Oman: Wadi Al Jifnain Dam, providing major protection from floods
Wadi Al Jifnain is known for its significant water flow during heavy rains, which can cause damage to surrounding areas.
The ministry has around 200 dams and is actively involved in constructing dams to improve water security and manage flood risks.
The three main categories of dams are groundwater recharge, surface storage and flood protection, all contributing to water security and flood prevention efforts.
According to Eng Yousef bin Masoud al Mantheri, Director of the Department of Dams at the Ministry, the dam aims to safeguard commercial and residential areas of Al Khoudh, Al Hail and Al Mawaleh in Muscat Governorate.
'This dam is one of the largest in Wadi Al Jifnain. Its storage capacity is approximately 11.5 million cubic metres, representing about 50% of the total storage capacity of the entire system. The dam acts as the final barrier to floodwaters before they reach the sea, protecting the commercial and residential areas of Al Khoudh, Al Hail and Al Mawaleh,' explained Al Mantheri while speaking to the Observer.
The project, executed by Strabag Oman and supervised by consultant Sering Engineering Services, aims to intercept and store floodwaters from Wadi Al Jifnain watershed.
Al Mantheri highlighted that following the floods caused by cyclones Gonu and Phet, the construction of this dam will significantly reduce human losses and protect development projects downstream of the dam. The dam construction project includes a 20-metre-high, 6,400-metre-long rock-fill dam, two concrete spillways and two concrete towers to control the discharge of trapped water.
The dam has many facilities and was constructed using compacted earth. It is equipped with a cutoff made of plastic concrete, gravel filters and rocks of varying sizes.
Wadi Al Jifnain Dam includes two concrete spillways, water level measurement devices, sediment level measurement columns, two concrete towers, surveillance cameras, surveying points, and hydrometric and safety monitoring devices.
2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Oman announces new agricultural projects for Dhahirah
Ibri – Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) has announced four new investment opportunities for usufruct land in Dhahirah governorate, covering a total of 16 hectares for plant and animal projects. The opportunities include citrus cultivation on 4 hectares and fig cultivation on another 4 hectares in the Al Buwairda area of Yanqul, livestock breeding and seasonal fodder cultivation on 4 hectares in the Qarn Kabsh area of Ibri, and palm cultivation with date production on 4 hectares in the Al Ghuwail area of Ibri. According to the ministry, the projects aim to strengthen the agricultural sector and attract investors to ventures that support Oman Vision 2040's economic diversification goals. Sites were selected based on soil quality, water availability, and market demand to ensure long-term viability. Details of the opportunities and usufruct terms are available on the Tatweer platform, with applications open to local and foreign investors. Preference will be given to proposals that adopt modern irrigation systems, sustainable farming practices, and value-added production to improve competitiveness in local and export markets. The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, in cooperation with MHUP and the private sector, is working to allocate land and develop investment plans to enhance food security and sustainable agricultural growth. Dhahirah has been identified as a promising hub for agricultural expansion due to its fertile land, favourable climate for fruit cultivation, and proximity to regional markets. Officials believe the projects will attract both commercial and small-scale investors. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Oman: First aviation simulation centre to launch in 2026
MUSCAT - InvestOman, the Sultanate's flagship investment promotion agency, has announced the finalization of agreements paving the way for the launch of Oman's first aviation simulation centre – another key building block in positioning the country as a regional aviation hub. The Evolve Flight Simulation Training Centre, developed by aviation training startup Evolve Flight Training Services (EFTS), will be established in Madinat Al Irfan – a new urban district in Muscat – to provide cutting-edge pilot training services. Unveiling the project, InvestOman said: 'The Sultanate of Oman is taking a strategic step in the field of aviation training with the launch of the Evolve Flight Simulation Training Centre — the first advanced facility of its kind in the country, with an investment of USD 25.3 million and support from both local and international partners.' 'This project comes in response to growing regional demand, with forecasts indicating that GCC countries will require over 2,500 pilots annually by 2040, alongside an 87% increase in demand for simulation-based training since 2022,' the agency stated in a post on Thursday. Covering an area of 4,000 m², the centre will feature a modern, three-bay simulator complex designed with eco-friendly principles — such as energy-efficient construction, green spaces, and circular water management. It will be the first centre in the region to receive LEED Platinum certification and operate entirely on solar power. Other design elements will include auditoriums, pilot lounges, cafeterias, and digitally enabled classroom and briefing zones — ensuring trainees benefit from both practical and academic support in a modern, tech-enabled setting. Separately, Evolve is also building a similar facility — but housing as many as eight simulators — at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai World Central. Both centres will feature cutting-edge infrastructure and will house a sophisticated fleet of full-flight simulators, including the Airbus A320 NEO/CEO, the Boeing 737 MAX, and others, according to Evolve. Significantly, the new simulation centre in Muscat will complement Oman's expanding domestic aviation training infrastructure, which currently includes institutions such as the Oman Air Flight Training Centre and the Oman Aviation Academy. The latter, located at Sohar Airport, is Oman's premier pilot training institution and the first EASA-certified Approved Training Organization (ATO) in the region. It offers a full suite of pilot training programs, including the Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and various other aviation-related courses. Its training fleet includes Diamond aircraft supported by Boeing 737 MAX simulators. The Evolve Flight Simulation Training Centre in Muscat is scheduled to open in June 2026. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
800 Omanis employed in water projects
MUSCAT - Nama Water Services announced the completion of recruiting 800 Omanis for new job opportunities in the projects sector. This step comes within the framework of the company's commitment to enhancing the participation of national talent in the implementation of vital projects and supporting Omanisation efforts in advanced technical and administrative specialties within supporting companies. The initiative was part of strategic projects with a total value exceeding RO 1 billion, covering various governorates. These projects include the construction and expansion of water transmission and distribution networks. It also reflects the Omanisation efforts being made within supporting companies in advanced technical and administrative specialties, including health and safety, project management, surveying, and engineering in various branches. Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, stated that this batch of job opportunities aligns with the company's strategic direction to strengthen national human capital, support partner companies, and directly link employment to the needs of ongoing projects in the water and sanitation sector. He added, "We at Nama Water Services are pleased to welcome our new colleagues in this sector to work with the supporting companies implementing water projects. We have seen their competence and desire, which indicates outstanding job performance that will be reflected in the quality and efficiency of project implementation. The provision of more than 800 new job opportunities by contractors and consultants implementing Nama Water Services projects is a qualitative step towards supporting efforts to accommodate job-seekers and opening broader horizons for Omani youth to develop their skills and utilise their energies in vital projects that serve the various governorates." Eng Abdullah bin Salem al Rasbi, CEO of Development Projects, emphasised that the new jobs represent direct support for the projects sector by providing it with Omani competencies capable of integrating into the fieldwork environment from day one. "The recruitment of these national talents brings real added value, not only by filling job needs, but also by providing employees with practical experience and advanced technical skills acquired through on-the-job experience, and by transferring knowledge from current work teams to younger cadres. This ensures continued outstanding performance and enhances the sector's ability to keep pace with development requirements and future projects," Al Rasbi said. Care was taken to attract both new graduates and experienced individuals to achieve intergenerational integration and enhance the exchange of expertise. The positions covered a range of technical and administrative fields, most notably project management, engineering across various specialisations, health and safety engineering, quantity surveying, consulting services, human resources, public relations and logistics support. The number of Omani employees reached 16 in Senior Management positions, 248 in Engineering positions, 105 in HSE positions and 150 in administration. Meanwhile, 338 were hired in various positions. The initiative embodies the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places people at the heart of development. These positions will support strategic projects, including the expansion of water transmission networks and pipelines, the construction of new water and sewage networks, and the development of smart monitoring and control systems. The meeting also addressed ongoing projects, including water transmission lines, water distribution networks, distribution tanks, and other facilities related to the water system in various governorates. Nama Water's existing projects in various governorates are valued at RO 960 million. Muscat Governorate has 37 contracts at a cost of RO 266 million, employing 288 Omanis. Al Sharqiyah Governorate has 13 contracts at a cost of RO 40 million, employing 47 Omanis. Al Wusta Governorate has two contracts at a cost of RO 0.8 million. Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has 10 contracts at a cost of RO 293 million, employing 200 Omanis. Al Dhahirah Governorate has 10 contracts at a cost of RO 271 million, employing 129 Omanis. Al Buraimi Governorate has three contracts at a cost of RO 3.2 million. Musandam Governorate has two contracts valued at RO 3.1 million. Al Batinah Governorate has 29 contracts at a cost of RO 83 million, employing 193 Omanis. Eng Ismail al Maskari, who recently joined as a project manager at one of the supporting companies implementing one of these strategic projects, said, "I am proud to have been offered this position and to participate in managing the implementation of strategic projects in the water sector serving various governorates. This opportunity allows me to work within specialised teams, gain direct practical experience in the field and share my previous work experience. I also feel that I am contributing to a national project that serves the community." Meanwhile, Eng Atheer al Humaidi, a recent health and safety graduate who joined this programme, expressed her gratitude for starting her career in a stimulating work environment, saying, "Joining this position is an important start to my career path and an opportunity to apply what I learned at university in real life. Working in a vital sector like water gives me a sense of pride and motivates me to put in more effort to gain experience and develop my skills." The initiative embodies the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places people at the heart of development and emphasises building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
