Latest news with #MinistryofHousingandUrbanPlanning
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO5.3mn moringa tree project launched in Thumrait
Salalah – An agreement for a major agricultural investment project to grow moringa trees and manufacture byproducts supporting food security, environmental sustainability and export diversification was signed on Wednesday. An usufruct contract covering an area of 10.5mn sqm in the Hanfit area of Thumrait was signed between Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Led by Trufud, the project has an investment value exceeding RO5.3mn. The agreement was signed in the presence of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, H E Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and officials of Trufud. The project is a unique investment initiative that links agriculture, manufacturing and supply chains, as part of Oman's efforts to promote sustainable agricultural investment and achieve food security. It is expected to yield annual revenues of RO4mn to RO5mn through exports of moringa-based products to markets in North America, Europe and Asia. The project is also expected to generate more than 500 direct job opportunities and additional roles in logistics, packaging and supply services. According to officials, the project will enhance local entrepreneurship and contribute to the economic development of Dhofar. The moringa tree is known for its nutritional and medicinal properties and the project includes facilities for production of oils and powders used in health products. In addition to commercial goals, the project includes environmental benefits. Planting 15mn moringa trees is expected to absorb more than 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Moringa project launched with RO 5.3m investment
SALALAH: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has signed a usufruct contract for a major agricultural investment project in the Wilayat of Thamrait, Dhofar Governorate. The initiative involves the cultivation of Moringa trees over an expansive area of 10.5 million square metres in Hanfit, with a total investment value exceeding RO 5.3 million. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar; Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning; Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources; and representatives from Trufud, the company tasked with implementing the project. This large-scale agricultural venture aims to integrate agriculture with processing industries and global supply chains, representing a new direction in sustainable agribusiness development in Oman. It aligns with national efforts to enhance food security while fostering environmentally responsible investments. Expected to yield annual revenues of RO 4 to 5 million through the export of Moringa-based products, the project will target high-demand international markets, including North America, Europe and Asia. In addition to its commercial potential, the initiative will create over 500 direct employment opportunities, along with numerous indirect jobs in supply, packaging and logistics. These prospects are set to stimulate local entrepreneurship and contribute to socio-economic development in the Dhofar Governorate. Environmental sustainability is also at the core of the project, with plans to plant around 15 million Moringa trees. This plantation is projected to absorb more than 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, significantly supporting Oman's climate mitigation strategies and the goals of Oman Vision 2040. This project serves as a model for future agri-industrial investments in the Sultanate of Oman, combining economic returns with positive social and environmental impact. — ONA
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Structure Plan competes for global urbanism award
MUSCAT, JULY 13 The Muscat Structure Plan – a blueprint for enhanced governance, future growth, and resilient development of sustainable neighbourhoods across the capital region of the Sultanate of Oman – has been shortlisted among landmark international developments vying for honours at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF), set to take place in Miami, USA, later this year. The annual World Architecture Festival is the world's largest awards programme and conference dedicated to celebrating excellence in global architecture and urbanism. The 2025 edition, scheduled from November 12–14, marks the first time the event will be hosted in the United States. In an announcement, Broadway Malyan – the UK-based global architecture, urbanism and design practice – revealed that the Muscat Structure Plan is a frontrunner for one of the top accolades. 'We're excited to share that the Muscat Structure Plan is a finalist in the World Architecture Festival's Future Projects – Masterplanning category for the 2025 awards,' the firm noted. The Greater Muscat Structure Plan focuses on compact, connected development by increasing population densities in better-linked areas, aiming to curb urban sprawl. It promotes the creation of well-defined, serviced urban districts with a clear purpose, identity, and strong connection to their surroundings. To underpin economic resilience, the plan proposes the creation of 19 employment clusters, supporting Muscat's projected growth to 890,000 jobs by 2040, while driving a shift to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. Recognising Muscat's pivotal role in delivering Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning commissioned a technical team led by Broadway Malyan to develop the Greater Muscat Structure Plan — a strategic framework for sustainable growth and urban governance, aligned with the Sultanate's 2050 net-zero emissions target. A key feature of the Plan is the introduction of over 54 km of mass transit lines, enabling higher-density, mixed-use development on underutilised government land. The transit network is designed to bring one-third of Muscat's population within a 20-minute walk of a station or feeder stop, supporting a shift toward low-carbon, accessible urban living. Additionally, the Plan seeks to leverage Muscat's natural and heritage assets — including its dramatic coastline and historic identity — to position the capital as a compelling destination for tourism, investment, and regional talent. The city's 12 wadi systems, which connect the mountains to the coast, form the backbone of a proposed open-space network, reinforcing Muscat's transformation into a lush, green urban oasis amidst its arid surroundings.
Observer
26-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Self-service platform for issuing property title deeds launched
Muscat: In a major stride towards enhancing digital governance and streamlining public services, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has officially launched a new self-service platform for issuing digital property title deeds. The service allows beneficiaries to obtain their title deeds instantly and electronically, eliminating the need for in-person visits to service halls. This initiative marks a significant shift in simplifying procedures. By enabling immediate issuance of ownership documents online, the ministry anticipates reducing the time spent on such services by over 70 per cent and cutting in-person visits by 60 per cent in the first year alone. In addition to efficiency and speed, the initiative aligns with the ministry's sustainability goals. It complements a broader digital transition strategy that includes internal communications, external documentation and now the issuance of secure digital title deeds. Each document is embedded with an electronic verification code, ensuring both accuracy and authenticity. Users can access the traditional version of their property deed through the 'Amlak' platform. Dr Moamen bin Abdullah al Busaidy, Adviser to the Minister for Smart Cities, emphasised the significance of the launch, stating: 'This is a critical step towards a fully digital ownership system. Our ambition is for the majority of the public to adopt electronic title deeds by the end of next year. It will save both time and effort for users, who previously had to physically visit various service locations.' Dr Al Busaidy added that the ministry is currently developing smart services designed to anticipate citizens' needs and deliver information and entitlements proactively — without requiring formal requests. Future enhancements will also enable mobile access to services and real-time interactions with intelligent data systems, further reducing the need to contact support staff directly. Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Ghilani, CEO of the Oman National Engineering and Investment Company (Oneic), which is partnering with the ministry on the project, commented: 'This strategic collaboration marks a transformative milestone in Oman's digital journey. We are committed to delivering secure and efficient technological solutions that enhance citizen experience and drive public sector innovation. We are proud of the trust placed in us by the ministry and look forward to further partnerships in line with Oman Vision 2040. To maximise accessibility and inclusivity, the new service will gradually be rolled out across more than 300 locations. These include all ministry service halls, Oneic branches and self-service kiosks operating around the clock in all governorates. This expansive rollout is expected to improve operational efficiency and raise customer satisfaction levels to 95 per cent.
Daily Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
New parking space size rules
Parking spaces in Bahrain face tougher sizing rules under newly published regulations from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. The guidelines, introduced by the Minister, Her Excellency Amna bint Ahmed Al Romaihi, and now released in the Official Gazette, will enforce minimum dimensions for vehicle spaces across residential, commercial and heritage areas. Residential and office spaces meant for longer stays must now measure at least 2.5 metres wide and 5.5 metres long. For busier spots like shopping centres, clinics, or leisure venues, where parking is shorter and frequent, the minimum width increases slightly to 2.7 metres, with length remaining at 5.5 metres. Both perpendicular and angled bays will need to follow these new dimensions. Parking spaces along roadsides will need a width of at least 2.2 metres and a length of 6.0 metres. These roadside spots will have to meet detailed designs laid out in a forthcoming manual from the Urban Planning and Development Authority. The rules also change how developers measure building sizes when calculating required parking.
