KOM attracts 27 new projects worth RO28mn in 2024
Eng Jaafar al Ajmi, Director General of KOM, said that the cumulative investment volume at KOM had risen to RO312.52mn by the end of 2024. The number of projects has now surpassed 200, employing 2,621 individuals and occupying a total area of 759,566 sqm.
Ajmi also outlined Madayn's upcoming development plans for KOM, including the construction of a multi-storey car park and the establishment of a 1.4MW solar photovoltaic power plant.
He added that Madayn has completed infrastructure works related to the Ring Road project, launched a smart mobility initiative using e-scooters within KOM, developed a pedestrian walkway in the Boulevard Zone, and installed a new perimeter security fence around the premises.
In alignment with Madayn's broader smart city initiatives and its commitment to enhancing Oman's business ecosystem, Ajmi highlighted KOM's successful field test of the RTK GNSS L700H tablet – an advanced GIS device used for surveying and mapping infrastructure.
'Additionally, KOM has partnered with Drone First Company to pilot the use of drones for cleaning building exteriors. This initiative aims to conserve water, promote the use of eco-friendly materials, and enhance sustainability in facilities management. It will also improve safety by reducing the need for manual labour in high-risk environments, while aligning with global trends in smart, efficient solutions,' he explained.
Through Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Madayn continues to attract international and regional firms seeking to expand or relocate their operations within the Sultanate. KOM also plays a vital role in supporting start-ups and SMEs focused on technology and innovation by offering world-class infrastructure and comprehensive support services.
Furthermore, KOM fosters collaboration between academic institutions and knowledge-driven enterprises, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation and knowledge exchange in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
6 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman's city planners target heritage, innovation balance
Muscat – Oman is advancing plans to develop smart cities that merge modern technology with traditional architecture, aiming to preserve national identity while meeting the needs of urban transformation. Officials say the approach seeks to balance heritage and innovation in line with Oman Vision 2040. Sultan Haitham City is cited as a leading example, offering a blend of modernity and privacy, while serving as a model for future development and a potential investment hub. Al Hassan bin Ali al Shakiri, architect at the Executive Office for Smart Cities Projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, said smart cities in Oman are 'not just infrastructure, but tools for renewing identity and improving quality of life, based on traditional Omani architecture and its understanding of the environment and social behaviour'. He noted that Omani architectural principles – such as the use of local building materials, natural ventilation through mashrabiyas, and compact layouts that create shaded pathways – can be adapted to modern urban needs. Traditional systems like falaj irrigation, mud buildings and narrow passageways provide a foundation for designs that reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and direct pedestrian flow. Shakiri said smart city development must adapt to the local environment, use resources sustainably and integrate technology in a way that serves the community before the technology itself. Dr Haitham bin Najim al Abri Dr Haitham bin Najim al Abri, an architect and researcher in Omani architecture, said the country's urban heritage reflects 'the Omanis' genius in harmonising with nature and respecting resources'. He asserted, 'Smart cities here are not copies of global models, but an extension of the genius of our ancestors, where technology nurtures identity rather than erasing it.' Abri identified challenges including the import of generic international designs, lack of digital documentation of heritage, and limited local expertise combining heritage and smart technologies. He said these could be addressed through local innovation, legislation to integrate identity into urban design, and hybrid education combining heritage knowledge with modern engineering skills. Property owner Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed al Balushi said heritage values are visible in the planning of Sultan Haitham City. 'We see respect for privacy in neighbourhood designs, and spaces such as mosques, councils and parks that encourage community interaction.' The city's architecture draws from traditional motifs such as arches and engravings, while integrating smart lighting, connected green spaces and dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths.
Muscat Daily
6 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah on Aug 1
Salalah – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology will launch the Gulf Green Mobility Forum on August 31 in Salalah, bringing together experts from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to promote environmental sustainability in the transport sector. The event aims to encourage the use of clean and alternative transport methods and facilitate the exchange of expertise on sustainable mobility across the Gulf region. The forum will highlight policies and initiatives designed to achieve net-zero emissions and reduce carbon output in transportation. It will be preceded by specialised workshops including 'Gulf Youth Leading Change' at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment and 'Green Corridors for Gulf Ports' at the Rotana Hotel in Salalah. Several agreements for strategic partnerships in green transport will also be signed during the event. The forum has been described by officials as a milestone in the Gulf's pursuit of a cleaner future and a key platform supporting Oman's environmental sustainability goals aligned with Oman Vision 2040. It also aims to strengthen Gulf integration in low-emission transport and the transition to greener alternatives. Ahead of the forum, the ministry organised a virtual workshop with the GCC General Secretariat, involving representatives from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. It focused on practical outcomes and mechanisms to support sustainable mobility and boost environmental and economic cooperation in the region. To raise awareness locally, Dhofar governorate will host sports and awareness activities for children on August 15 and 16. These include a marathon and a cycling track conducted in a safe environment under specialist supervision. 'The goal is to foster a culture of green mobility from an early age and promote healthy, sustainable lifestyles,' organisers said.
Muscat Daily
7 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Transformation through flexible policies, skills push and digital shift
Salalah – The Government Transformation and Sustainable Leadership Conference, part of Labour Forum 2025, wrapped up on Tuesday in Salalah with a series of recommendations aimed at modernising the labour market, boosting national skills, advancing digital services and improving policy access. Delegates from Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries agreed on four priority areas, including labour market governance. The recommendations called for stronger partnerships with the private sector, employers, sectoral committees and academic institutions to ensure policies reflect a range of perspectives. They urged a review of existing laws to create more flexible and inclusive employment policies that can adapt to changing needs, and the strengthening of governance committees to analyse challenges and propose solutions. Also in focus was developing national competencies and entrepreneurship. The forum urged the creation of specialised training programmes for graduates and jobseekers, particularly in green and digital sectors. It also called for greater support for startups and self-employment initiatives through funding, simpler procedures and innovation-friendly environments. 'Empowering young people and entrepreneurs means giving them the platform to share their success and connect with market,' one participant said. On digital transformation in the government sector, recommendations included investing in infrastructure, expanding the use of electronic authentication and signatures, and training leaders in digital management. The forum also proposed integrating digital skills into human resource development and extending insurance coverage to informal sector workers, including optional protection against occupational injuries and diseases. The final set of recommendations stressed on making the forum's outcomes widely accessible through an interactive online platform, enabling participants and stakeholders to review documents, recommendations and presentations. The aim, officials said, is to promote knowledge-sharing and strengthen expertise exchange. The three-day conference highlighted the fact that implementing proposals will require strategic public-private partnerships, ongoing innovation and capacity building in line with Oman Vision 2040. The concluding session also examined smart management in government. Discussions included the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing transparency, decision-making and digital transformation, with the Ministry of Labour presenting its Smart Management Project as an example of turning technology into opportunities. Key Recommendations Improve labour market governance through private sector and academic partnerships Review laws to create flexible, inclusive employment policies Launch specialised training in green and digital sectors Support startups and self-employment with funding Invest in digital infrastructure and expand e-authentication Extend insurance coverage to informal sector workers
