Oman’s Special Economic Zone Authority for Duqm (Sezad) has signed a contract for masterplanning the first phase of Duqm City with the UK’s Atkins.

The six-month study will include a detailed masterplan of Duqm City, a market study and technical feasibility study, a tourism strategy, designs including infrastructure, and tender document preparation.

Duqm City will cover 150 square kilometres and have 250,000 residents. It will consist of five areas for housing, business, commercial, cultural and recreational facilities, and an integrated complex for government services.

The initial study and masterplan was completed in 2014.

Atkins will subcontract some of the work to the UK’s Deloitte, the local Five Oceans Environmental Services, Kamel Establishment, the UK’s Driver Consult and Australia’s Design Urban.

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm covers 1,745 square kilometres, with a coastline length of 70km.

About 800 sq km will be developed initially, with the remaining space for future expansion. Duqm Port and airport are already operational, while a $6bn refinery and $1bn liquid bulk terminal are in the tendering process.

Sezad plans to make Duqm refinery the anchor for an industrial area, and attract investment. Several tourism developments have also secured land deals.

Duqm Development Company awarded the US’ Aecom a contract to masterplan the $20bn Duqm Frontier Town in 2015.