Muscat: Tariffs are back in the mix and supply chains are being redesigned around risk, compliance and time. For manufacturers that puts a premium on locations that can produce reliably and ship without avoidable friction at the border, at the port or in the paperwork.
That is the thinking behind Duqm Now’s next event, “Duqm Made,” taking place 7:30pm, Wednesday 11 February at Crowne Plaza Duqm. The evening will examine what is being made and processed in Duqm, how production is delivered on the ground and what it takes to move output smoothly from factory line to gate, port and international markets. It will stay close to the operating detail, the systems and processes that underpin repeatable output, the discipline of documentation and standards and the practical work of keeping supply chains resilient when conditions tighten.
Oman’s latest trade and investment figures provide a timely backdrop. Official NCSI data shows non-oil exports reached RO5.6bn (US$14.6bn) by end-October 2025. Within that, machinery and electrical equipment exports were RO501mn (US$1.30bn) and re-exports RO385mn (US$1bn). Foreign investment data adds another useful marker, by end-Q3 2025, manufacturing FDI stood at RO2.7bn (US$7.1bn) up 11.1% year on year.
Commenting on the session, Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD, said: “Duqm’s story is increasingly being measured in output and performance. Companies want a location that can make things, move them and meet market requirements consistently. ‘Duqm Made’ brings together people running real operations in Duqm to discuss what is working, what needs strengthening and what comes next.”
Bringing those perspectives into one conversation, the panel features Eng. Hashim Taher Al Ibrahim, Chief Business Support Officer, Port of Duqm Company; Eng. Hamed Al Ruqaishi, Acting Operations Director, International Seafood Company (SIMAK); Khalid Al Azri, GM for HR & Facility Management, Karwa Motors; and Zakariya Al Hasni, CEO, Osool Riam Trading. The discussion will be moderated by Talal Al Shahri, Director, Specialized Radio Stations, Ministry of Information and presenter, Oman FM.
Across the evening, the focus will be on what ‘Duqm Made’ requires in 2026 – where automation and standardized processes genuinely reduce delays and rework; how sustainability expectations are becoming a commercial requirement with auditable reporting increasingly tied to market access; what resilience looks like when disruption is frequent rather than exceptional; and how SEZAD-based companies build the skills, career paths and working environments that attract and retain Omani talent while keeping operations running smoothly as activity grows.
