THE joint venture promoters of the Duqm Frontier Town in Oman are set to launch the second phase of their high-quality residential project this year, following the success of Phase One.

The project, which aims to support the growth of an ambitious Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Duqm, is being implemented by Duqm Development Company (DDC), a joint venture of Omran (a wholly government-owned tourism investment and development entity) and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) of South Korea.

Phase Two of Duqm Frontier Town will be implemented with an investment of approximately RO60 million ($155.86 million), said Ibrahim Al Hosni, Deputy CEO of Duqm Development Company. When fully rolled out in three to five years, it will offer executive-class residential accommodation for senior management staff of companies setting up operations within the SEZ.

The second phase is in the planning stages, with the design and masterplanning set to start soon, according to the Oman Observer. Set on 29 hectares, this phase will offer around 500 villas, as well as a modern hospital and international school. 

“We have already signed an agreement for a first-class hospital to be established in this phase. Construction work on this facility will start before the end of this year,” Al Hosni said.

“Additionally, we have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of an international school, while a shopping mall is planned as well.

The first phase, which covers 23 hectares, offers 344 residential units, a clubhouse, swimming pools, health club, indoor sports hall, and other amenities. It was handed over to Oman Drydock Company in May 2013 for exclusive use by its management executives.