6 days ago
Duqm expands green spaces to enhance livability, appeal
Duqm – The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has significantly increased green spaces and tree planting between 2015 and mid-2025, transforming the desert city into a more livable and investment-friendly environment.
The afforestation and landscaping efforts, part of a broader environmental and urban development strategy, have improved local climate conditions and enhanced Duqm's appeal to residents, visitors and investors alike, a press release stated.
In the preparatory phase from 2015 to 2021, SEZAD planted 3,414 trees and developed 24,760sqm of green areas, installing modern irrigation systems linked to treated wastewater networks to reduce fresh water use and operational costs. Key streets including Sultan Said bin Taimur, Sai Street and Tourist Street were among those landscaped.
The first major expansion phase from 2021 to 2025 added 8,398 trees and 24,144sqm of green spaces, all supported by advanced irrigation infrastructure. Duqm's first agricultural nursery was established on a 5,000sqm site to supply thousands of seedlings annually, aiding ongoing afforestation and tree replacement across key locations such as Sultan Qaboos bin Said Street, Airport Street, Sai's commercial district park, and the beach park in the tourism zone.
A total of 11,812 trees were planted to create nearly 48,904sqm of green spaces during these two phases, with a combined investment of around RO4.4mn. Eng Ibrahim bin Zahir al Rawahi, Head of SEZAD's Landscaping and Gardens Department, said the initiative aims to improve quality of life, reduce sand-laden winds and provide recreational spaces while promoting environmental sustainability through treated wastewater irrigation.
He added that upcoming phases will feature larger greening projects and more connections to sustainable irrigation systems, strengthening Duqm's position as a modern city attractive to residents, tourists and investors.
'Expanding green spaces not only improves the local environment but also enhances Duqm's appeal as a promising tourism and investment destination,' he said.
The development of parks and landscaped areas provides safe and comfortable environments for families and community events, supporting tourism.
