Wednesday 07 / October / 2026
Muscat: Several governorates across the Sultanate of Oman are participating in the "Urban Development, Housing, and Construction 2026" Exhibition and Conference, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Running until October 8, the event forms part of the "Urban Development October" activities. It aims to showcase ongoing regional urban projects, highlight available investment opportunities, and demonstrate efforts to upgrade infrastructure and public facilities. These initiatives seek to boost economic and tourism appeal, improve quality of life, and optimize local natural and tourism resources. Ministry statistics show that attendance surpassed 21,000 visitors during the first two days alone.
Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Engineer Mohammed bin Ali Al-Wardi, Director of Projects for Al-Dakhiliyah, stated that the governorate currently has 33 projects underway worth approximately OMR 34 million. Key developments include:
• Interior Square (Nizwa): Spanning over 140,000 square meters with an investment of OMR 8.373 million, this project has reached 71 percent completion and features green spaces, recreational zones, an events plaza, and retail outlets.
• Jebel Shams Waterfront (Al Hamra): Phase one is underway at a cost of roughly OMR 2.9 million.
• Eastern Mountain Oasis: Covering about 10,000 square meters with walkways, play areas, and landscaping, achieving 90 percent completion.
• Roads and Public Spaces: Ongoing packages cover internal roads across Nizwa, Al Hamra, Izki, Samail, Bidbid, and Manah, alongside upcoming tenders valued at nearly OMR 10 million for projects like the Al Washahi-Al Tasawir road and the Al Suwairij walkway.
South Sharqiyah Governorate
Engineer Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Alawi highlighted four major waterfront developments being showcased:
• Al-Ashkhara Beach Waterfront (Jaalan Bani Bu Ali): Reached approximately 76 percent completion, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.
• Al-Barr Waterfront (Sur): The promenade project has reached 55 percent completion, also targeted for completion by Q1 2027.
• Qahwan Promenade (Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan): Currently at 15 percent completion.
• Ras Al-Hadd Waterfront: Currently in the tendering phase.
Dhofar Governorate
Muflih bin Saeed Musan, Head of Investment Development at the Dhofar Governor's Office, noted that the governorate's strategy aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and focuses on sustainable urban planning and humanizing cities under the slogan "Cities that thrive with their people."
• Investment Opportunities: Four key offerings are on display in Salalah and Mirbat, including an international restaurant, a truck parking project, a tourist resort, and an events hall.
• Active Projects: The Gold Market project has reached 70 percent completion, and the Used Car Market project stands at 52 percent.
Al Dhahirah Governorate
Engineer Naseer Ali Al-Siyabi, Director General of Al Dhahirah Municipality, introduced the "Ibri View" project as a model of urban asset utilization. Key progress includes:
• Ibri Public Park: 45 percent complete with a cost exceeding OMR 5 million.
• Yanqul Viewpoint: 79 percent complete at a cost of OMR 1.8 million, expected to be finished in 2026.
• Dhank Viewpoint: 85 percent complete at over OMR 2 million, also slated for completion this year.
• Commercial Area Dualization (Dhank): A 4.5 km project that is 54 percent complete with a budget of approximately OMR 3 million.
