Diplomatic World_69

DUQM:
CREATING A GREEN &
SUSTAINABLE HUB FOR THE FUTURE
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), located in Al
Wusta Governorate in the centre of the Sultanate of Oman, at a
distance of 550 kilometres from the capital Muscat, is the largest
in the Middle East and North Africa, with an area of 2,000 square
kilometres.
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm contains several economic,
tourism and service development zones. The area is divided into
8 main areas that include a world class 18-metre deep draft port,
a massive dry dock, a 230,000 barrels per day (b/d) oil refinery, a
regional airport, a heavy-medium and light industries complex, a
residential and commercial area, a tourism area in addition to a
logistic services area.
VISION: BY 2030, THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
AT DUQM SHALL BE A DESTINATION OF CHOICE
FOR DIVERSE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, A MULTI-
MODEL HUB AND A MODERN CITY THAT OFFERS
HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE IN GCC
MISSION: TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OMANI
ECONOMY AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OF AL WUSTA GOVERNORATE,
THROUGH BEST IN CLASS; INFRASTRUCTURE,
SERVICES AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
FOR INVESTORS, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS
WHY DUQM?
• Gateway To regional and global trade: located far outside the
Hormuz Strait, the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD)
is strategically located on international shipping lines, close
to the fastest growing markets in the Middle East, South Asia,
East Africa and beyond.
• Multimodal Connectivity System: An integrated transport
system through modern road network, ports and airport:
• An airport with integrated facilities
• Deep and multi-purpose Port
• A network of modern roads
• Future rail network
• Business incentives, such as:
• 100% Foreign Ownership
• Tax -exemption for 30 years
• ree Repatriation of Capital & profits
• No minimum capital requirement
• No currency restrictions
• No personal income tax
• Exemption from import & export duties
• One-stop station service
The immense size of the project allows for the establishment of
various mega projects. The Government of Oman has ensured
that the area is fit for a wide number of business activities to
meet the needs of investors. The area will house an advanced
petrochemical industries and industrial complex that will use secured
oil and natural gas supplies. It will also house an integrated
manufacturing industry area that will utilize the available natural
resources in the Al Wusta governorate. Moreover, the area is
known for its abundant fish resources, which qualify it to become
a hub for fish processing industries and aquaculture projects.
Duqm enjoys a modest climate during summer as well as winter
in addition to the natural beauty of the region which will encourage
the development of its touristic area. A separate legislative
framework has been implemented for the entire Special Economic
Zone which includes a package of business friendly incentives,
applicable for all investors establishing themselves in the Zone.
The Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) is the
focal point for potential investors. Through its one-stop shop, it
registers, licenses, and provides environmental approvals using
the best international practices. Imports into the Zone will be
duty-free. Future regulations regarding the Zone’s company registrations,
labour, trade, land, taxation, incentives, and so on will
be announced in due course. The land usufruct and lease rates
as well as utility tariffs will be provided at competitive rates.
SPOTLIGHT ON RECENT SUCCESS STORIES:
KARWA AUTOMOTIVE FACTORY BOOSTS THE
ADDED VALUE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN
DUQM
In June 2022, Karwa Motors today marked the official inaugu-
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