The Muscat Governorate is undergoing a transformative era with a host of ambitious projects designed to enhance urban growth and the tourism landscape, according to Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat.
A centerpiece of these initiatives is Sultan Haitham City, Oman’s first integrated smart city, spanning 14 million square meters.
To attract investment, the governorate is expanding ready-to-invest sites and optimizing the use of tourist destinations. These efforts are complemented by plans to develop entertainment areas, increase green spaces, and decentralize public services while prioritizing digital transformation for operational efficiency.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Muscat’s master plan includes major projects such as the Muttrah Development Project and the Sultan Qaboos Port Waterfront, aimed at creating integrated urban environments.
Significant progress has been made on the Hawiyat Najm Development Project in Quriyat, with finalized plans and issued construction tenders. The 498,758 square meter site will include recreational and camping areas, expanded green spaces, and essential facilities, all while preserving its unique geological features.
In Bausher, the Bausher Sands Development Project will transform 362,000 square meters into a recreational hub, featuring quad biking facilities, bike rental and maintenance centers, family-friendly areas, and multi-story parking. Other ongoing projects include the Ayn Ghala Development Project and foundational work for the Al Qurm Beach and Nature Reserve Development Project.
The Quriyat Waterfront Development Project has reached a significant milestone with initial designs completed. It will feature a walkway, bicycle paths, visitor facilities, green spaces, and areas for restaurants and cafes.
Tourism-focused initiatives include The Sustainable City – Yiti, an 11 million square meter integrated destination that will feature the Trump International Hotel as part of the Aida Tourism Project. Other developments, such as the Al Khuwair Downtown Development and the Tilal al Irfan Project, further enhance Muscat’s urban landscape.
Infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including the expansion of Muscat Expressway to six lanes in both directions, improvements to bridges and intersections, and the dualization of 15 kilometers of the Al Ansab-Al Jifnain Road. Additional projects include converting Al Khuwair’s service road into a one-way system and constructing new intersections along November 18 Street for Al Mouj Muscat.
Rainwater management is being addressed with drainage projects in Azaiba, Jifnain, and the Al Mahj area in Amerat.
In public spaces, the 7,500 square meter Muttrah Square Project, which won the Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design, has been finalized. Meanwhile, the Al Khuwair Square Project, featuring the region’s tallest flagpole, is set for inauguration in January.
