Duqm: The 2026 Duqm Summer Series (DSS)
The 2026 Duqm Summer Series (DSS) is set to highlight the people who will transform investments in Duqm into real economic benefits. Taking place from August 23 to 25 at the Crowne Plaza Duqm, this three-day event will explore new developments that are changing the way businesses operate and expand.
The series kicks off with a session titled “Intelligent Machines,” focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are reshaping the modern workplace. The next evening features “Leading Without a Playbook,” where business leaders will discuss how they make decisions in uncertain times marked by tariffs and geopolitical challenges. The event will conclude with “The Business of Culture,” examining how a company’s culture impacts customer experiences and influences long-term success.
In 2025, women represented 61% of graduates from higher education institutions in Oman. Many are entering a job market where AI is taking over tasks once performed by seasoned teams, and job requirements are evolving faster than skills can be updated. Nonetheless, Oman’s non-oil sectors generated around OMR29.1 billion ($75.4 billion) in 2025, with OMR4 billion ($10.4 billion) coming from manufacturing. Non-oil activities rose by 5.9% in the first quarter of 2026. This growth offers graduates a wider range of career opportunities, though they must also navigate a rapidly changing job landscape.
Hanan Al Siyabi, Section Head of Tourism & Lifestyle at SEZAD, emphasized that the influence of AI extends beyond IT departments. “AI is changing the nature of work and what employers value. The impact is visible in hiring and career advancement. Women entering the workforce today will face choices that many seasoned leaders did not encounter early in their careers. We want the DSS to be a space for honest and open discussions about these experiences, including moments when no clear answers exist.”
Globally, spending on AI is projected to reach $2.5 trillion this year, a 44% increase from 2025. Though much of this investment is directed toward infrastructure, its effects will also permeate everyday workplaces. Tasks that once required multiple people can now often be handled by one, raising important questions for employers about the value of experience and accountability when automated tools are involved.
Technology isn’t the only challenge; trade tariffs can quickly reshape export markets, while geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains. Executives must make decisions even when the duration of disruptions is uncertain or when the long-term wisdom of those choices is unclear.
“The Business of Culture” will delve into how organizational culture influences operations and customer interactions. While marketing may draw customers in, it’s the experience they have with the business that leaves a lasting impression.
DSS speakers will bring diverse expertise from both academia and business. Participation includes representatives from Sultan Qaboos University, the Royal Academy of Management, Development Bank, and Sohar International Bank, along with SalamAir, OQ8, OPAZ, and the Ministry of Economy.
SEZAD views the growth of Duqm’s workforce as essential for its ongoing development. Significant investment is paving the way for new opportunities, and SEZAD is committed to ensuring that current contributors to Duqm can grow along with it.
The DSS is open to women from Duqm and across Oman, encouraging broader participation in these critical discussions.
