OPAZ Board of Directors approves construction with 3D printing techniques in all special economic and free zones

Muscat - June 23, 2021

The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) held today its second meeting for the year 2021, chaired by HE Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Board.

During the meeting, the Board discussed the proposal aimed to promote real estate development in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) based on a mechanism that stimulates introducing long-term housing solutions and providing residential properties under long-term contracts.

In order to cope with the world’s modern construction techniques, the Board of Directors approved the construction by using 3D printing techniques while complying with safety standards. As well, it affirmed promoting the new techniques in the various free zones and in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) in particular. Different packages of facilities and incentives will be offered for companies that prefer to use the 3D-printed building technology, with an exemption from the leasing fees for a period of 5 years.   

The meeting touched on the actions taken to attract clean energy projects in Duqm and Sohar, and highlighted what has been accomplished in activating the services of one-stop shop in both Salalah Free Zone and Sohar Free Zone, taking into account the one-stop shop experience in Duqm.

Further, the Board of Directors was briefed about the latest updates regarding the procedures for providing gas for a number of projects in the chemical material sector in Salalah Free Zone, steel and mining industries in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. They were also updated on the procedures implemented for registering the green hydrogen production project company in Duqm, and the programme for installing experimental equipment for the project.