Oman: $11mln infrastructure push to spur South Batinah economy
The projects, overseen by the South Batinah Governorate Development Committee under the Office of the Governor, cover Barka, Musannah, Wadi al Maawil, Al Awabi and Nakhal. Officials say the initiative supports the decentralisation goals set out in Oman's Tenth Five-Year Plan and Vision 2040.
'These projects aim to create an attractive and competitive environment for investment and sustainable growth,' said Saud bin Said al Maawali, Deputy Head of the Municipal Council and chairman of the committee.
Among the largest projects is the Musannah Waterfront Development, a 2km site in the Al Uwaid area, now 35% complete. The RO1.7mn project will include restaurants, shops, play areas, sports facilities and beach activities.
In Wadi al Maawil, a new commercial souq covering 16,000sqm is nearly finished. The RO319,000 project has 27 retail units, which is expected to boost local trade and tourism.
The Al Awabi Souq is more than 70% complete. Built at a cost of RO200,000, it will have 16 shops across 1,200sqm, supporting small businesses in the wilayat.
Nakhal's public park development is 70% complete. The RO452,000 project includes spaces for small and medium enterprises and productive families.
In Barka, work continues on a waterfront project in the Al Muraisi area, now 55% done. The 2km development, costing RO1.9mn, will feature tourism and investment zones, sports and leisure facilities, and services for tour operators.
'These projects upgrade infrastructure and support SMEs, jobseekers and entrepreneurs in the region,' Maawali said. 'We aim to align our development priorities with the needs of citizens and sustainable growth principles.'
The initiatives are expected to raise the quality of life and strengthen the local economy of South Batinah.
© Apex Press and Publishing 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
an hour ago
- Zawya
Oman Data Park advances net zero goals with the country's first Green Energy Data Center initiative
Muscat: Oman Data Park (ODP), the Sultanate's premier provider of managed services, cloud solutions, and advanced cybersecurity, has entered into a strategic partnership with Solar Wadi to launch a transformative solar power project that will generate 1.4 megawatts (MW) of clean energy in its initial phase. A subsequent expansion will add an additional 400 kilowatts (kW) of capacity, reinforcing its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its data operations. This pioneering initiative will directly power ODP's data centers and represents a decisive step toward the establishment of Oman's first Green Energy Data Center, an ambition that underscores the company's dedication to sustainable digital infrastructure and its alignment with the nation's Net Zero targets outlined under Oman Vision 2040. Speaking on the announcement, Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, said, 'This initiative is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a statement of intent about the future of data management in Oman. Integrating large-scale solar power generation into mission-critical facilities marks a turning point in how we approach energy resilience in the digital economy. By aligning renewable innovation with operational reliability, we are redefining the standards for sustainable cloud and data services, while advancing a technology landscape grounded in environmental responsibility.' The first phase of the project will see the installation of solar panels in the wadi area and atop the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) 4 building in Rusayl to capture optimal sunlight and maximize electricity generation. The generated power will be channeled directly into existing electrical panels and switchgear, providing an estimated 1.4 MW of clean energy for ODP's operations. Phase Two will extend coverage by an additional 400 kW through the installation of solar infrastructure in the facility's car parking area, further reinforcing ODP's renewable energy potential. In addition to Rusayl, ODP's upcoming state-of-the-art data center in Firq, Nizwa, has been purpose-built with solar infrastructure integrated into its very foundation. Designed to deliver a total power output of 4.4 MW and to accommodate over 500 racks, with the solar initiative the facility will, from inception, generate an estimated 350 kW of that capacity from clean, solar-powered electricity, thereby advancing ODP's long-term strategy for environmentally responsible, next-generation data services. By embedding sustainability into its development roadmap, ODP continues to solidify its standing at the forefront of the region's transition to a green, circular economy. This initiative strengthens the nation's renewable energy momentum and underscores ODP's influence in shaping the future of Oman's technologically advanced, eco-conscious infrastructure.
UAE Moments
4 hours ago
- UAE Moments
The Powerhouse of Investment
Stop Telling People to 'Just Save More Money' – Here's the Real Hot Take We've all heard it. The go-to, seemingly universal financial advice: 'Just save more money.' It sounds simple, responsible, and… frankly, a little lazy. While the intention is good, this oversimplified mantra often overlooks a crucial point and can even lead people to financial disappointment in the long run. My hot take? Your savings rate is only half the battle. The real game-changer is your investment strategy. Think about it. You diligently squirrel away every extra dollar, proud of your growing savings account balance. But what's that money doing? In today's economic climate, with inflation stubbornly eroding purchasing power, simply hoarding cash can be a surprisingly ineffective strategy. That dollar you diligently saved last year buys less this year. It's a silent erosion of your financial future. The Myth of the Mattress (and Low-Yield Savings) Stashing cash under your mattress (or in a low-interest savings account that barely keeps pace with inflation) is akin to treading water while the current pulls you backward. Your nominal balance might increase, but its real value – what it can buy – diminishes over time. Inflation is the silent thief of your savings. The Powerhouse of Investment This is where the often-overlooked 'I-word' comes in: investing. A well-crafted investment strategy, tailored to your risk tolerance and time horizon, offers the potential to outpace inflation and grow your wealth exponentially through the magic of compounding. Beating the Inflation Beast: Investing in a diversified portfolio of assets like stocks, bonds, and even real estate provides the opportunity for your money to grow at a rate that historically surpasses inflation. This is how you truly build and preserve wealth. Compounding: The Eighth Wonder: Albert Einstein supposedly called compound interest the 'eighth wonder of the world.' When your investments generate returns, and those returns are reinvested, they start earning their own returns. Over time, this snowball effect can dwarf the impact of simply saving more. Strategic Risk vs. Stagnant Safety: Yes, investing involves risk. But staying entirely in cash also carries a significant risk – the certainty of losing purchasing power to inflation. A thoughtful investment approach involves understanding and managing risk, not avoiding it altogether. It's Not Just How Much You Save, But Where You Grow So, the next time someone tells you to 'just save more money,' gently push back. Explain that while saving is fundamental, it's the strategic allocation of those savings into appreciating assets that truly builds long-term financial security. Here's the real advice: Establish a Budget: Know where your money is going. Save Consistently: Make saving a non-negotiable part of your financial routine. Educate Yourself on Investing: Understand different asset classes and investment strategies. Develop an Investment Plan: Tailor it to your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Start Investing Early (Even Small Amounts): Time in the market beats timing the market. Review and Adjust: Your financial situation and goals will evolve, so your investment plan should too. Let's shift the conversation from the simplistic 'save more' to the more empowering and effective 'invest strategically.' Your future self will thank you.
Gulf Business
11 hours ago
- Gulf Business
From dishwasher to dealmaker: Haitham Mattar's bold IHG expansion plan
Haitham Mattar is the MD for IHG Hotels & Resorts Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia. (Supplied) Haitham Mattar has seen the hospitality industry from every angle. He started as a dishwasher in Atlanta, rose through the ranks of global hotel giants, and today leads IHG Hotels & Resorts across the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia as its managing director. But beyond the impressive career journey, Mattar is on a mission to reshape regional tourism and inspire the next generation. 'I've been in hospitality for over 30 years,' he tells Gulf Business. 'I actually stepped away for a while to head up tourism for Ras Al Khaimah, then advised Saudi Arabia, before coming back to IHG. I started right at the bottom, in the kitchen, scrubbing pots and pans, and I learned very quickly that no job is too small in hospitality. That's why I wrote my book Pots and Pans and Five-Year Plans: it's intended to inspire the younger generation to dream big.' The book, published earlier this year, dives into resilience, navigating adversity, and building a fulfilling career, whether in hospitality or another industry. It charts Mattar's story from his childhood in Lebanon during the civil war, to immigrating to the US at age five, and launching his career at the Courtyard by Marriott in Georgia. 'I started as a dishwasher,' he recalls. 'I was 17 and just wanted a weekend job like my friends. I didn't want to rely on my family for pocket money, so I took what I could get. But I was curious — how did the chef make breakfast? How could I master whatever role I had? That mindset stayed with me.' From Marriott, Mattar eventually joined IHG, beginning with a role at the InterContinental Dubai on the Creek. 'I started in rooms division, then became Director of Sales and Marketing. I stayed about five years before moving into a regional role covering East Africa. I left in 2011 to join Hilton, spent five years in Ras Al Khaimah, two years in Saudi, and now I'm back. This is my fifth year again with IHG,' he says. 'Seems like I run on five-year cycles.' Doubling down on Saudi Today, Mattar oversees a vast region spanning the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. IHG currently operates 220 hotels in this footprint, with 180 more in the pipeline. The group is positioned to nearly double its regional presence in the next five years. Saudi Arabia is the biggest growth driver. 'We have 45 operating hotels in the Kingdom and another 49 in the pipeline. That's over 100 per cent growth,' he says. 'It's also our 50th year in Saudi. We've had a presence there since 1975, and we continue to see momentum.' In the UAE, IHG has 34 operational properties and 12 in development, representing 50 per cent growth. 'Dubai remains attractive, particularly with ownership changes. New buyers often look to rebrand, and that gives us opportunities to bid,' says Mattar. 'We've also signed Greenfield projects, including the world's tallest hotel tower under our Vignette Collection brand.' Despite a high volume of new supply, Dubai's hotel occupancy rarely dips. 'The city's average occupancy has never dropped below 75 per cent. That's a testament to the leadership's strategy of aligning supply with demand,' he says. Regional gaps and opportunities Beyond the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Mattar sees mixed readiness across the rest of the GCC. 'Oman has huge potential — rich culture, great food, incredible nature. But they haven't fully bounced back from COVID. Key markets like Germany and the UK haven't returned in the same numbers,' he says. 'There's a new tourism minister and a solid strategy in place, so I'm optimistic.' Kuwait, however, has not prioritised tourism yet. 'There's limited hotel development. We're opening a new InterContinental soon and recently launched a Vignette Collection hotel on the beach, but it's still mainly business travel.' Bahrain sees modest volumes, primarily from weekend travellers coming from Saudi's Eastern Province. As for Qatar, the post-World Cup environment has created new challenges. 'There's a lot of supply in the market, but not yet a consistent 12-month events calendar to drive sustained demand,' Mattar explains. 'Events tend to be last-minute, which causes spikes and dips in occupancy. We'd like to see more engagement between the tourism board and the private sector. There's an opportunity for Qatar and the UAE to collaborate more on tourism. It's just a short hop between the two.' He also supports the upcoming unified GCC tourism visa. 'It would be a game changer. Like the Schengen visa in Europe, a regional visa would allow travellers to explore multiple countries in one trip. Fly into Dubai, visit Doha, drive to Muscat — it's all possible.' The conscious traveller Across all markets, Mattar is seeing a growing demand for sustainable travel. 'Today's traveller wants to stay in hotels that practise what they preach on sustainability. They want to be part of the journey,' he says. IHG's Journey to Tomorrow is a 10-year global sustainability plan, and the group has embraced it across the region. 'Over 85 per cent of our hotels in this region have adopted practices like water conservation, LED lighting, and energy-efficient room management systems,' says Mattar. One example is in-house water bottling to eliminate plastic waste. Another is IHG's Green Engage programme, which provides hotel managers with more than 200 actions to reduce carbon footprint and energy usage. 'Many of our properties now have intelligent in-room systems that regulate air conditioning, lighting, and energy consumption based on guest behaviour,' he explains. 'Guests notice the details. They ask questions. They expect no single-use plastics. They want towels reused, not washed daily. Sustainability is now part of the decision-making process.' One of IHG's latest developments is the debut of its first Kimpton in the UAE with a new signing in Dubai's Business Bay. Market insights When it comes to the UAE's top source markets, India leads year-round, followed by the UK, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and the US. 'The US is especially strong for conferences,' Mattar says. In Saudi Arabia, the guest mix is highly diverse. 'The holy cities attract Muslims from all over the world — China, the US, the UK. But we're also seeing more interest from American and European travellers who are curious about Saudi's transformation.' India continues to be a key market for Saudi Arabia as well. 'We're seeing more visiting friends and relatives traffic. That helps the wider ecosystem because people spend on malls, restaurants, and entertainment — not just hotel rooms.' Looking ahead With rising tourism targets in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Mattar believes collaboration is essential. 'Whether it's sustainable travel, regional integration, or just offering great experiences, we all have a role to play,' he says. 'Our job is to help people dream big — whether they're checking in as a guest or starting out in their career like I did.' Haitham Mattar (left), managing director for IHG Hotels & Resorts in India, Middle East & Africa, and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, following the signing of an MoU in December 2024 to strengthen collaboration between Dubai Economy and Tourism and IHG.
