Duqm: As of April, the internal roads initiative in the new Saay Commercial District within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) achieved a completion rate of 93 percent. With all major work finalized, the area is now prepared for vehicle movement.
Located within SEZAD, the new Saay Commercial District serves as a contemporary hub for investment and tourism. Two years prior, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) introduced a development strategy for the district, which encompasses various model facilities and offerings. This includes an internal road system that spans 13. 65 kilometers, combining 4. 25 kilometers of dual carriageways, each containing two lanes in both directions, along with 9. 4 kilometers of single-lane roads.
Furthermore, the project features ten road connections linking the internal pathways to adjacent main roads, as well as seven intersections equipped with traffic signals. Additionally, it incorporates a rainwater drainage system measuring 12. 3 kilometers, a sewage network of 9. 1 kilometers, a rainwater drainage channel of 1. 5 kilometers, and over 600 streetlights installed throughout the area.
Eng. Abdullah Salim Al Hakamani, who directs the Technical Affairs Department at SEZAD, mentioned that the internal road network project for the new Saay Commercial District, which has a budget of RO 13. 1 million, forms part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enriching the living standards within SEZAD. He emphasized that efforts are underway from the zone’s administration to enhance the fundamental infrastructure in the district, transforming it into a well-integrated zone providing a variety of amenities and services, and establishing it as a key location for investments, tourism, and recreation in SEZAD.
He pointed out that the Saay Commercial District currently contains a wide array of commercial, tourism, educational, and sports facilities, most notably A’soud Global School, the Oman Bowling Centre, and Badr Al Samaa Hospital, which operates 24 hours a day, alongside various hotels, retail venues, and additional amenities. A public park, covering 13,000 square meters, opened last year, featuring walking paths, playgrounds, green areas, and numerous other facilities.
In relation to modern amenities and technologies being integrated into the district, Eng. Al Hakamani indicated that the development blueprint also encompasses the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles, designated zones equipped with outlets for charging mobile devices along pathways and rest areas, in addition to safe, dedicated paths for cyclists and e-scooter users. All traffic signals throughout the district will utilize smart sensors for effective traffic regulation.
He further noted that there are currently 53 completed projects within the district, with an additional 24 projects in progress, highlighting the substantial focus on establishing this area as a model integrated zone.
Eng. Al Hakamani anticipates that the internal roads framework will reach full completion in the latter half of this year. This endeavor is expected to draw further investments into SEZAD and bolster its strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Duqm, ensuring facilities are aligned with the expectations of residents, citizens, and visitors alike.
