Latest news with #SEZAD
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: SEZAD opens Duqm Summer Series with AI focus
AL DUQ - The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) launches its Duqm Summer Series on August 5 with a focus on AI and automation, targeting the zone's growing business community. The opening session features Saeed Abdul Ghafoor, whose company Star Drones built TARIQ – Oman's first domestically manufactured drone using local materials. Star Drones has deployed their AI-powered drones over 19,000 acres of agricultural projects while developing applications spanning environmental monitoring to manufacturing. Ghafoor's experience is relevant to SEZAD-based companies who are implementing AI solutions throughout their operations but need practical guidance on expanding these initiatives. 'SEZAD-based companies are already successfully deploying AI solutions, but the real challenge lies in scaling these initiatives effectively,' explains Eng Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD. 'The Duqm Summer Series connects our tenant community with practitioners who've successfully made this transition - people who can share what worked, how they achieved it and what obstacles they overcame.' The potential for greater impact is substantial. The World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network - 189 production facilities that have implemented AI - shows what systematic deployment can achieve: network members report 53% higher productivity and 26% lower costs. Beyond operational efficiency, AI implementation delivered 50% reductions in new product introduction times and substantial environmental benefits including 30% to 50% reduction in emissions and an average 30% reduction in material waste. For SEZAD, positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa such results create both opportunity and urgency. UNIDO research indicates that every manufacturing job generates more than two additional positions in other sectors, making technology adoption about broader economic development, not just efficiency. This focus on broader economic development shapes the Duqm Summer Series format. '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,' notes Eng. Akaak. Each session runs for an hour starting at 1:00pm, combining presentations with discussions. Other sessions in the series continue this practical approach: workforce development with Development Bank's Auf Al Aufi (August 12), supply chain resilience featuring the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology's Nabeel Al Balushi (August 19) and workplace culture and wellbeing with Sultan Qaboos University's Dr. Aziza Al Sawafi (August 26). With SEZAD attracting RO 6 billion (US$15.5 billion) in cumulative investment commitments - a 55% increase on 2023 - the Duqm Summer Series addresses the day-to-day practical challenges facing the zone's businesses. 'Our tenants aren't just seeking cost advantages, they're tackling the key questions facing modern industry today: How do you move beyond AI pilots to systematic deployment? What does workforce development look like when technology changes rapidly? How do you build supply chain resilience in a fragmented world?' explains the SEZAD CEO. For SEZAD companies already implementing AI but seeking guidance on expansion, Ghafour's template could potentially provide the roadmap they need to unlock the productivity gains seen globally. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's Duqm tourism investment top $2.2bln
Tourism investment in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in Southern Oman reached over 853 million Omani rials ($2.2 billion) by the end of last year, reflecting the growing appeal of the governorate as a tourism destination. The area now boasts 21 hotels, 10 hotel apartment complexes and a large-scale multi-use tourism development that includes hotels, villas and hotel apartments. This surge in investment is attributed to rising demand for tourism services, an increasing number of visitors, and a favourable business climate supported by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones and SEZAD. Official statistics published by the Oman News Agency showed that 16 tourism projects had been completed by the end of 2023, with 11 currently under construction and five others still in the planning phase. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, highlighted Duqm's unique location on the Arabian Sea, moderate climate throughout the year and a wide range of amenities as key factors attracting tourism interest. Notable attractions include scenic beaches, the Rock Garden, Duqm Beach Park and a public park in the Sai Commercial District, which has become a new landmark. Akaak noted that SEZAD, in partnership with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, is actively organising sporting, economic and tourism events to promote investment in the tourism sector. He pointed to the governorate's strategic plan for 2025–2030, which places tourism development at its core. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
SEZAD opens Duqm Summer Series with AI focus
BUSINESS REPORTER AL DUQ, JULY 28 The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) launches its Duqm Summer Series on August 5 with a focus on AI and automation, targeting the zone's growing business community. The opening session features Saeed Abdul Ghafoor, whose company Star Drones built TARIQ – Oman's first domestically manufactured drone using local materials. Star Drones has deployed their AI-powered drones over 19,000 acres of agricultural projects while developing applications spanning environmental monitoring to manufacturing. Ghafoor's experience is relevant to SEZAD-based companies who are implementing AI solutions throughout their operations but need practical guidance on expanding these initiatives. 'SEZAD-based companies are already successfully deploying AI solutions, but the real challenge lies in scaling these initiatives effectively,' explains Eng Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD. 'The Duqm Summer Series connects our tenant community with practitioners who've successfully made this transition - people who can share what worked, how they achieved it and what obstacles they overcame.' The potential for greater impact is substantial. The World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network - 189 production facilities that have implemented AI - shows what systematic deployment can achieve: network members report 53% higher productivity and 26% lower costs. Beyond operational efficiency, AI implementation delivered 50% reductions in new product introduction times and substantial environmental benefits including 30% to 50% reduction in emissions and an average 30% reduction in material waste. For SEZAD, positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa such results create both opportunity and urgency. UNIDO research indicates that every manufacturing job generates more than two additional positions in other sectors, making technology adoption about broader economic development, not just efficiency. This focus on broader economic development shapes the Duqm Summer Series format. '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,' notes Eng. Akaak. Each session runs for an hour starting at 1:00pm, combining presentations with discussions. Other sessions in the series continue this practical approach: workforce development with Development Bank's Auf Al Aufi (August 12), supply chain resilience featuring the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology's Nabeel Al Balushi (August 19) and workplace culture and wellbeing with Sultan Qaboos University's Dr. Aziza Al Sawafi (August 26). With SEZAD attracting RO 6 billion (US$15.5 billion) in cumulative investment commitments - a 55% increase on 2023 - the Duqm Summer Series addresses the day-to-day practical challenges facing the zone's businesses. 'Our tenants aren't just seeking cost advantages, they're tackling the key questions facing modern industry today: How do you move beyond AI pilots to systematic deployment? What does workforce development look like when technology changes rapidly? How do you build supply chain resilience in a fragmented world?' explains the SEZAD CEO. For SEZAD companies already implementing AI but seeking guidance on expansion, Ghafour's template could potentially provide the roadmap they need to unlock the productivity gains seen globally. To attend Duqm Summer Series please register:
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Duqm emerges as new tourism hub with $47.7mln investment
Duqm – Tourism investment in Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) exceeded RO853mn at the end of 2024, underscoring Duqm's growing appeal as a coastal destination and business hub. According to SEZAD figures, tourism development in the zone includes 21 hotels, ten hotel apartment buildings and a multi-facility complex comprising hotels, villas and serviced apartments. Sixteen tourism projects were completed by the end of 2024, 11 were under construction and five in pre-construction phase. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, said Duqm's location on the Arabian Sea, with access to the Indian Ocean and moderate year-round temperatures, positions it as a strategic tourism destination. The area is also home to several natural and recreational sites including Duqm Beach Park, the Rock Garden, Saay District Public Park and nearby attractions such as Barr al Hikman and Al Maha Nature Reserve. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Duqm receives investments worth over $2bln in tourism
Duqm - The total investment committed to the tourism sector in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) by the end of last year amounted to more than RO853 million. The list of tourism investments in Duqm includes 21 hotels, 10 hotel apartments, and a multi-facility tourism project comprising hotels, villas, and hotel apartments. These figures reflect the growing demand for tourism services in the region, the increasing number of tourists and visitors, the vibrant business environment, and the facilities and incentives provided by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, and the management of the Special Economic Zone in Duqm. Statistics issued by the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) indicate that the total number of completed tourism projects by the end of last year reached 16, including 11 projects under construction and five projects with construction work yet to commence. Engineer Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD), said that the region enjoys significant tourism interest due to its location on the Arabian Sea overlooking the Indian Ocean, moderate temperatures throughout the year, and the availability of numerous facilities and services that support tourism growth. He added that the region also offers numerous tourist attractions such as the various beaches, the Rock Garden, Duqm Beach Park, and the public park in the Sai Commercial District, which is one of the new landmarks in the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm. Several other tourist attractions can also be reached through Duqm, such as Barr Al Hikman and the Al Maha Nature Reserve. He added that the management of the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD) is working in cooperation with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones on an ongoing basis to organize numerous sporting, economic, and tourism events to highlight the region's investment and tourism potential and encourage investors to invest in the tourism sector, which is one of the region's main investment sectors. He stressed that the region's strategy for the period (2025-2030), which was launched in the first quarter of this year, included a number of key axes related to the development of tourism activities, most notably the axis of developing a balanced lifestyle and the axis of attracting tourists and partners. He pointed out that the first axis related to developing a balanced lifestyle aims to increase Duqm's attractiveness to be a preferred lifestyle through the urban, commercial and social development plan that focuses on making Duqm an attractive location for visitors, residents and investors, while the second axis related to attracting tourists and partners focuses on stimulating investment and ensuring Duqm's emergence as a unique tourist destination, through a wide range of visitor experiences, in light of the presence of an increasing mix of tourist attractions. He pointed out that the "Pass by" campaign, which began its activities in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) in recent days, is one of the most prominent tourism events aimed at promoting the region and its tourism potential. The campaign has achieved numerous positive results over the past years and has contributed to attracting many tourists coming to or from Dhofar Governorate. The CEO of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) explained that this year is expected to witness significant growth, especially with the many events that will be organized during the campaign, which will meet the aspirations of the region's visitors. He explained that Duqm is located on an open sea, which has given it a tourist advantage, with a group of beaches available in the center of Duqm, in Nafun and Ras Madrakah. The management of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm is working to encourage the private sector and entrepreneurs to invest in the region's natural features to implement several tourism projects. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
