Monday 13 / January / 2025
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has released the 38th issue of Duqm Economist Magazine issue 38 for January 2025.
This edition marks the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s accession to power in Oman, highlighting the significant achievements of the country’s economic, industrial, and free zones, as well as industrial cities, over the past five years (2020–2024).
The editorial focuses on the renewed renaissance under His Majesty’s wise leadership, emphasizing the pivotal role of economic zones in achieving Oman Vision 2040 and fostering economic diversification.
In the issue, Sheikh Dr. Ali Al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, affirmed that the Authority has reduced service fees by 50% and is ready to further review them to facilitate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within these zones. These reductions include fees for commercial registry processes, contract registration, licenses, permits for various business and industrial activities, investor work permits, environmental approvals, urban planning, construction permits, engineering services, certifications, and service supplier permits, among others.
The magazine features various topics centered on the role of economic, free, and industrial zones in promoting economic growth and achieving Oman Vision 2040. Highlights include a report on the achievements of these zones in enhancing infrastructure efficiency and attracting investments during the 2020–2024 period. His Excellency Engineer Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Vice Chairman of OPAZ, outlined key ambitious projects driving national economic progress.
The issue also addresses significant topics related to food security, featuring an exclusive interview with Dr. Saud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources. He discussed the ministry’s strategies for sustainability and self-sufficiency in food production.
Other exclusive topics include articles on the "blue economy" as a sustainable wealth and an endless source of investment opportunities, a survey on project sustainability, and the announcement of a program to attract petrochemical industries in 2025.
The magazine also highlights OmanTel’s efforts in advancing digital transformation within economic, free, and industrial zones. Additionally, it features interviews with key figures such as Engineer Saeed Al Hinaei, who discussed the role of Duqm’s fisheries port in supporting the fishing sector, and Engineer Bahiyya Al Shu’aibi, who shed light on her innovative project, "Space Settlement Center," in Zone 88 of Duqm, designed to simulate life in space.
This issue includes various articles, reports, and a special feature on "50 Global Opportunities: Envisioning the Future and Promoting Innovation."
