Surouh Housing Complexes: A model for building modern urban communities in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning continues to implement the Surouh initiative, aimed at developing integrated residential neighborhoods with comprehensive services.
Several projects under the initiative have already achieved high sales rates in their early phases, exceeding 80%, reflecting strong public and investor confidence in this holistic housing model.
The Surouh initiative includes 18 integrated residential projects across Oman's governorates, covering over 6 million square meters and comprising more than 9,950 housing units, with an estimated investment value exceeding RO 500 million.
The ministry highlighted that the initiative has engaged over 360 Omani employees in its execution while benefiting 145 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in construction works—reinforcing local economic empowerment. Additionally, integrated planning and service coordination have reduced infrastructure costs by more than 45%.
Key ongoing projects include the following:
-Al-Naseem Neighborhood (Barka, South Al Batinah): Spanning 355,000 sqm, it offers 1,051 diverse housing units, with 60% sales recorded and investments worth RO 80 million.
- Al Laban Neighborhood (Nakhal): Features 1,442 units across 646,000 sqm, with RO 111 million investment and 26% sales to date.
- Hisn Al Zain (Bidbid, A'Dakhiliyah): A standout project with 75% sales, comprising 639 units on 286,000 sqm and RO 30 million investment.
- Majd Neighborhood (Sohar): Attracting significant interest, with 77% of its 1,057 units sold across 370,000 sqm (RO 50 million investment).
- Al Shurooq (Salalah, Dhofar): A modern model with 558 units on 324,000 sqm (RO 35 million investment) and a 79% sales rate.
The Ministry highlighted that in Musandam Governorate, the "Talal Al-Nakheel" (Palm Hills) project in Khasab stands out, comprising 650 residential units including detached and semi-detached villas, townhouses, and apartments across a 635,000 square meter area, complete with public facilities and commercial zones. Meanwhile, in Muscat Governorate, "Al Ahd Neighborhood" in Al Amerat features 965 residential units with modern architectural specifications and integrated amenities spanning 445,000 square meters.
The private sector plays a pivotal role, with several projects developed in collaboration with local firms, including:
- Nusmat Zain (Sur): 407 units on 268,000 sqm.
- Al-Mazun (Sumail): 194 units.
- Al-Nama (Izki): 182 units.
- Al-Salam (Al Buraimi): 521 units on 78,000 sqm.
In a strategic move, the ministry recently signed 24 agreements to expedite infrastructure development—including water, sewage, electricity, and telecom networks—for eight Surouh projects. These partnerships with Nama Water Services, Nama Electricity Distribution, and Oman Broadband Company enhance the readiness of these communities for residents, ensuring carefully planned, service-integrated environments.
The Surouh initiative embodies Oman's vision for modern urban communities that prioritize citizen well-being, stable living conditions, and flexible planning models. By fostering public-private partnerships, it advances housing ownership opportunities, elevates quality of life, and aligns with the goals of Oman 2040.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
13 hours ago
- Observer
Pact to advance urban air mobility in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 6 AeroVecto, an Oman-based startup specialising in sustainable air mobility solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Romanian-based LYNEports, a digital planning platform for advanced air mobility infrastructure, to support the rollout of hybrid electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aviation services in Oman and the wider GCC region. The partnership is set to take advanced air mobility services, currently in its nascency in Oman, to the next level. A number of Omani startups, in partnership with key players in the global international, are gearing up to introduce uncrewed air mobility services for, among other fields, cargo deliveries, passenger transportation, ambulance services, medical deliveries and even disaster relief. AeroVecto is credited with developing Shuttle, a hybrid eVTOL aircraft purposely built for mass public transportation. According to the company, the high-capacity aircraft will enhance current ground-based public transport by enabling convenient point-to-point travel. With a focus on passenger volume and comfort, Shuttle aims to revolutionise urban and intercity mobility, introducing a new era of clean, efficient and scalable air transport. Through the partnership, LYNEports will assist in planning and simulating AeroVecto's Shuttle network, ensuring each site meets aviation-grade safety standards, operational viability and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, by leveraging LYNEports' AI-driven platform, AeroVecto can evaluate ideal locations, model flight routes and visualise integrated transport systems, accelerating the adoption of advanced air mobility across Oman. 'At AeroVecto, our vision is to make high-capacity aerial commuting a practical reality for cities across the region. We are excited to partner with LYNEports to advance vertiport planning and route optimisation of the Shuttle network, enabling efficient urban air transport for the masses,' said Fahad al Riyami, CEO of AeroVecto, in a statement. 'We're excited to support AeroVecto in bringing their innovative vision to life,' said Rasha Alshami, CEO of LYNEports. 'Their commitment to solving real public transport challenges in the region aligns perfectly with our mission to make AAM infrastructure accessible, safe and well-planned from day one.' AeroVecto's vision extends beyond aircraft development; the company is also designing "Shuttle Hubs" — dedicated vertiports strategically located in urban centres, coastal areas and atop buildings to facilitate seamless boarding and integration with existing transport networks. The Shuttle platform includes variants for cargo delivery, emergency response and premium travel, showcasing its versatility across sectors. Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has initiated the formulation of a national AAM strategy. This strategy focuses on integrating drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into urban transport systems to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity. Last July, Oman's national passenger transportation company Mwasalat announced a partnership with US VTOL aircraft manufacturer Odys Aviation to support the development of Aerial Logistics Programmes in the GCC based on the latter's hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, Laila. Additionally, with the goal of supporting workforce development linked to this emerging sector, a leading college in Muscat has announced a partnership with aircraft maker Boeing to launch the an Air Taxis and Advanced Air Mobility programme designed to provide undergraduate aviation students with opportunities for research, curriculum enrichment and participation in business challenges related to urban air mobility. Together with regulatory support from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other stakeholder agencies, these developments underscore Oman's ambitions to become a regional leader in advanced air mobility. HIGHLIGHTS Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Nizwa: sustainable development bridging heritage and investment horizons
Nizwa — The Wilayat of Nizwa in the Governorate of A'Dakhiliyah stands as one of Oman's most prominent cultural and touristic destinations, renowned for its rich historical legacy and archaeological landmarks that chronicle significant chapters of the nation's past. Its distinctive architectural and heritage sites beautifully encapsulate Oman's authentic cultural identity. The iconic Nizwa Fort dominates the historical landscape as a masterpiece of traditional Omani architecture and engineering. Adjacent to the fort, the vibrant Nizwa Souq (market) showcases exceptional local craftsmanship, from intricately forged daggers and handcrafted silverware to traditional markets selling livestock, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. Falaj Daris, recognized on UNESCO's World Heritage list as one of Oman's largest aflaj irrigation systems, represents another jewel in Nizwa's heritage crown. This ancient water network sustains extensive agricultural lands while demonstrating centuries-old Omani ingenuity in sustainable water management. The recent development of a public garden within the falaj has further enhanced its ecological and touristic value. Nizwa's strategic geographical location, combined with its diverse topography of wadis (valleys), mountains, and verdant oases, has established it as a prime destination for cultural and eco-tourism. These natural assets, along with progressive development initiatives, have positioned the Wilayat of Nizwa as an attractive investment hub for tourism and infrastructure projects. Nizwa has achieved remarkable progress in sustainable development through Strategic initiatives have been launched in Nizwa in a bid to achieve remarkable progress in sustainable development. These initiatives have further enhanced urban infrastructure and quality of life. Significant development projects currently underway include A'Dakhiliyah Square launched earlier this year, an RO 7 million Integrated Public Transport Station, and restoration works in Haray Al Aqr where wall rehabilitation stands 65% complete with pathway paving 20% finished. The Public Garden Project has reached 40% completion, collectively aiming to elevate Nizwa's status as Oman's premier cultural-tourism destination while creating new economic opportunities. Harat Al Aqr (an old neighborhood renovated by the locals) has transformed into a flagship example of youth empowerment, hosting 78 entrepreneurial ventures that have generated over 300 jobs for young Omanis. This revitalization has turned the historical quarter into a dynamic center for innovation and traditional crafts, featuring heritage cafes, artisanal shops, private museums, restored guesthouses, and classic car exhibitions. The area's cultural renaissance has dramatically increased property values from RO 10 to RO 1,500 per square meter and now attracts over 20 official delegations annually. Sheikh Saleh Thiyab Al Rubaie, Wali of Nizwa, emphasized to Oman News Agency (ONA) that developmental projects are strategically designed to strengthen local economies while preserving cultural heritage. He noted Nizwa's unique historical assets perfectly position it to benefit from sustainable tourism and knowledge-based economic models. The Wali highlighted how historical neighborhood restoration forms a cornerstone of Nizwa's economic strategy, serving the dual purpose of safeguarding cultural identity through architectural conservation while creating employment via tourism and SME development. Nizwa Industrial City, under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), represents another facet of Nizwa's growth with 186 operational projects across 7.2 million square meters of developed area, attracting RO 504 million in cumulative investments and generating 6,100 jobs with a 45% Omanization rate. Eng. Ishaq Ibrahim Al Kharousi, Acting Director General, revealed Madayn's upcoming RO 1.2 million Entrepreneurial Complex and ongoing studies for an integrated residential zone within the industrial city. On her turn, Ahlam Hamad Al Qasabi, Director of Heritage and Tourism, outlined the ministry's comprehensive SME support programs including streamlined licensing procedures, specialized training initiatives, and incentive packages for heritage hospitality ventures. She noted how the conversion of historical homes into heritage inns perfectly illustrates the purple economy approach, citing 600,000 visitors to Harat Al Aqr in the first quarter of 2023 as evidence of this model's success in merging cultural preservation with economic viability. The ministry continues to prioritize fortress restorations and historical documentation to enhance Oman's sustainable tourism offerings while safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This comprehensive development approach positions Nizwa as a model for balanced sustainable growth, where cultural heritage preservation and modern economic development progress hand in hand, creating new opportunities while maintaining the unique identity. —— Ends/AH
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Barceló Mussanah Resort Advances Sustainability with Ecobia Bio-Digeste
Muscat – Barceló Mussanah Resort, Oman, continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Since assuming management of the resort in 2021, marking Barceló's debut in the Sultanate, the company has rebranded and upgraded the property to align with international hospitality standards and Oman's national sustainability initiatives. As part of its dedication to environmental responsibility, Barceló Mussanah Resort has partnered with Ecobia Middle East, an Oman-based company offering innovative and cost-effective sustainability solutions, particularly in addressing the challenge of food waste management in the hospitality sector. Several months ago, Barceló Mussanah Resort and OMRAN signed an agreement with Ecobia Middle East to install a cutting-edge bio-digester on the hotel premises. This technology efficiently addresses the issue of food waste by eliminating smelly garbage bags, reducing the attraction of flies and pests, minimizing long-haul waste transport to landfill, and significantly cutting down methane and CO₂ emissions from landfill sites. The installation of the Ecobia Bio-Digester is a dual victory for the resort. Not only has it enhanced the hotel's Corporate Social Responsibility profile, but it also produces rich, 100% organic fertilizer that is now used across the resort's expansive 230,000+ square meters of lawns and landscaped gardens. This eliminates the need to purchase chemical fertilizers, resulting in substantial cost savings. Further benefits include lower waste disposal costs, the elimination of unpleasant odors from rotting food, and the production of free organic fertilizer following the initial return on investment. General Manager David Faull estimates that the bio-digester will achieve ROI within approximately 16 months. David Faull also praised the professionalism, advice, and ongoing support provided by Ecobia Middle East. The company has delivered comprehensive sustainability training to all staff members—from chefs to housekeeping—and conducted intensive training for selected team members on operating, maintaining, and managing the bio-digester. This partnership exemplifies Barceló Mussanah Resort's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its alignment with Oman's environmental goals.
