Latest news with #KhalfanbinSaidalShueili
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman's first solar-powered community launched
AL KHABOURAH: In a landmark development, the initial phase of Oman's first eco-friendly residential community was launched here on Wednesday for families affected by Cyclone Shaheen in Al Batinah North Governorate. The launch was held under the auspices of Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, and Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. Developed by local charity association Dar Al Atta'a, the neighbourhood dubbed as Hay Al Atta'a (Al Atta'a Neighbourhood), is located in San'aa Bani Ghafir, Wilayat of Al Khabourah. The eco-friendly integrated neighbourhood, spanning an area of 1,000 m2, will include 36 solar-powered residential units, a community centre, commercial shops and a mosque. It is the result of collaboration between the association, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Office of the Governor of Al Batinah North, and the Municipality of Al Khabourah, with support from the local community. Speaking to the Observer, Founder and Chairperson of Dar Al Atta'a Association, Maryam bint Issa al Zadjaliyah, shared that the initiative was born in the aftermath of Cyclone Shaheen in 2021. Oman's first solar-powered community launched 'The idea for Hay Atta'a emerged in the wake of Cyclone Shaheen. In response, the association launched a fundraising campaign through which we were able to collect RO 1 million. As an organisation, we always strive to develop sustainable projects. Rather than providing short-term aid like food or furnishings, we envisioned a long-lasting solution — to build permanent homes for families severely impacted by the cyclone, especially those who lacked the means to rebuild on their own,' she said. Significantly, the use of green energy is the most significant feature of the neighbourhood, said the Chairperson of Dar Al Atta'a Association. 'Without a doubt, the most significant is the use of green energy. It reduces residents' electricity costs, and if they generate a surplus, they can sell it back to the government. This approach hasn't been implemented in this area before, so it's an exciting innovation.' In addition to solar power, the neighbourhood is also equipped with a sustainable wastewater management system, designed to reduce and recycle water use. When asked why the association opted to build an eco-friendly neighbourhood, instead of conventional housing, she emphasised that the project's goal was to introduce a new model for sustainable, community-centred living. 'As an association, we always strive to remain attuned to current developments. With this project, our goal extended beyond sustainability — we wanted to create a lifestyle, a holistic way of living.' The first phase of the project witnessed the inauguration of 36 eco-friendly residential units, each spanning an area of approximately 272m2. The five-bedroom homes are equipped with 48 solar panels each. According to officials, residents are expected to occupy the units soon. The second phase of the project, which is currently under development, will include a community centre, commercial shops and a mosque. It is expected to be ready within two years.
Observer
21-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Shura meeting reviews housing, urban initiatives
MUSCAT, APRIL 21 On Monday, the Majlis Ash'shura hosted Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, during the ninth regular session of the second regular session of the tenth term. The session focused on the ministry's statement, which covered several key initiatives aimed at shaping the future of Oman's urban and housing landscape. Dr Al Shueili presented the ministry's ongoing projects and highlighted five key areas in the statement: the National Urban Development Strategy, the programmes of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), legislation and laws regulating the urban and housing planning sector, digital transformation and simplified procedures, and addressing future challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable cities and integrated urban neighbourhoods. In his speech, Dr Al Shueili emphasised that the ministry is working in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. The urban strategy is being integrated with the directives of the five-year plans, ensuring that urban growth and development meet the aspirations of Oman's future. He stressed the ministry's commitment to achieving balanced urban growth while promoting environmental sustainability and the diversification of the economy. Badr al Jabri, a member of Majlis Ash'shura, noted that housing is one of the most critical issues affecting citizens' daily lives. He highlighted that providing adequate and diverse housing options for citizens is a core mission of the ministry. The ministry aims to ensure that all segments of society have access to suitable housing through various programmes, such as 'Choose Your Land', 'Buy Your Land', and integrated residential neighbourhoods. A significant part of the ministry's efforts involves fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. The ministry has successfully registered 90 developers for real estate development projects and granted 20 licences for such projects between 2022 and 2024. These initiatives have led to an investment value of RO 500 million for integrated residential and neighbourhood projects. The ministry's efforts in this area aim to ensure sustainable urban growth while strengthening the economy. In line with its focus on innovation and efficiency, the ministry has made substantial progress in its digital transformation. As of 2024, approximately 85 automated services have been introduced, facilitating citizens' access to essential services through electronic platforms. This transformation has seen a leap in the ministry's performance, with a rating increase from 58 per cent in 2022 to 80 per cent in 2024. The ministry's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its push to develop smart cities that align with the latest sustainability standards. Dr Al Shueili explained that the ministry is working to ensure that future cities are built on advanced technology and integrated residential neighbourhoods, which will enhance the ability of governorates to accommodate population growth in a modern and sustainable manner. To ensure efficient land use, the ministry has planned and prepared 49,018 plots for various uses, including residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Between 2021 and 2024, 69,963 plots of land and residential units were distributed under the Housing Options Programme, benefiting thousands of citizens. The ministry has allocated 216 housing units within integrated residential neighbourhoods and plans to allocate an additional 1,000 units in the Sultan Haitham City. This extensive distribution of residential options aims to support family stability and social cohesion. The ministry has also focused on maximising the role of the real estate market by facilitating transparent and competitive land use services. Between 2022 and 2025, 2,189 plots of land for commercial, residential, industrial and agricultural use will be offered, further stimulating economic activity and attracting investment. The ministry has already processed 375,132 transactions, amounting to over RO 10 billion in value between 2021 and 2024. The ministry's efforts are pivotal in creating a modern, sustainable and efficient urban landscape for Oman. Through its strategic focus on urban development, digital transformation and public-private partnerships, the ministry is working to provide Omani citizens with diverse housing options, ensure economic growth and promote sustainability, all while aligning with Oman Vision 2040.
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's new coastal development to boost tourism and urban growth
MUSCAT: Salalah, on Oman's southern coast, is set to undergo a major transformation with the development of a sustainable and walkable waterfront city, a project aligned with Oman Vision 2040. In a statement, Sasaki, the international design firm leading the masterplan, emphasised that the development will integrate urban growth with environmental preservation while positioning Salalah as a model for sustainable urbanism. The New City Salalah project will span 7.3 square kilometres and feature 12,000 residential units, accommodating approximately 60,000 residents. The development will include 3.5 million square metres of parks and open spaces, 200,000 square metres of retail space and two hospitals. A six-kilometre-long public beach will be a key highlight, reinforcing Salalah's reputation as a year-round leisure destination. SUSTAINABILITY AND URBAN INNOVATION The masterplan integrates strategies to address climate resilience, particularly safeguarding the city from rising sea levels and extreme weather events during the khareef season. A wetland park and natural infrastructure solutions will be implemented to manage flooding risks and protect coastal ecosystems. The project is part of the broader Greater Salalah Structural Plan, which seeks to enhance infrastructure, mobility and spatial planning as the city's population is projected to reach 674,000 by 2040. The phased development will commence later this year, starting with the construction of 5,827 residential units in the first phase. Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, highlighted the project's role in Oman's economic diversification: 'Our plans for the evolution of Salalah epitomise Oman Vision 2040, designed to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Oman. 'It serves as an exemplar of how combining tourism and urban development is driving the diversification of Oman's economy and bringing forward compelling opportunities for the international community.' 'With works due to begin this year, we look forward to bringing New City Salalah to fruition alongside the Omani people and leading international partners, investors and developers,' he added. A FORWARD-THINKING URBAN MODEL The project is being developed in collaboration with F&M Middle East, MIC-HUB and Cundall, as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop Smart Cities across the country, including in Suhar and Nizwa. The mobility framework for Salalah will prioritise pedestrian-friendly spaces, reduce car dependency, and introduce shared and on-demand transport solutions. Romil Sheth, Principal Designer at Sasaki, underscored the importance of designing a city that reflects Salalah's natural and cultural assets: 'Salalah is blessed with incredible natural features and a deep history. To complement these significant assets, the Salalah New City plan adopts forward-looking urban design, placemaking, and planning practices that challenge status-quo urbanism and reflect an aspirational lifestyle for Dhofar's inhabitants.' 'The plan will serve as Oman's living laboratory for urban innovation and a model for sustainable urbanism in the broader region,' he added. With its mix of sustainable design, smart city elements and tourism-driven urban planning, New City Salalah is poised to be a flagship development, offering a vibrant, human-scaled and environmentally responsible vision for Oman's future cities. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
05-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's new coastal development to boost tourism and urban growth
MUSCAT: Salalah, on Oman's southern coast, is set to undergo a major transformation with the development of a sustainable and walkable waterfront city, a project aligned with Oman Vision 2040. In a statement, Sasaki, the international design firm leading the masterplan, emphasised that the development will integrate urban growth with environmental preservation while positioning Salalah as a model for sustainable urbanism. The New City Salalah project will span 7.3 square kilometres and feature 12,000 residential units, accommodating approximately 60,000 residents. The development will include 3.5 million square metres of parks and open spaces, 200,000 square metres of retail space and two hospitals. A six-kilometre-long public beach will be a key highlight, reinforcing Salalah's reputation as a year-round leisure destination. SUSTAINABILITY AND URBAN INNOVATION The masterplan integrates strategies to address climate resilience, particularly safeguarding the city from rising sea levels and extreme weather events during the khareef season. A wetland park and natural infrastructure solutions will be implemented to manage flooding risks and protect coastal ecosystems. The project is part of the broader Greater Salalah Structural Plan, which seeks to enhance infrastructure, mobility and spatial planning as the city's population is projected to reach 674,000 by 2040. The phased development will commence later this year, starting with the construction of 5,827 residential units in the first phase. Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, highlighted the project's role in Oman's economic diversification: 'Our plans for the evolution of Salalah epitomise Oman Vision 2040, designed to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Oman. 'It serves as an exemplar of how combining tourism and urban development is driving the diversification of Oman's economy and bringing forward compelling opportunities for the international community.' 'With works due to begin this year, we look forward to bringing New City Salalah to fruition alongside the Omani people and leading international partners, investors and developers,' he added. A FORWARD-THINKING URBAN MODEL The project is being developed in collaboration with F&M Middle East, MIC-HUB and Cundall, as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop Smart Cities across the country, including in Suhar and Nizwa. The mobility framework for Salalah will prioritise pedestrian-friendly spaces, reduce car dependency, and introduce shared and on-demand transport solutions. Romil Sheth, Principal Designer at Sasaki, underscored the importance of designing a city that reflects Salalah's natural and cultural assets: 'Salalah is blessed with incredible natural features and a deep history. To complement these significant assets, the Salalah New City plan adopts forward-looking urban design, placemaking, and planning practices that challenge status-quo urbanism and reflect an aspirational lifestyle for Dhofar's inhabitants.' 'The plan will serve as Oman's living laboratory for urban innovation and a model for sustainable urbanism in the broader region,' he added. With its mix of sustainable design, smart city elements and tourism-driven urban planning, New City Salalah is poised to be a flagship development, offering a vibrant, human-scaled and environmentally responsible vision for Oman's future cities.
