Duqm strengthens its presence on the summer tourism map

Muscat: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) has bolstered its position on the summer tourism map of the Sultanate of Oman by inaugurating new hotel facilities and increasing investments in the sector through the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz).

This year saw the opening of three new hotel establishments, increasing the number of hotel options in Duqm to 15, including 4-star hotels. The total number of available hotel rooms in the zone has now exceeded 2,461.

Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, Acting CEO of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), stated that the zone’s location midway between Muscat and Salalah makes it an important stop for travellers heading to or coming from Salalah. “Visitors can take a break at one of the hotels, resorts, or serviced apartments available in Duqm, which cater to the needs of tourists and families.” He added, noting that: “this year saw the opening of three new hotel establishments: Duqm Express Hotel, Al Madina Express Hotel Duqm, and Royal Plaza Hotel Duqm. Last year also witnessed the opening of the Grand Orchid Hotel Apartments and Duqm Plaza Hotel. These hotels represent a significant addition to the hotel sector in Duqm.”

Akaak pointed out that the hotel sector in Duqm offers various options for visitors, including 4-star hotels such as Crowne Plaza Duqm and Park Inn Resort Duqm, both located on Duqm Beach. Other options include 3-star hotels like Al Madina Hotel and Asian Hotel. The hotel establishments in the zone also feature a range of serviced apartments, such as Ocean Hotel Apartments, Royal Land Suites, Discovery Hotel Apartments, Dar Al Jawhara, Dar Al Dhiyafa, and Duqm Suites. Additionally, there are youth hostels and heritage camps like Azbat Al Maha and Duqm Camp.

Duqm enjoys mild weather year-round, including summertime when temperatures range between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius. This makes it a prime destination on the domestic summer tourism map. Also, Duqm's location on the Arabian Sea, open to the Indian Ocean, and its sandy beaches attract tourists to engage in beach sports. The zone features several tourist attractions, such as the Rock Garden in the heart of the Wilayat and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, less than a two-hour drive from Duqm. Travel agencies organize trips to these sites and offer a variety of activities tailored to tourists' preferences.

Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak stressed that the rise in tourism investments and improvements in infrastructure within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) have significantly increased tourist arrivals. This growth is especially supported by the direct flights available from Muscat International Airport to Duqm Airport every day of the week.
He explained that the Sezad is currently implementing service projects to enhance tourism aspects, such as main and secondary roads, electricity and water services, and drainage systems. Moreover, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) is set to construct a coastal road serving the tourist area up to the multi-purpose fishing port, while redeveloping the zone to align with modern urban planning standards.