Road projects with RO 920 million underway across Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has invested more than RO 920 million in road development projects across the Sultanate of Oman since the beginning of the Tenth Five-Year Plan in 2021. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting regional development, and improving infrastructure throughout the country.
According to Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport, the Ministry is currently implementing a number of dual carriageway and other road projects in various stages—some under execution, others in the bidding phase or under design. One of the most significant recent completions is the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road, a 400-kilometre-long dual carriageway, now the longest in the Sultanate. Following the completion of national roads linking major governorates, the Ministry is now focusing on regional projects and urban connections.
Among the most prominent projects in progress is the dual carriageway in the Wilayat of Ibra in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, which is currently in the design phase. This road will link Sultan Turki bin Said Road, pass through Al Mudhaibi, and extend to Sinaw. In Al Dhahirah Governorate, the Ministry is working on the first phase of the Rub al Khali Road, which involves dualising an 11-kilometre section from Al Buraimi to Mahdha. Additionally, the remaining segment of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road from Adam to Haima is being completed.
Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
In Dhofar Governorate, several road infrastructure projects are underway. These include the dual carriageway from Raysut to Al Mughsail, the construction of the Mughsail Bridge and Itin Tunnel, the dualisation of Al Farouq and Sultan Taimur Streets, and the development of an asphalt road network in the Wilayat of Maqshan. The Ministry is also advancing the Jabal Shams Road and the dual carriageway connecting Izki and Nizwa via Qarut South, Barakat Al Mouz, and Farq in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
In South Al Sharqiyah, the dual carriageway linking Al Kamil, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, and Jalan Bani Bu Ali is under evaluation, based on a final scope agreed upon with relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the Al Kamil–Sur Road project has reached more than 46 per cent completion, and the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road project has surpassed 44 per cent completion.
Al Shammakhi revealed that road projects awarded in 2024 are valued at over RO 450 million, and the total value of projects this year is expected to exceed RO 600 million. Since the start of the Tenth Five-Year Plan, the cumulative value of road projects awarded by the Ministry has surpassed RO 920 million. He also noted that the Ministry is working to implement key internal highway connections based on annual priorities and approvals from relevant authorities. These include a connection from the Musannah (Shuaiba) Roundabout and the Sohar link to the Batinah Expressway, which is expected to be tendered this year. Additional connections and works are also underway along Sultan Turki bin Said Road and the Batinah Expressway.
The Ministry is simultaneously supervising maintenance work on asphalt roads in various governorates. A key project includes the rehabilitation of Sultan Thuwaini bin Said Road, which runs from the Wilayat of Bidbid to Nizwa. Currently, the Ministry oversees a road network that spans over 33,000 kilometres, including approximately 16,000 kilometres of asphalt roads and 17,000 kilometres of dirt roads. — ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
MSX market cap surpasses RO 28 billion
MUSCAT: The market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) climbed to over RO 28 billion last week, supported by weekly gains of RO 79.3 million as several stocks ended higher. The MSX's main index closed at 4,578 points, up 17 points, maintaining the momentum seen over the past five weeks. The services sector index gained 5 points, driven by strong performances from Ooredoo, Omantel and OQ Gas Networks. In contrast, the industrial and financial sector indices dropped by 17 and 10 points, respectively, while the Shariah index recorded a marginal decline. The daily trading volume increased to RO 11 million, up from RO 10 million the previous week. The average daily number of transactions also rose, reaching 2,149 compared to 1,787. Trading was limited to four days due to the Eid Al Adha holiday. OQ Base Industries dominated activity with trades worth RO 10.58 million — 24 per cent of the week's total trading value of RO 44 million. Its share price rose by 4 baisas to close at 122 baisas. Bank Muscat followed with RO 5.49 million in trades, while OQ Gas Networks, Sohar International Bank, and OQ Exploration and Production rounded out the top five most traded stocks. Market performance remained buoyant with 34 securities gaining, 30 losing and 17 remaining unchanged. Muscat Gases posted the highest weekly gain at 18 per cent, closing at 118 baisas. Galfar Engineering rose 9 per cent to 72 baisas, while National Gas gained 8.8 per cent to 86 baisas. National Gas Company also announced the acquisition of an 80-per cent stake in Samharam Gas Company, which operates LPG bottling and distribution in Dhofar. The deal is expected to enhance the company's market position and profitability. In corporate news, Al Anwar Investments reported a surge in net profits from RO 532,000 to approximately RO 2.4 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. Its board approved a 4-per cent cash dividend and a 4-per cent bonus share issue, subject to approval at the AGM on June 25. The share closed last week at 83 baisas, down 2 baisas. — ONA
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Pact signed to build integrated public bus station in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Governorate and national transport operator Mwasalat have signed an agreement to establish a modern, integrated public bus station in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliya area of Al Buraimi. The facility will span 56,000 square metres and aims to enhance the public transport network in line with Oman Vision 2040. The project will feature an eco-friendly design and provide both inter-city and intra-city transport services. Key components include a smart taxi hub, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated bus bays, offices for transport operators, retail shops, logistics services, and ample parking for cars and buses. The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and Engineer Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat. According to the agreement, Mwasalat will act as the technical lead, responsible for the station's design standards, supervision, and eventual operation and management. The governorate will provide funding for infrastructure works and facilitate administrative and regulatory processes, including land use modifications. The site will be designated as the exclusive hub for public transport services in the governorate. Governor Al Busaidi highlighted the project's economic and social impact, stating that the new station will cater to a large number of public transport users. Currently, around 12 daily bus services run on the Muscat–Al Buraimi route, along with cross-border services to Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi. Mwasalat CEO Al Nadabi added that the agreement also includes investment opportunities, with a tender to be floated for private sector participation. Construction is expected to begin within three months, with completion targeted within three years. — ONA
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
IMF praises Oman's economic progress and fiscal discipline
MUSCAT: A visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has concluded its preliminary meetings with the Government of Oman as part of the 2025 Article IV Consultation. The discussions focused on recent economic, financial, and monetary developments, as well as structural reform progress in the Sultanate of Oman. The IMF commended Oman's economic performance, noting that real GDP grew by 1.7% in 2024—up from 1.2% in 2023—thanks to robust non-oil sector growth, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and renewable energy. Growth is forecast to accelerate to 2.4% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, supported by the easing of OPEC+ production caps and ongoing economic diversification. Inflation remains well contained at just 0.9% year-on-year for the first four months of 2025. The Fund lauded Oman's prudent fiscal policy, which delivered a 3.3% budget surplus in 2024 despite rising infrastructure and public service investments. However, the surplus is projected to narrow to 0.5% of GDP in 2025 and 2026 due to lower oil prices, before improving again in the medium term. Public debt fell to 35.5% of GDP in 2024. The IMF highlighted Oman's continued fiscal reform momentum and targeted investments in priority sectors, praising the Oman Investment Authority's role in enhancing governance of state-owned enterprises. Oman's banking sector was described as strong, with high asset quality, solid capital and liquidity buffers, and sustained profitability. Credit to the private sector continues to expand, fueled by growing deposits and healthy net foreign assets. The Central Bank of Oman received praise for improving liquidity management and promoting financial sector development and inclusion. The external sector also showed strength, posting a current account surplus of 2.2% of GDP in 2024. A temporary deficit is expected in 2025–2026 due to softer oil prices and non-oil exports, but a return to surplus is anticipated as oil output rises. The IMF also welcomed progress in structural reforms, including tax system modernization and the Future Fund's success in attracting private investment. Ongoing investments in green hydrogen and renewables were also highlighted as key pillars of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and Oman Vision 2040. The Central Bank of Oman expressed appreciation for the IMF's assessment and reaffirmed its commitment to financial stability and a sustainable, diversified economy. — ONA
