Latest news with #NationalUrbanDevelopmentStrategy
Muscat Daily
30-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
New strategic plan to shape Dakhliyah's growth
Nizwa – Dakhliyah has launched its strategic development plan for 2026-2030 as part of ongoing efforts to promote decentralisation and enhance institutional planning. The plan aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the National Urban Development Strategy and the sultanate's five-year development framework. A cooperation agreement was signed on Wednesday between the Governorate of Dakhliyah and Oman Think Urban, a planning and development centre, to implement the strategy under the corporate name 'Afaq'. Intended to enhance public engagement and decentralised governance, it will be developed based on analytical and field studies. Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, said the agreement represents a step towards realistic and measurable planning approaches, aimed at delivering results that benefit all wilayats in the governorate. He stressed the importance of involving both local communities and government entities in every phase of the plan. It seeks to tap into the governorate's resources and strengths, enabling local authorities, citizens and private businesses to contribute to decision-making and development. Khaled bin Adim al Salmi, Director of Planning and Investment Department in the governorate, described the plan as a practical reflection of national policies promoting decentralised and balanced development. He added that community and private sector participation would be central to prioritising and allocating resources effectively. Prof Mahmoud bin Humaid al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Think Urban, said the plan would adopt a participatory model supported by scientific methodologies and measurable indicators. The approach aims to produce sustainable outcomes and address future development challenges. The 'Afaq' project will also involve local capacity building and training programmes to boost institutional and community participation. A workshop was held during the launch with participation of governorate staff and representatives of public agencies. The session was a platform to discuss the overall direction of the plan and ensure it reflects the governorate's development needs. According to the Governor's Office, the plan will support key sectors including tourism, industry, education, innovation and infrastructure development.
Observer
24-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
MoHUP pavilion highlights the future of urban life
Muscat: In a unique initiative that blends visionary planning with public engagement, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) inaugurated its 'Future Cities' exhibition pavilion at the Oman Across Ages Museum. The exhibit, which will run from July through September 2025, is part of the ministry's broader mission to raise public awareness about Oman's urban development vision and sustainable planning goals. The pavilion offers an immersive experience for visitors, highlighting key strategic projects that embody the future of urban life in the Sultanate of Oman. These initiatives reflect Oman's commitment to building modern, inclusive and smart cities based on the principles of sustainability, quality of life and urban integration. At the heart of the exhibition lies Sultan Haitham City, the country's first integrated and sustainable next-generation city. Designed with cutting-edge infrastructure and intelligent systems, the city aims to provide a high quality of life through walkable neighbourhoods, green spaces and comprehensive services. This landmark project exemplifies the Oman's shift towards building future-ready cities and reflects the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for a society that balances economic prosperity with environmental responsibility and human well-being. Beyond Sultan Haitham City, the pavilion showcases a diverse array of strategic projects derived from Oman's National Urban Development Strategy. Among them is the Highland City project, an innovative model for sustainable mountain development that combines natural topography with advanced residential and tourism solutions. The pavilion also features Al Thuraya City — a futuristic smart city development located in the heart of Muscat. With its global investment outlook and sustainable design, the project demonstrates Oman's ambition to become a leader in smart urbanism. Another highlight is the Central Al Khuwair Master Plan, which reimagines a dynamic, mixed-use urban core in Muscat. Meanwhile, in the south, the Future Salalah City is presented as a landmark coastal development in Dhofar Governorate, designed to harmonise with the region's rich ecological and cultural identity. The exhibition also shines a spotlight on the Sorouh initiative — a national programme aimed at delivering integrated residential neighbourhoods that meet the evolving housing needs of Oman's population. These communities are designed with a focus on sustainability, affordability and livability, offering diverse housing solutions tailored to different social segments. One of the exhibition's special features includes a display of the Royal Directives issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which have significantly influenced the trajectory of Oman's urban development efforts. These endorsements mark pivotal moments in shaping cities that reflect the nation's aspirations for innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. On the sidelines of the inauguration, a prize draw was held for attendees of the Oman Real Estate Conference and the 20th edition of the Design and Build Week. The prizes — ranging from apartments and plots in Sultan Haitham City and Sorouh neighbourhoods to luxury cars and exclusive home furnishing packages — were aimed at stimulating public interest and investment in Oman's evolving housing sector. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to invigorate the real estate market while encouraging citizens to explore integrated housing options that combine quality construction, comprehensive services and a modern community ethos.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman boosts food security, industry, with new land deals
Muscat: As part of the ongoing efforts to promote investment and optimise the use of government land, the second day of the 20th edition of the Oman Real Estate Conference and Exhibition witnessed the signing of 46 usufruct contracts worth over RO 9 million. These agreements cover a variety of sectors that support the national economy. The agreements were signed by Eng Hamad bin Ali al Nazwani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for Housing, in the presence of several representatives from relevant entities and investment partners. Among the agreements, 33 contracts were in the food security sector, covering an area exceeding 1,325 acres, and 12 contracts were allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector, spanning over 10,000 square metres. Additionally, a contract was signed to establish a specialised sports academy on an area exceeding 26,000 square metres, reflecting support for sports infrastructure and youth sector investment. YOUTH FORUM On Tuesday, A Youth Forum was organised with the participation of a group of young Omani professionals who played a significant role in shaping and implementing the National Urban Development Strategy projects. The forum provided an opportunity to highlight achievements in recent years and reaffirm the importance of empowering youth and involving them in planning future cities in ways that reflect the aspirations of the new generation and ensure sustainable development across all governorates. During the event, the ministry honoured the three winning teams from the Housing Design Innovation Lab for their effective contributions in developing innovative housing designs that meet sustainability standards and reflect a deep understanding of Oman's geographic diversity. The lab is one of the ministry's initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government and academic institutions by involving university and college students specialising in architecture and civil engineering. The goal is to develop advanced design solutions for social housing projects tailored to coastal, mountainous and desert environments, integrating artificial intelligence concepts into urban planning and analysis processes. A total of 28 architecture students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat took part in the lab. They were divided into 14 teams and worked on creating advanced housing models that address environmental and financial sustainability challenges while meeting the needs of modern lifestyles. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman boosts food security, industry, with new land deals
Muscat, May 20 As part of the ongoing efforts to promote investment and optimise the use of government land, the second day of the 20th edition of the Oman Real Estate Conference and Exhibition witnessed the signing of 46 usufruct contracts worth over RO 9 million. These agreements cover a variety of sectors that support the national economy. The agreements were signed by Eng Hamad bin Ali al Nazwani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for Housing, in the presence of several representatives from relevant entities and investment partners. Among the agreements, 33 contracts were in the food security sector, covering an area exceeding 1,325 acres, and 12 contracts were allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector, spanning over 10,000 square metres. Additionally, a contract was signed to establish a specialised sports academy on an area exceeding 26,000 square metres, reflecting support for sports infrastructure and youth sector investment. YOUTH FORUM On Tuesday, A Youth Forum was organised with the participation of a group of young Omani professionals who played a significant role in shaping and implementing the National Urban Development Strategy projects. The forum provided an opportunity to highlight achievements in recent years and reaffirm the importance of empowering youth and involving them in planning future cities in ways that reflect the aspirations of the new generation and ensure sustainable development across all governorates. During the event, the ministry honoured the three winning teams from the Housing Design Innovation Lab for their effective contributions in developing innovative housing designs that meet sustainability standards and reflect a deep understanding of Oman's geographic diversity. A total of 28 architecture students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat took part. The lab is one of the ministry's initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government and academic institutions by involving university and college students specialising in architecture and civil engineering. The goal is to develop advanced design solutions for social housing projects tailored to coastal, mountainous and desert environments, integrating artificial intelligence concepts into urban planning and analysis processes. A total of 28 architecture students from the University of Nizwa and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat took part in the lab. They were divided into 14 teams and worked on creating advanced housing models that address environmental and financial sustainability challenges while meeting the needs of modern lifestyles.
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Muscat Municipality awards tender for the commercial district development project in Ruwi
Muscat – Muscat Municipality has announced the awarding of the implementation contract for the Commercial District Development Project in Ruwi, as part of Muscat Governorate's strategy to develop commercial neighborhoods. The project will include expanding green areas, creating seating areas and additional parking to ensure smooth traffic flow, developing pedestrian pathways, incorporating modern technologies, and establishing other facilities. The implementation of this project aligns with Muscat Municipality's efforts to enhance the urban landscape, improve quality of life in the city, and provide a comprehensive, sustainable, human-centric urban environment that serves all segments of society. The project will be executed over an estimated area of 360,000 square meters, with a timeline of 16 months. It includes landscaping and green spaces covering approximately 6,500 square meters, shaded seating areas and additional sitting zones, and the provision of 2,458 new parking spaces to improve traffic movement. Additionally, the project features pedestrian walkways covering around 101,806 square meters, the deployment of smart infrastructure, and the construction of service kiosks and modern restrooms—contributing to increased economic and commercial activity and enriching the urban experience for both residents and visitors. Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed Al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, said: 'Muscat Governorate is witnessing the execution of a package of major development projects that strengthen its economic and tourism position, contributing to comprehensive and sustainable development that embodies its ambitious vision. The Ruwi Commercial District Development Project falls within Muscat Governorate's strategy to develop commercial areas in line with the highest approved standards. These development projects align with the Greater Muscat Structural Plan, which is a key output of the National Urban Development Strategy under Oman Vision 2040, aiming to balance economic growth and quality of life, and to build an integrated, sustainable urban environment that meets the needs of current and future generations.' The Ruwi Commercial District Development Project represents a pivotal step in Muscat Municipality's vision to transform commercial centers into vibrant, sustainable destinations aligned with the development goals of Muscat Governorate. The project is expected to raise infrastructure efficiency, improve the level of public services, enhance the area's attractiveness to investors, and maximize commercial opportunities for local enterprises, thereby accelerating economic development. It is worth noting that Muscat Municipality continues to support national efforts toward achieving the ambitious vision of a 'Sustainable, Prosperous, and Vibrant Muscat' by collaborating with relevant stakeholders and providing all essential resources related to services, planning, and urban districts. These efforts aim to boost tourism and development, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the Sultanate's position as a sustainable and tourist-friendly city in line with national objectives.
