Latest news with #Duqm
Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Marafiq organizes workshop to enhance utilities in SEZAD
Marafiq Company organised a strategic workshop with several key stakeholders in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), including the zone's administration and the Duqm Development Company. The workshop was held under the theme 'Strategic Cooperation – Enabling Utilities Infrastructure in Duqm', the workshop explored prospects for growth and expansion across the zone's promising sectors. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination between relevant entities, expediting infrastructure development, improving service efficiency, and enhancing Duqm's readiness to attract high-value investments. Participants also highlighted the need to unify efforts to accelerate approval procedures, improve service delivery flexibility, and create an attractive environment aligned with the expectations of both local and international investors. The workshop concluded with agreement on a joint roadmap tailored to upcoming development priorities. This includes forming specialised technical teams, setting clear timelines, and developing a collaborative framework to ensure sustained coordination and integration among all parties involved. The initiative reflects Marafiq's commitment to its role as an enabler and strategic partner in the development of utilities infrastructure in Duqm. It also reaffirms the company's support for Oman Vision 2040 by delivering high-standard utility services that bolster Duqm's competitiveness and investment appeal.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Pact to develop wind energy projects in Duqm, Mahout and Sadah
Muscat – OQ Alternative Energy has signed a joint development agreement with Naqaa Sustainable Energy Company to invest in wind energy projects in Duqm in Al Wusta and Mahout and Sadah in Dhofar. The projects are expected to generate up to 1,100 megawatt of electricity using wind turbines manufactured locally by Mawarid Turbine Company. The agreement is part of efforts by OQ Group to support the clean energy transition by developing an integrated value chain and encouraging the growth of national industries. It also aims to support emerging businesses involved in renewable energy, according to an OQ statement. The deal was signed by Said al Masoudi, Chairman of OQ Alternative Energy, and Mustafa bin Mohamed al Hinai, CEO of Naqaa Sustainable Energy Company. The signing took place in the presence of H E Salem bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Masoudi said the agreement reflects the government's policy of promoting renewable energy and supporting sustainable development goals. He added that OQ plays a key role as a national investment arm in the energy transition, contributing to electricity grid stability and development of clean energy infrastructure. Hinai said the partnership aligns with national efforts to diversify energy sources and utilise Oman's natural wind resources. In April, OQ Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Mawarid Turbine to establish a manufacturing facility in Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The first phase of the factory will have production capacity of up to 1,000MW a year, with investment exceeding US$200mn. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in 2026. The plant is expected to be the first of its kind in the region and will support localisation of renewable energy technologies. It is projected to generate more than 1,000 jobs. Mawarid Turbine has partnered with Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group for technology licensing, research and development, and the technical design of manufacturing systems. The collaboration will also provide wind turbines for several pilot farms. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The National
7 days ago
- Business
- The National
Second rocket launch from Oman's spaceport called off but momentum builds
Oman's ambitious mission to develop a commercial rocket launch site to put the country at the centre of the region's growing space sector is taking shape, even after a recent test mission setback. Oman's plans to carry out a second rocket launch from its under-construction spaceport were called off on Sunday after engineers discovered a technical problem shortly before lift-off. The Duqm-2 mission was expected to launch a 12-metre experimental suborbital rocket from Etlaq Spaceport, the Middle East's first commercial launch site, in the remote coastal desert of Duqm. But a fault was found in the rocket's actuator, a device that helps control systems on the launch vehicle. Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, chief executive of the spaceport, said the mission had still met many of its goals. 'We achieved many objectives of the Duqm-2 mission, including planning the mission, navigating regulatory processes, designing ground infrastructure and building an integration hangar,' he said. The Kea-1 rocket, developed by Stellar Kinetics, a private company from New Zealand, was meant to travel into suborbital space on a short test flight. 'Building momentum' A company representative said the rocket had performed well in all steps before the final countdown, including preparing the launchpad, filling the rocket's tanks and integrating the two payloads from international partners. 'Over the next four months we anticipate a series of subsequent launches to continue on the research and development pathway,' they said. 'As the programme builds momentum, we expect to see a steady stream of both experimental and commercial Stellar Kinetics vehicles launching from the Etlaq Spaceport." Start-ups involved The Duqm-2 mission involved start-ups from the UK and Taiwan, who developed small satellite payloads to ride on the rocket. A team from Jupiter, a UK-based space start-up, built a small satellite called Jovian-O and an Earth observation device. Ieuan Carney, a PhD student at the University of Surrey, said being a part of the mission was exciting. 'Although the payload didn't get to deploy, it's something we were prepared for because we know space projects often have setback in the early stages,' he said. 'We're still so proud of what we've done, developing a payload and fitting it on to a rocket.' Sight Space from Taiwan developed a tiny satellite designed to measure stress and environmental conditions during the launch process. Etlaq momentum This was the second of five launch attempts planned at Etlaq Spaceport this year. The first in April was meant to see a 1-metre rocket lift-off but it was delayed and has not yet taken off. An attempt Stellar Kinetics is expected in October involving the Kea-2 rocket. A Kuwaiti start-up will try to launch its experimental rocket in November, and a fifth attempt will be made, again by Stellar Kinetics, in December. The spaceport's first test flight was in December 2024, when a 6.5-metre rocket blasted off on a high-altitude test flight. Etlaq is the Middle East's first commercial spaceport and is being positioned as a fast-track launch site for start-ups. It offers quick access to rocket testing, while plans for construction of a full-scale orbital spaceport are progressing ahead of a scheduled 2027 opening. This year's five launch attempts are being made possible by the new Genesis programme at Etlaq, which involved creating temporary but fully operational facilities at the spaceport. This allows companies to plan and execute high-altitude missions in as little as 13 weeks. The streamlined process is designed to cater to the growing demand from private companies, in contrast to the practice in countries such the US, where launch approval from the Federal Aviation Administration can take months. The Genesis operations occupy only about 10 per cent of the spaceport's capacity. The rest of the site is being reserved for the much larger, permanent orbital-class complex, which will feature three launch complexes and four pads, designed to support small, medium and heavy-lift vehicles. Construction on the full orbital spaceport is expected to begin next year, with commercial operations scheduled to start at the end of 2027.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
SEZAD launches Duqm Summer Series for Tenant Community
Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is launching four focused sessions throughout August that tackle questions its tenant community is grappling with - how to implement AI effectively, build resilient supply chains, develop adaptive workforces and create workplace cultures where people want to stay and grow. The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) recognizes that 2025 demands something more substantive than the usual business event formula. Rather than generic presentations that promise transformation but deliver little you can use, these sessions bring together people who've done the work to share strategies they've actually implemented. 'Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks,' said Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD. 'The four DSS sessions feature speakers who've successfully navigated the challenges they're discussing – people who can share not just what worked, but how they made it work and what obstacles they encountered along the way.' The opening session on 5 August tackles artificial intelligence and automation. Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from those who've moved beyond experimentation to actual deployment, complete with the messy realities of workforce transitions and the ethical considerations that emerge when algorithms start making decisions previously reserved for humans. The second session on 12 August explores workforce development through the lens of organizations that have successfully balanced talent growth with cultural continuity. Rather than broad leadership theories, the discussion centres on practical approaches to developing people while maintaining the elements that make them want to stay and advance – particularly important in a region where retaining skilled professionals can determine an operation's success. By 19 August, the conversation turns to global trade and supply chains. Duqm's strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa means little if businesses can't effectively navigate the complexities of modern logistics. This session brings together those who've learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers through the hard-won experience of keeping operations running during disruptions. The final session on 26 August addresses workplace culture and well-being, topics that might have seemed soft five years ago but now represent fundamental business imperatives. The discussion moves beyond wellness buzzwords to examine how companies are creating genuine connection and supporting mental health in ways that actually improve both performance and retention. Each session starts at 1:00pm and runs for an hour at SEZAD's headquarters, respecting the reality that busy professionals need events that deliver value within clear time constraints. The format combines expert presentations with interactive discussions, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between industries. 'Duqm's strength lies in the diversity of industries operating here, from renewables and manufacturing to fisheries and logistics,' remarked Eng. Akaak. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens. DSS sessions are designed to make these connections happen. We're bringing together professionals who have practical experience to share and real challenges to solve.'
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Sezad launches Duqm Summer Series for tenant community
Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) is launching four focused sessions throughout August that tackle questions its tenant community is grappling with - how to implement AI effectively, build resilient supply chains, develop adaptive workforces and create workplace cultures where people want to stay and grow. The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) recognises that 2025 demands something more substantive than the usual business event formula. Rather than generic presentations that promise transformation but deliver little you can use, these sessions bring together people who've done the work to share strategies they've actually implemented. 'Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks,' said Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, Sezad. 'The four DSS sessions feature speakers who've successfully navigated the challenges they're discussing – people who can share not just what worked, but how they made it work and what obstacles they encountered along the way.' The opening session on 5 August tackles artificial intelligence and automation. Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from those who've moved beyond experimentation to actual deployment, complete with the messy realities of workforce transitions and the ethical considerations that emerge when algorithms start making decisions previously reserved for humans. The second session on 12 August explores workforce development through the lens of organisations that have successfully balanced talent growth with cultural continuity. Rather than broad leadership theories, the discussion centres on practical approaches to developing people while maintaining the elements that make them want to stay and advance – particularly important in a region where retaining skilled professionals can determine an operation's success. By 19 August, the conversation turns to global trade and supply chains. Duqm's strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa means little if businesses can't effectively navigate the complexities of modern logistics. This session brings together those who've learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers through the hard-won experience of keeping operations running during disruptions. The final session on 26 August addresses workplace culture and well-being, topics that might have seemed soft five years ago but now represent fundamental business imperatives. The discussion moves beyond wellness buzzwords to examine how companies are creating genuine connection and supporting mental health in ways that actually improve both performance and retention. Each session starts at 1:00pm and runs for an hour at Sezad's headquarters, respecting the reality that busy professionals need events that deliver value within clear time constraints. The format combines expert presentations with interactive discussions, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between industries. 'Duqm's strength lies in the diversity of industries operating here, from renewables and manufacturing to fisheries and logistics,' remarked Eng. Akaak. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens. DSS sessions are designed to make these connections happen. We're bringing together professionals who have practical experience to share and real challenges to solve.' © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
