Omanis told to stay away from Duqm sea as explosions are carried out

Omanis have been told to keep away from the sea around the new mega port of Duqm, as a company carries out controlled explosions around the coast.

Italian oil and gas contractor Saipem has said it will use explosives on 1 and 2 April, near the fishing village of Ras al-Markaz, close to Duqm town in central Oman.

Oman's ministry of agriculture and fisheries has warned people to keep away from the shore as the operation takes place.

"The department of fisheries in Wusta governorate issued announcement to all people in Duqm that Saipem Company will carry out explosives work at its work site in Ras al-Markaz," the ministry said.

Residents and locals have been told to keep away from the site due to the risk of falling rocks and other dangers.

Duqm is at the centre of Oman's ambitious plans to transform its oil and gas-reliant economy, with a string of ports along its coast.

The sleepy fishing village has been the main focus of the government's diversification efforts, with a port, dry dock and free zone being built to attract investment to this relatively isolated part of the sultanate.

Ras al-Markaz is hosting a refinery and oil storage facilities for exporting to Asia and elsewhere.