A delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is visiting the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), where they met on Monday, with Sheikh Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), in the presence of Eng Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, and several officials from the Authority.

During the meeting, aspects of cooperation and strengthening the partnership between the SFD and the OPAZ were discussed. The common interest between the Authority and the SFD in investment fields and opportunities in the SEZAD and other areas under the Authority’s supervision was also reviewed. The efforts made by the Authority to implement several infrastructure projects aimed at enabling local and foreign investment in the region were highlighted, which have directly contributed to attracting numerous local and foreign projects and increasing interest in investment in Duqm.

For its part, the SFD delegation praised the growth seen in Duqm over the past years since their last visit, expressing their interest in enhancing cooperation with the Authority.

Spanning three days, the visit offers an opportunity to review the progress of projects financed by the SFD in the SEZAD, with a strong focus on the area’s recent developments. The delegation will also explore the region’s plans for future projects and how to integrate various elements to ensure economic sustainability and contribute to achieving Oman Vision 2040.

The delegation visited several projects, both ongoing and completed, including the Ras Markaz project and the Fisheries and Food Industries Complex, which are currently flagship projects in Duqm.

Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah al Ansari, General Manager of the Support Services Sector at the OPAZ, stated, “The Authority and the Saudi Fund for Development are striving to enhance cooperation in all fields by exploring financing opportunities for several promising projects in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. This visit by a delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development aims to strengthen this partnership and review the progress of the funded projects.”

Al Ansari noted that the SFD has made pioneering contributions to financing several major projects in the Sultanate of Oman, including funding for the construction of key roads and the infrastructure of the fishing port in the region.

OPAZ, through the relevant entities, continues to develop a strategic relationship with the SFD, exploring opportunities that will enhance the benefit for companies in both countries from the infrastructure projects implemented by the Authority in the SEZAD.