Major Urban Development Projects Unveiled by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning at Oman Design & Build Week 2025
At the prestigious Oman Design & Build Week 2025, held from May 19 to 21 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) showcased a comprehensive portfolio of ambitious urban development projects. These initiatives are part of Oman’s long-term strategic vision to enhance urban sustainability, accommodate population growth, improve quality of life, and support the nation’s economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
Sultan Haitham City – A Model Smart City of the Future
One of the most prominent announcements was the Sultan Haitham City project – a visionary, smart, and sustainable urban development located in Wilayat Seeb.
Key Features:
Total area: 14.8 million square meters
Designed to accommodate over 100,000 residents
Comprises 20,000 residential units across 19 integrated neighborhoods
Includes 2.9 million square meters of landscaped green areas
Planned amenities: a central park, commercial zones, a full-service hospital, schools, public services, and intelligent infrastructure networks
The city is being developed in phases, with Phase One scheduled for completion by 2030. The project, designed in partnership with global architectural firm SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), is a benchmark for smart cities in the region.
Al Khuwair Downtown Redevelopment Project – Transforming the Capital’s Urban Core
Another major announcement was the redevelopment of Al Khuwair, a central district in Muscat. This project, valued at USD 1.3 billion, aims to create a modern downtown that integrates commercial, residential, hospitality, and entertainment spaces.
Highlights:
Development area: 3.6 million square meters
A mix of high-rise buildings, public squares, pedestrian-friendly avenues, and green spaces
Designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects
Aims to redefine the Muscat skyline and become a central hub for business, leisure, and tourism
Construction is expected to begin by late 2025.
Integrated Residential Neighborhoods – Inclusive and Sustainable Communities
MoHUP signed multiple contracts worth over 68 million OMR to develop integrated residential neighborhoods across various governorates. These neighborhoods are designed to:
Offer modern, affordable housing with high living standards
Include over 1,300 housing units
Feature commercial areas, schools, parks, playgrounds, and places of worship
Promote walkability, community interaction, and environmental sustainability
Low-Income Housing Initiative – A Commitment to Social Equity
In a move to enhance social welfare and support lower-income Omani citizens, the Ministry launched a large-scale housing initiative valued at USD 170 million. This includes:
Construction of 5,000 residential units
Development of supporting infrastructure: roads, health clinics, schools, and utilities
Projects strategically distributed in high-need areas across the country
This initiative aligns with Oman’s national policy of social inclusion and housing for all.
A’Thuraya City – Urban Luxury Amid Mountain Landscapes
A’Thuraya City is a new premium urban development located in the heart of Muscat, designed to combine modern living with environmental consciousness.
Key Stats:
Total area: 1 million square meters
Capacity: 9,200 residents
Residential units: 2,586
Hospitality offerings: 2,500 hotel rooms and serviced apartments
Planned as a mixed-use community, A’Thuraya City offers a unique blend of urban vibrancy and natural surroundings, making it an attractive destination for residents, investors, and tourists alike.
Al Wadi Al A’la (The Upper Valley) – A Nature-Centered Tourism and Community Development
Located beneath Jabal Al Kour, Al Wadi Al A’la is a picturesque village undergoing thoughtful redevelopment to enhance eco-tourism and public well-being.
Ongoing projects include:A 3.3-kilometer walking trail, 3 meters wide, fully lit by 220 solar-powered poles
Restoration and upgrading of the Eid prayer ground, designed to serve both cultural and recreational purposes
Landscaping and amenities to encourage health, community interaction, and nature-based tourism
This project embodies Oman’s commitment to preserving natural beauty while promoting rural development.
A Unified Vision for Oman’s Urban Future
These projects collectively represent a bold transformation of Oman’s urban landscape. By integrating smart technology, sustainability principles, community-centric design, and economic opportunity, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is setting a new standard for development in the region. These initiatives will not only address current housing and infrastructure needs but also attract investment, create jobs, and elevate Oman’s global urban competitiveness as it moves toward its 2040 vision.
