Duqm

Duqm on Oman's Arabian Sea coast is a Special Economic Zone with a major port and refinery, drawing large industrial and logistics investment.

Key facts

Status
Operating zone with phased projects under development

Overview

Duqm is a coastal town in Al Wusta Governorate on the Arabian Sea, and the site of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The zone combines a port, an oil refinery and industrial, logistics and tourism areas.

According to Oman's Ministry of Finance, cumulative committed investment in SEZAD reached OMR 8.818 billion (about US$22.9 billion) by the end of June 2026, up from OMR 3.65 billion in 2021. This is committed investment, not necessarily money already spent.

In June 2026, agreements and memoranda worth about OMR 2.9 billion were announced. They included green hydrogen and ammonia phases valued at US$4.2 billion, a natural-gas-liquids processing plant valued at OMR 288 million, a US$910 million power project, battery-materials manufacturing, and industrial and tourism developments. Several are phased or planned projects, with operations expected in future years, and timelines extend into 2027 to 2033.

The Port of Duqm is the zone's export and logistics gateway. A September 2026 government update reported cargo-handling growth of 5.66% between 2021 and 2025. The Duqm Refinery's reported capacity is 255,000 barrels per day.

The investment story is shifting from core infrastructure toward connected industries. Many figures are announced commitments or memoranda, so they should not be read as completed or operating investments.

What it means for buyers

Duqm's growth is tied to industrial and logistics activity, so demand for housing and services there may depend on how many projects reach construction and operation. That is uncertain, and timelines can slip.

Buyers should be cautious about headline investment figures, since many are commitments or memoranda. Look for evidence such as awarded contracts, site works and operating facilities.

Duqm is far from Muscat, and the local market is smaller and more specialised than in the capital, so liquidity, rental demand and resale options may differ. Check the specific project, its approvals and the handover plan.

Nothing here promises price growth or returns. The Off-Plan Oman team can share the latest confirmed information on WhatsApp.

Timeline

2021
Cumulative committed SEZAD investment reported at OMR 3.65 billion.
June 2026
Agreements and memoranda worth about OMR 2.9 billion announced; committed investment reported at OMR 8.818 billion.
2027 to 2033
Timelines reported for several phased industrial projects (to be confirmed per project).

Frequently asked questions

What is SEZAD?

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm, which combines a port, a refinery and industrial, logistics and tourism areas.

How much has been invested?

Cumulative committed investment reached OMR 8.818 billion by end of June 2026. This is committed, not necessarily spent.

What was announced in June 2026?

Agreements and memoranda worth about OMR 2.9 billion, including green hydrogen and ammonia, gas-liquids processing, power and manufacturing.

How big is the refinery?

A September 2026 government update reported capacity of 255,000 barrels per day.

Is Duqm suitable for property investment?

That depends on the project and your goals. Duqm's market is smaller than Muscat's. No returns are promised.

What drives Duqm property investment?

Duqm is a Special Economic Zone with a major port and refinery. Agreements and memoranda worth about OMR 2.9 billion were announced for the zone in June 2026.

Official sources

Last reviewed:

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