Duqm: Throughout August, the Duqm Special Economic Zone (Sezad) will host four focused workshops addressing concerns that its tenant community is dealing with, including how to use AI properly, build resilient supply networks, develop adaptable personnel, and foster workplace cultures in which people want to remain and grow.
The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) understands that 2025 requires more than the standard business event format.
Rather than standard presentations that promise transformation but provide little usable information, these sessions bring together individuals who have already done the task to offer techniques they have personally applied.
"Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks," says Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO of Sezad. "The four DSS sessions will feature speakers who have successfully navigated the challenges they are discussing, so they can share not only what worked, but also how they made it work and what barriers they faced along the way. "
The first session on August 5 will focus on artificial intelligence and automation.
Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from individuals who have gone beyond experimentation to real implementation, complete with the complex challenges of personnel transitions and the ethical concerns that occur when algorithms make judgments previously reserved for humans.
The second session, on August 12, looks at workforce development through the lens of groups that have effectively balanced talent development with cultural continuity.
Rather than abstract leadership concepts, the emphasis is on practical methods to develop individuals while keeping the characteristics that encourage them to stay and progress—especially critical in a region where retaining talented professionals can determine an operation's success.
By August 19, the discussion had switched to global trade and supply networks.
Duqm's prime position between Europe, Asia, and Africa is meaningless if companies cannot properly navigate the complexities of modern logistics.
This session brings together those who have learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers as a result of the tough experience of maintaining operations running amid interruptions.
The final session on August 26 focuses on workplace culture and well-being, themes that may have appeared soft five years ago but are now critical commercial needs.
The discussion moves beyond well-being jargon to look at how organizations are developing meaningful relationships and promoting mental health in ways that benefit both performance and retention.
Each session begins at 1:00 p. m. and lasts one hour at Sezad's offices, recognizing that busy professionals require events that provide value while adhering to strict time limits. The design combines expert presentations with interactive workshops, resulting in a setting that fosters meaningful conversations across sectors.
"Duqm's strength is the diversity of industries operating here, including renewables, manufacturing, fisheries, and logistics," Eng. Akaak said. "When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, true innovation occurs. We're bringing together experts with practical experience to share and real difficulties to overcome."
