Inauguration of Duqm Frontier Town - Phase One

Ceremony held under the patronage of His Excellency Yahya bin Said Al Jabri - Chairman of Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority

Muscat, 24 April 2014: Under the auspices of His Excellency Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Duqm Special Economic Zone, and in the presence of a number of their Highnesses and Excellency's, Duqm Development Company officially inaugurated Phase One of Duqm Frontier Town project. This ambitious project comes as a direct response of the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said towards expanding the Oman's economic development objectives and achieving a balance of economic growth within all regions of the Sultanate. The completion of phase one of the expansive Duqm Frontier Town project is a significant addition to the growth of the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

On the occasion, HE Yahya bin Said Al Jabri noted, "Today we take a huge step in the development of the Special Economic Zone in Duqm. The Duqm Frontier Town project is one of the largest construction projects in the region, and one that offers great opportunities for investors inside and outside the Sultanate. I think we are in the perfect position to further expand the development process of the Special Economic Zone in Duqm".

The Duqm Development Company SAOC was established on 24 April 2010, and is jointly underwritten by Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) - the Sultanate's leading investor and developer of tourism infrastructure - and Oman Drydock which manages and operates the dry dock in Duqm. Since its inception, the company has demonstrated its expertise as one of the leading real estate developers in the Sultanate of Oman, and this is underlined with the official inauguration of phase one of the Duqm Frontier Town project.

Commenting on the official inauguration of the Duqm Frontier Town project, HE Ahmed bin Sulaiman bin Saleh Al Maimani, Chairman of Duqm Development Company- Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for Administrative & Financial affairs & Regional Affairs said, "The Duqm Frontier Town is an integral part of the government's vision towards developing the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Furthermore, the convenient geographical location of the port makes it ideally placed to capitalise on the global shipping trade. The official opening of Duqm Frontier Town will provide an ideal environment with high levels of comfort and lifestyle for workers and their families ."

His Excellency added: "this is only first phase of the project, and subsequent phases will follow to further add to this new residential city in the Sultanate of Oman, a city characterised by modernity with Omani authenticity."

The Duqm Development Company began construction of the Duqm Frontier Town project in December 2010 on a land area of 270 hectares, which is located 15 minutes away from the Duqm airport and the Oman Drydock Company. The completed phase one of the project covers 23 hectares and comprises luxury furnished residential units, of which 250 of them are residential apartments and 94 villas. In addition, the company added a leisure club which boasts a restaurant, swimming pools, multisport hall, gymnasium, squash court, outdoor tennis, beach volleyball and retail shops.

The design of Phase One is characterized by the blending of western-style modernity with touches of Omani authenticity and a traditional architectural character, making the new township a desirable location for employees in Duqm and offering the perfect combination of convenient location, modern and comfortable lifestyle.

Sheikh Ibrahim Sultan Alhosni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Duqm Development Company SAOC highlighted the role of the company in the real estate sector, saying, "When the Duqm Development Company was established, we set a goal for ourselves to be the leading developers of real estate in the Sultanate of Oman. Our company is responsible in establishing sophisticated residential projects, massive industrial complexes and commercial centres. The Duqm Frontier Town project was challenging in both scope and delivery timing, so today we are very proud to officially inaugurate phase one of the township, as we also celebrate four years since the establishment of the Duqm Development Company. We have succeeded in delivering real in-country-value for the Omani economy, and the subsequent phases of construction for Duqm Frontier Town will create further employment opportunities during the construction and operational phases.

Commenting on the timely construction and delivery of phase one of the project, Eng. Mohammed Atieh, Assistant Project Manager at Duqm Development Company noted, "Duqm has a strategic location and spectacular views on the Arabian Sea, although the topography of the region creates a real challenge to the workers of the project, we have an experience and knowledge that allowed the team to overcome construction obstacles and complete the project within the agreed timeframe.  We are very proud to see the final result of the tremendous efforts made by all members of the team over the past two years, they have transformed Duqm into a wonderful city."

Eng. Waeel bin Ahmed Al-Lawati, CEO of OMRAN asserted that the project of Duqm Frontier Town is a significant addition to the economic zone in Duqm, and with the development of phase one of the residential township, together with the opening of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Duqm City Hotel, we have laid the foundations in Duqm for a new and unique destination to work, live and play as well as creating new tourism opportunities in the Sultanate. Additionally, we are proud of this achievement for the Duqm Development Company and are confident the company will implement the next phases of the town with the same efficiency and professionalism."

Sheikh Ibrahim Sultan Alhosni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, DDC added, "We look forward to the second phase of Duqm Frontier Town, which comprises an additional 500 residential units, including villas, apartments and town-houses with a modern level of design and convenience. Additionally, there are a number of public facilities planned such as an international school, hospital, shopping mall which will attract global, regional and local brands and thus create a modern life that will be the best place for all people."

He added: "The Company has put its full interest in developing the region and building the Duqm Frontier Town which is a one of the most attractive areas in the Sultanate, whether for business or lifestyle. Furthermore, we won "Construction Week" award for the best residential project in 2014 in Oman. This accolade is clear evidence of our strategy in the development of the economy, to take Oman to higher levels of economic growth and diversification under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

© Press Release 2014