07-05-2025
A model for building modern urban housing
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning continues to implement the Sorouh initiative, aimed at developing integrated residential neighbourhoods with comprehensive services.
Several projects under the initiative have already achieved high sales rates in their early phases, exceeding 80 per cent, reflecting strong public and investor confidence in this holistic housing model.
The Sorouh initiative includes 18 integrated residential projects across Oman's governorates, covering over 6 million square metres 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 per cent.
Key ongoing projects include Al Naseem Neighbourhood (Barka, Al Batinah South) spanning 355,000 sqm, it offers 1,051 diverse housing units, with 60 per cent sales recorded and investments worth RO 80 million.
Al Laban Neighbourhood (Nakhal) features 1,442 units across 646,000 sqm, with RO 111 million investment and 26 per cent sales to date.
Hisn Al Zain (Bidbid, Al Dakhiliyah) a standout project with 75 per cent sales, comprising 639 units on 286,000 sqm and RO 30 million investment.
Majd Neighbourhood (Suhar) attracting significant interest, with 77 per cent 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 per cent 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 metre area, complete with public facilities and commercial zones.
Meanwhile, in Muscat Governorate, Al Ahd Neighbourhood in Al Amerat features 965 residential units with modern architectural specifications and integrated amenities spanning 445,000 square metres.
The private sector plays a pivotal role, with several projects developed in collaboration with local firms, including Nusmat Zain (Sur) with 407 units on 268,000 sqm; Al Mazun (Samayil) with 194 units; Al Nama (Izki) with 182 units; and Al Salam (Al Buraimi) with 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 Sorouh 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 Sorouh initiative embodies Oman's vision for modern urban communities that prioritise 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 Vision 2040. — ONA
