Latest news with #MHUP
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Oman: Majlis A'Shura flags housing concerns amid ambitious MHUP plans
Muscat – Members of Majlis A'Shura have voiced concerns over housing and the urban planning strategy urging closer alignment with local needs and more effective policy execution, as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) unveiled its achievements and future plans in the sector. The issues were raised during the shura's ninth regular session on Monday, which included a detailed statement by H E Dr Khalfan bin Saeed al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. The session was chaired by H E Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis A'Shura, in the presence of Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the shura. Shura members questioned the compatibility of urban designs with citizen preferences and local topography, while expressing doubt over the ministry's goal of raising the housing sector's GDP contribution from 2.6% in 2024 to 6.5% in 2025. They also highlighted the vulnerability of coastal cities to climate change, deterioration of older residential areas, lack of green spaces, and proximity of industrial zones to homes. Concerns were also raised over delays in housing aid, inadequate infrastructure in allocated plots, and the need for reforms in land policies. Several members called for more equitable rules on foreign property ownership and improved coordination between ministries to ensure sustainable development. Members of the shura referred to media statements issued by the ministry indicating that nearly 600,000 residential plots have been distributed. They noted that many of these plots are located in areas lacking basic infrastructure and services, rendering these unsuitable for construction or habitation. They cited official data showing that a total of 447,612 residential land applications had been submitted in the last decade till the end of December 2024, but only 343,629 plots were distributed. Based on this data, lawmakers asked what practical steps MHUP will adopt to amend existing housing plans and make these viable for development. They also sought clarity on how the ministry intends to tackle the persistent challenge of allocating residential land in undeveloped areas – an issue reportedly affecting multiple governorates. In response, H E Shuaili outlined progress made between 2021 and 2024, noting that 4,923 families benefited from the Social Housing Programme. He added that 2,189 plots of land were allocated for investment in commercial, industrial, agricultural and mixed-use categories between 2022 and 2025. Nearly 70,000 residential plots and housing units were distributed in the last three years, with property transactions during the period valued at over RO10bn. A major highlight of the ministry's strategy is development of five future cities – Sultan Haitham City, Al Thuraya and projects in Suhar, Nizwa and Salalah – covering a total area of 39mn sqm. Work is also underway on 22 integrated residential neighbourhoods with target of reaching 30 by 2025. H E Shuaili announced that in accordance with Royal Directives, 10% of new housing units in neighbourhood plans will be allocated to young families supported by the Marriage Fund, who will also benefit from reduced pricing. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Majlis A'Shura flags housing concerns amid ambitious MHUP plans
Muscat – Members of Majlis A'Shura have voiced concerns over housing and the urban planning strategy urging closer alignment with local needs and more effective policy execution, as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) unveiled its achievements and future plans in the sector. The issues were raised during the shura's ninth regular session on Monday, which included a detailed statement by H E Dr Khalfan bin Saeed al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. The session was chaired by H E Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis A'Shura, in the presence of Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the shura. Shura members questioned the compatibility of urban designs with citizen preferences and local topography, while expressing doubt over the ministry's goal of raising the housing sector's GDP contribution from 2.6% in 2024 to 6.5% in 2025. They also highlighted the vulnerability of coastal cities to climate change, deterioration of older residential areas, lack of green spaces, and proximity of industrial zones to homes. Concerns were also raised over delays in housing aid, inadequate infrastructure in allocated plots, and the need for reforms in land policies. Several members called for more equitable rules on foreign property ownership and improved coordination between ministries to ensure sustainable development. Members of the shura referred to media statements issued by the ministry indicating that nearly 600,000 residential plots have been distributed. They noted that many of these plots are located in areas lacking basic infrastructure and services, rendering these unsuitable for construction or habitation. They cited official data showing that a total of 447,612 residential land applications had been submitted in the last decade till the end of December 2024, but only 343,629 plots were distributed. H E Dr Khalfan bin Saeed al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning Based on this data, lawmakers asked what practical steps MHUP will adopt to amend existing housing plans and make these viable for development. They also sought clarity on how the ministry intends to tackle the persistent challenge of allocating residential land in undeveloped areas – an issue reportedly affecting multiple governorates. In response, H E Shuaili outlined progress made between 2021 and 2024, noting that 4,923 families benefited from the Social Housing Programme. He added that 2,189 plots of land were allocated for investment in commercial, industrial, agricultural and mixed-use categories between 2022 and 2025. Nearly 70,000 residential plots and housing units were distributed in the last three years, with property transactions during the period valued at over RO10bn. A major highlight of the ministry's strategy is development of five future cities – Sultan Haitham City, Al Thuraya and projects in Suhar, Nizwa and Salalah – covering a total area of 39mn sqm. Work is also underway on 22 integrated residential neighbourhoods with target of reaching 30 by 2025. H E Shuaili announced that in accordance with Royal Directives, 10% of new housing units in neighbourhood plans will be allocated to young families supported by the Marriage Fund, who will also benefit from reduced pricing.
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman to unveil major urban development projects in Paris
Muscat: Oman is set to present several urban development projects aimed at attracting global investment and advancing sustainable cities. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) will showcase these initiatives at MIPIM – The Global Urban Festival, to be held in Cannes, France, from March 11 to 14. An MHUP official stated that Oman's participation will highlight investment opportunities and facilitate access to international financing for real estate and urban development projects in Oman. 'This year's theme, 'Shaping Sustainable Cities', aligns perfectly with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to integrate sustainability and smart solutions into the nation's urban infrastructure.' Oman's pavilion will feature key projects, including Al Khuwair Downtown, New City Salalah, Nizwa City, Oman Mountain Destination, Sultan Haitham City, Ghor Grama, and A' Thuraya City. These developments aim to create integrated, sustainable urban environments that drive economic and social growth. The ministry confirmed that structural planning for the presented projects is complete. By participating in MIPIM, Oman seeks to strengthen its global competitiveness by attracting international investors. 'The sultanate is keen to showcase opportunities that align with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on enhancing the growth of the real estate sector through investments in key development initiatives,' the official added. 'The adoption of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices aims to foster the creation of smart, efficient cities for future generations.' The event will also feature high-level discussions, including a session by H E Dr Khalfan al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, on 'The Impact of Long-Term Demographic Changes on the Creation of Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Differences between Europe and Other Countries'. Additionally, nine sessions will explore investment strategies and future projects in real estate and urban planning. A key highlight is the nomination of the Sultan Haitham City project as one of the top four global projects for the MIPIM Awards 2025, which recognises excellence in urban development and sustainability. The award considers innovation, design, environmental impact, and contributions to quality of life. The winners will be announced on March 13, in the presence of global investors and real estate developers. MIPIM is a leading real estate and urban planning forum, drawing over 20,000 participants from 90 countries. More than 2,000 investment firms, including 76 of the world's top 100 real estate investors managing assets worth €4tn, will be present. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
08-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to unveil major urban development projects in Paris
Muscat – Oman is set to present several urban development projects aimed at attracting global investment and advancing sustainable cities. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) will showcase these initiatives at MIPIM – The Global Urban Festival, to be held in Cannes, France, from March 11 to 14. An MHUP official stated that Oman's participation will highlight investment opportunities and facilitate access to international financing for real estate and urban development projects in Oman. 'This year's theme, 'Shaping Sustainable Cities', aligns perfectly with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to integrate sustainability and smart solutions into the nation's urban infrastructure.' Oman's pavilion will feature key projects, including Al Khuwair Downtown, New City Salalah, Nizwa City, Oman Mountain Destination, Sultan Haitham City, Ghor Grama, and A' Thuraya City. These developments aim to create integrated, sustainable urban environments that drive economic and social growth. The ministry confirmed that structural planning for the presented projects is complete. By participating in MIPIM, Oman seeks to strengthen its global competitiveness by attracting international investors. 'The sultanate is keen to showcase opportunities that align with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on enhancing the growth of the real estate sector through investments in key development initiatives,' the official added. 'The adoption of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices aims to foster the creation of smart, efficient cities for future generations.' The event will also feature high-level discussions, including a session by H E Dr Khalfan al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, on 'The Impact of Long-Term Demographic Changes on the Creation of Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Differences between Europe and Other Countries'. Additionally, nine sessions will explore investment strategies and future projects in real estate and urban planning. A key highlight is the nomination of the Sultan Haitham City project as one of the top four global projects for the MIPIM Awards 2025, which recognises excellence in urban development and sustainability. The award considers innovation, design, environmental impact, and contributions to quality of life. The winners will be announced on March 13, in the presence of global investors and real estate developers. MIPIM is a leading real estate and urban planning forum, drawing over 20,000 participants from 90 countries. More than 2,000 investment firms, including 76 of the world's top 100 real estate investors managing assets worth €4tn, will be present.
Muscat Daily
04-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MAFWR unveils 6 agricultural investment opportunities in Buraimi
Buraimi – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), in collaboration with Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP), has unveiled six new investment opportunities in Buraimi governorate through the Tatwir platform. This initiative is in line with the government's broader strategy to strengthen food security, support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhance agricultural production efficiency in Oman. Nasser bin Ali al Murshudi, Director General of Agriculture and Water Resources in Buraimi, informed that the investment opportunities aim to attract investors and empower SMEs to utilise available agricultural resources through modern technologies. The investment opportunities cover a total area of 29.6 acres, with a key opportunity in the Al Zaroub area of Mahdha spread over 4.6 acres. This project will focus on cultivation of leafy vegetables using cutting-edge agricultural technologies, thereby promoting sustainable production in the governorate. Additionally, five investment opportunities have been allocated to SMEs in the Safwan area of Mahdha. Each of these five-acre projects will focus on different agricultural ventures, including cultivation of leafy greens, vegetable, garlic, onions, potatoes and seasonal fodder production. Applications for these opportunities can be submitted electronically through the Tatwir platform, designed to streamline the process and encourage investment in the agricultural sector. Murshudi also informed that over 20 additional agricultural investment opportunities focused on both plant and animal production across the governorate will be announced this week. 'These efforts aim to enhance food security and create job opportunities through agricultural ventures.' MAFWR is planning to announce a total of 50 agricultural investment opportunities in 2025 in collaboration with MHUP, as part of the sultanate's ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural development.
