Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) took part in the Oman-Egypt Investment Forum for Real Estate and Tourism Development held in Cairo earlier this week. The event gathered officials, business leaders, investors, and real estate developers from Oman and Egypt to bolster investment collaboration and explore new partnerships across real estate, tourism, and industrial sectors.
Leading the OPAZ delegation was Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ, alongside Abdullah bin Nasser al Rahbi, Oman’s Ambassador to Egypt and non-resident Ambassador to Eritrea. The group included chief executives and officials from Oman’s special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, demonstrating the breadth of investment options available under OPAZ’s jurisdiction.
OPAZ’s participation aligns with its strategic objectives to promote the Sultanate’s investment opportunities, attract quality investments, and enhance direct engagement with Egyptian investors and developers. During the forum, OPAZ particularly emphasized opportunities within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). Presentations highlighted the potential tied to Duqm’s coastal tourism master plan, which offers prospects in real estate development, tourism and hospitality projects, integrated tourism complexes, and supporting services and facilities.
The authority underscored Duqm’s competitive advantages including its large land area, strategic geographic location, and advanced infrastructure. Additionally, incentives and facilitation measures introduced under the new Law of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, promulgated by Royal Decree 38/2025, were presented to attendees. This legislation permits non-Omanis to acquire freehold ownership in real estate projects within these zones and grants residency rights to overseas property owners and their first-degree relatives, enhancing the zones’ appeal to foreign investors.
Dr Said bin Khalifa al Quraini, Director General of Investment Development and OPAZ’s official spokesperson, noted the forum provided an opportunity to engage Egyptian real estate developers and leverage their expertise in fostering sustainable investment partnerships. He emphasized the mutual benefits, saying the collaboration would contribute to establishing high-quality projects aligned with the interests of both countries.
In addition to the forum, the Omani delegation visited the Suez Canal Economic Zone to study its approach to economic zone development, investment attraction, and investor services. The OPAZ delegation also participated in the Oman-Egypt Industrial Forum, featuring the Federation of Egyptian Industries, to further explore industrial cooperation and joint investment ventures between the two nations’ companies.
These joint efforts reflect ongoing steps by Oman and Egypt to deepen economic ties and strengthen partnership opportunities in real estate, tourism, and industrial sectors within their respective special economic zones.