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Dhofar Municipal Council discusses development, service projects

Dhofar Municipal Council discusses development, service projects

Times of Omana day ago

Salalah: The Municipal Council of Dhofar Governorate discussed on Tuesday a number of developmental, service, housing, and environmental projects, as well as means to enhance them across the various wilayats of the governorate.
The council also reviewed the readiness of relevant authorities for the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon season) 2025.
During its sixth meeting this year, chaired by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar and Chairman of the Council, the council was briefed on the efforts of the Directorate General of Housing and Urban Planning in the governorate. This followed a field visit to the directorate to review the services provided and operational mechanisms, in addition to tours of several sites, including the Al Shorouq neighbourhood and Al Dahariz area, to assess future visions and plans for the "Future City" project.
In line with efforts to achieve a qualitative leap in tourism and service guidance in Dhofar, the council discussed several proposals to digitise directional signs in the governorate. This initiative aims to improve the experience of visitors and tourists by providing information about tourist attractions, landmarks and service facilities.
Dhofar Municipality presented a visual presentation on the "Green Belt" project, which aims to combat desertification, improve air quality and enhance vegetation cover in the wilayats of Dhofar. This strategic environmental initiative is being implemented gradually by the municipality, starting from urban and industrial areas, based on available resources.

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Dhofar Municipal Council discusses development, service projects
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