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.

Explore SEZAD

2025 Program & Speakers

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

9:00am - 9:05am
Welcome Remarks
9:05am - 9:15am
Opening Remarks
9:15am - 9:20am
Duqm Film
9:20am - 9:50am
Keynote Address
9:50am - 10:30am
Introductory Panel - Leadership Insights

This session will include a discussion on how Duqm aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the 2050 Net Zero target, spotlighting transformative policies and projects. It will also examine the ecosystem attracting global investment across manufacturing, tourism, energy, and logistics—driven by Duqm’s robust physical, regulatory, and economic infrastructure.

10:30am - 10:45am
Networking Break
10:45am – 11:45am
Session 1: The Green Blueprint: Manufacturing in the Net Zero Era

This panel will examine Duqm’s pioneering role in Net-Zero manufacturing, powered by AI, renewables, and green hydrogen. Positioned as a hub for green finance, Duqm reflects global decarbonisation trends. The discussion will highlight international case studies and how innovation, infrastructure, and finance can together shape a sustainable industrial future.

11:45am - 12:45pm
Session 2: Competitive Strengths: Powering Manufacturing Through Local Resources & Collaborative Networks

As global supply chains evolve, Duqm emerges as a competitive industrial hub. This session will explore its strategic location, advanced logistics, AI integration, and government-backed ecosystem. It will highlight regional collaboration, supplier partnerships, and how Duqm’s infrastructure supports resilient, efficient manufacturing and seamless trade with growth markets across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

12:45pm - 2:00pm
Lunch
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Session 3: The Art of Agility: Manufacturing in a Fast-Paced World

This session will examine how manufacturers in Duqm are driving agility through AI, IoT, and flexible production. From predictive maintenance to rapid model shifts, Duqm enables faster market response and smarter operations. The discussion will also cover supply chain resilience, innovation culture, and how customer insights are shaping faster, more adaptive manufacturing ecosystems.

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

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

3:30pm – 3:45pm
Networking Break
3:45pm - 4:45pm
Session 4: Greenfield Development, Blue Sky Thinking: Duqm Urban Infrastructure Design

This session will explore Duqm as a greenfield model for future cities—combining scale, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. From AI-driven planning to climate-resilient design, it will examine how Duqm’s clean-slate advantage can catalyse inclusive growth. Experts will assess challenges, innovations, and the role of green finance in shaping a next-generation urban blueprint.

4:45pm - 5:15pm
Duqm Impact 2: Petrochemicals 2.0

A one-on-one conversation with key players from the Duqm Ecosystem on the green transition and the role of SEZAD-based petrochemical businesses in meeting Oman’s 2050 Net Zero target.

6:45pm - 7:30pm
Networking Reception
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Gala Dinner with traditional cultural performances
6:30am
5kms beach run
7:00am – 8:30am
Breakfast
8:30am - 9:30am
Session 1: The Smart Frontier: Positioning Duqm as a Leader in Future Ready Urbanization

This panel will explore how Duqm can lead future-ready urbanisation through AI, IoT, and smart infrastructure. Drawing from global models like Sultan Haitham City and Amsterdam, the session will examine how Duqm can integrate innovation, sustainability, and digital strategy to meet energy needs and become a regional model for intelligent urban growth.

9:30am - 10:30am
Session 6: Talent Magnet: Live, Work & Play

With over 65% of Oman’s population under 35 and global youth reaching 1.3 billion by 2030, cities must compete for talent. This session will discuss how Duqm can attract and retain young professionals through smart design, vibrant culture, and digital infrastructure—creating a place to not just work, but live and thrive.

10:30am - 10:45am
Networking Break
10:45am – 11:15am
Duqm Impact 3: Sky’s the Limit: Duqm & The Space Economy

A one-on-one conversation with key players from the Duqm Ecosystem on innovation, achievements and opportunities in Oman’s space economy.

11:15am – 12:15pm
Session 7: Building a Regenerative Tourism Model - Taking the Lead

As tourism shifts from sustainability to regeneration, this session will be about how Duqm can lead by restoring ecosystems while driving economic growth. Drawing on global models like Chumbe Island and Feynan Ecolodge, it will examine how Duqm can pioneer ecosystem-led design, green finance, and regenerative tourism aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

12:15pm – 12:45pm
Duqm Impact 4: Smart Money, Green Future

A one-on-one conversation with key players from the Duqm ecosystem on green finance, sustainable investment and public-private partnerships

12:45pm – 2:00pm
Lunch
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Session 8: It Takes a Village - Empowering Communities Through Tourism Development

This session will explore how Duqm can develop authentic, community-led tourism by empowering local stakeholders. Drawing from models in Misfat Al Abriyeen, Nizwa, and Italy’s Albergo Diffuso, it will highlight how cultural heritage, sustainable practices, and revenue-sharing can regenerate communities—turning local traditions into immersive visitor experiences that benefit both people and place.

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Session 9: The Duqm Experience - Crafting a New Narrative in Luxury & Adventure Tourism

With luxury travel valued at US$1.7 trillion and adventure tourism projected to hit US$1.6 trillion by 2032, this session will explore how Duqm can tap both markets. Positioned between two seas and rich in biodiversity, Duqm offers unique opportunities for eco-luxury, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-fuelled adventure experiences.

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