextantio, Italy

Ishaq Al Shariyani

Dr. Ishaq Hilal Al Shariyani

CEO

Eghna Academy for Economic Consulting & Training, Oman

Philip Heylen

Dr. Said Khalfan Al Musharfi

Assistant GM, Projects and Product Development

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman

Gopinath Parayil

Gopinath Parayil

CEO

Blue Yonder, India

4:00pm – 4:15pm
Networking Break
4:15pm – 5:00pm
Forum Closing Remarks