BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT, Oct 30

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Duqm is being prepped for investments related to artificial intelligence (AI) as well as 3D-printing projects, a senior official announced on Saturday.

Eng Saleh bin Rashid al Hashmi, Director General of Planning and Engineering Affairs and Head of the Modern Building and 3D Printing Techniques Team at SEZAD, said the zone can provide a suitable and attractive environment for experimenting such technologies offered by the corporates specialised in modern building techniques.

Successful technologies can then be promoted within and outside the Sultanate, he noted.

“The Zone welcomes the initiatives of local and international private sector companies and research institutions to expand their services and activities and develop their business in SEZAD. Accordingly, investors will be stimulated to use modern technologies that serve reducing the building cost and duration of projects as well as providing environment-friendly buildings”, Al Hashmi commented.

He said the Modern Building and 3D Printing Techniques team in SEZAD provides the support to the specialised companies and those interested in real estate development and construction using 3D printing techniques. The team could be approached via WhatsApp 0096871144433 or e-mail [email protected].

In mid-June, the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) approved the use of modern building techniques, including 3D printing in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and other free zones.

As well, packages of facilities and incentives will be provided to companies that use 3D printing in construction, including exemption from rental fees for up to five years.