DUQM PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT
Q: Why should I invest in Duqm?
Duqm is one of Oman's fastest-developing economic hubs, fully supported by OPAZ. Heavy government investment in infrastructure, industry, and tourism is creating significant, long-term opportunities for property investors.
Q: Can foreigners buy property in Duqm?
Yes, they can. Duqm operates under the OPAZ usufruct ownership scheme, which allows expatriates to purchase approved properties with a renewable 99-year lease. (Soon to be converted into Freehold).
Q: What is the minimum property investment for residency?
An investment of just USD $59,000 (approx. OMR 22,500) in approved Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC) or usufruct developments initiates your qualification for a renewable residency permit.
Q: Are Duqm properties a good investment right now?
Duqm is in a high pre-growth stage—prices are currently lower than in major cities like Muscat and Salalah, but growth is accelerating as the port, refinery, and tourism sectors mature.
Q: Is rental income viable in Duqm?
Yes, rental demand is strong and rising from industrial employees, logistics firms, and business travelers. Due to limited housing stock, yields are expected to remain robust in prime locations.
BUSINESS AND RESIDENCY
Q: Can I set up a company in Duqm as a foreigner?
Yes, under SEZAD regulations, Duqm allows for 100% foreign ownership. This includes the right to buy or own commercial shops and offices. Additionally, investors benefit from substantial tax exemptions and a simplified setup process.
Q: What are the key advantages of setting up a business in Duqm instead of Muscat?
Key advantages include 0% corporate tax for up to 30 years, full customs-free imports, no minimum capital requirement, and the ability to have 100% foreign ownership.
Q: How long does it take to get a business license?
Most basic licenses processed through OPAZ can be obtained quickly, typically within 5–10 working days and can be done online.
Q: Can I live in Duqm or outside within Oman if I own property or a business?
Yes. Both property investors and business owners are eligible for renewable 2-year residency visas and can sponsor their families.
LIFESTYLE AND LIVING
Q: What is life like in Duqm?
Duqm is a coastal city that is peaceful, clean, and safe, with a growing expatriate community and modern amenities. It's ideal for professionals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Q: Are schools and healthcare readily available?
Yes. Duqm's social infrastructure is supported by a mix of key institutions for residents. For education, the city offers international schooling through the A'soud Global School (AGS) Duqm (British/Cambridge curriculum) and the Indian School Duqm (CBSE curriculum), alongside government schools.
For healthcare, robust services are provided by the government-run Duqm Hospital (offering 24-hour emergency care and specialized clinics), and multiple expanding private facilities, including the multi-specialty KIMSHEALTH Medical Complex (which is being expanded into the first private hospital in the governorate) and the comprehensive Badr Al Samaa Medical Centre.
Q: How is Duqm connected digitally and physically?
Duqm is highly accessible via a modern airport and a major highway connecting it to Muscat. Within the city, fiber internet and 5G services are widely available.
Q: Is English widely spoken?
Yes. English is commonly used in business, commerce, and public services throughout the city.
Practical Resources
Useful Local Services
OPAZ – Public Authority for Special Economic Zones & Free
DUQM SEZAD Investment Portal
Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning (MHUP)
Duqm Municipality Office: This office manages property registration and handles local licensing.
Duqm Municipality/SEZAD
Sanad Office: This is a service center that assists with visa, residency, and rental service applications.
Sanad Services - Oman
Onyx Realty: This is a resource for investment inquiries and project-specific information regarding real estate. Onyx Realty (For general real estate services)
OTaxi: This is the local application used to find and book reliable transportation.
OTaxi App (Apple App Store)
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD)/Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ): This authority is responsible for overseeing investment, licensing, and overall development within the SEZ.
SEZAD/OPAZ Homepage
Port of Duqm: This facility offers a deep-water commercial port, provides ship repair services, and handles logistical operations.
Port of Duqm (Official Site)
Duqm Airport: This regional airport provides air connectivity, primarily with flights to Muscat, and has capacity for international flights and cargo.
Duqm Airport (Oman Airports)
Duqm Quarries/Minerals Development Oman (MDO): This entity manages quarrying and mining operations to supply construction and industrial minerals.
Minerals Development Oman (MDO) - Duqm Quarries
Crowne Plaza Duqm: This is a major hotel option available for accommodation in the area.
Crowne Plaza Duqm
Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments Duqm: This is a major hotel option available for accommodation in the area.
Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm
Oman Company for the Development of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Tatweer): This company co-invests in key projects and helps investors with site selection, company registration, clearances, and accessing local bank debt.
Tatweer - SEZAD page
Duqm Material Market SAOC (DMM): This is a partnership established to manage the supply of construction materials and support market development.
Duqm Quarries - Products (DMM's partner)
Rock Garden and Duqm Beach Park: These are natural and recreational sites available for visitors and residents. Duqm Rock Garden (Oman News Agency)
Fishing Port: This is a multi-purpose port facility dedicated to supporting the local fishing industry and its related logistics.
Port of Duqm - Fisheries Sector
OQ8 (Duqm Refinery): This is a major industrial project and a joint venture in the petrochemicals complex for downstream activities and supply chain development.
OQ8 (Duqm Refinery) Official Site
Duqm Dry Dock: This is a large, key facility providing industrial and maritime services for ship repair.
ASYAD Dry Dock (Official Site)
Duqm Hospital, KIMS Medical Complex, StarCare Hospital, and Dental Center: These are the primary local facilities offering various healthcare services and clinics.
A' Duqum Hospital (Ministry of Health)
ASYAD Duqm Terminals: This company is responsible for managing and operating the general cargo terminal located within the Port of Duqm.
ASYAD Terminals Duqm (Official Site)
Ras Markaz Oil Storage Terminal: Major government project for oil storage and transport.
Project Profile (General Information)
Integrated Electricity and Water Plant: This is a governmental project aimed at providing essential utility support for electricity and water within the zone.
Duqm Integrated Power and Water Project (General Information)
Road and Paving Works: This represents the extensive network of road infrastructure, including key dual carriageways like the one to Ras Markaz.
Sinaw–Mahout–Duqm Road Project (MTCIT)
Manpower Department in SEZD: This governmental department streamlines the process for the quick issuance of foreign labor permits.
Manpower eServices Portal (Ministry of Labour)
Customs Management System in SEZD: This system is in place to ensure quick, effective, and simple procedures for customs clearance.
Electronic Single Window System (Customs Portal)
Duqm Now Forum: This is a quarterly event organized for networking and providing insights into business opportunities, particularly in green energy.
Duqm Economic Forum (Official Site)