As the Gulf region witnesses rapid urbanization characterized by towering skyscrapers and sprawling metropolises, Oman is charting a distinct course in its urban development. Eschewing the high-rise, high-density models of neighbors like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is embracing a vision that harmoniously blends modernity with its rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes. The country’s approach is rooted in sustainability, preserving tradition, and promoting a balanced urban expansion that benefits its citizens economically and socially.
Sultan Haitham City: A Model for Future Communities
Central to Oman’s urban strategy is the development of Sultan Haitham City, a planned community spanning approximately 14.8 million square meters. Announced in 2023, this city is designed to accommodate 100,000 residents through 20,000 diverse housing units. The project is segmented into four phases, with the initial phase scheduled from 2024 to 2030, covering about 5 million square meters and providing over 7,000 housing units for more than 39,000 people.
Sultan Haitham City aims to offer a comprehensive living experience that aligns with sustainable development principles. The city will feature ample green spaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers. Its design emphasizes walkability, energy efficiency, and the integration of smart city technologies to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Unlike the high-rise landscapes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the city’s architectural plan prioritizes low to mid-rise buildings, preserving Oman’s unique skyline and cultural essence.
Greater Muscat Structural Plan: Sustainable Urban Expansion
In January 2025, Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning finalized the Greater Muscat Structural Plan, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at guiding the capital’s growth sustainably over the coming decades. The plan’s core principles include promoting balanced development, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring efficient use of resources. By managing urban sprawl and prioritizing infrastructure projects, the plan seeks to transform Muscat into a smart, sustainable city that caters to the needs of its growing population.
Key initiatives under this plan include the Al Khuwayr Downtown project, which envisions a vibrant urban center with mixed-use developments, public parks, and cultural landmarks. Additionally, the plan promotes the construction of integrated urban communities equipped with smart utilities, efficient public transportation, and robust digital infrastructure. These projects are aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and equitable development across all governorates.
Muscat’s Development Strategy: Preserving Identity Amid Growth
Muscat, the nation’s capital, is poised to double in size by 2040, necessitating a forward-thinking approach to urban planning. Unlike the vertical growth seen in other Gulf cities, Muscat’s development strategy focuses on maintaining its traditional charm and human scale. The comprehensive development plan emphasizes low-rise structures, typically five to six stories, with designated areas allowing buildings up to 25 stories. This approach ensures that the city’s mountainous skyline and traditional architecture remain largely unaltered.
A significant feature of Muscat’s plan is a 55-kilometer light rapid transit system designed to alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility. This network will connect major residential, commercial, and industrial zones, providing an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to car-dependent commuting. Additionally, the plan prioritizes green spaces, waterfront developments, and heritage conservation, reinforcing Muscat’s identity as a city that values its past while embracing the future.
Duqm: A Strategic Economic Hub
Oman’s urban development strategy extends beyond its capital, with a significant focus on transforming Duqm into a major economic and industrial center. Strategically located along the Arabian Sea, Duqm is envisioned as a gateway for international trade and investment. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) spans over 2,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest economic zones in the Middle East.
Key projects within SEZAD include the Duqm Refinery, the Duqm Fishing Port, and a state-of-the-art dry dock facility. The refinery is expected to process over 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day, significantly enhancing Oman’s refining capacity. Meanwhile, the fishing port, the largest in Oman, aims to bolster the fisheries sector by providing modern processing and storage facilities. These developments are part of a broader strategy to diversify Oman’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil, and create job opportunities for its young and growing population.
Batinah Expressway: Enhancing Connectivity
Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of Oman’s urban strategy. The Batinah Expressway, inaugurated in 2018, is a key example of this commitment. Spanning 256 kilometers, this eight-lane highway connects Muscat to the UAE border, facilitating trade, tourism, and economic integration with neighboring states.
Designed with numerous bridges, tunnels, and technical structures, the expressway overcomes significant geographical challenges, ensuring seamless connectivity across the northern part of the country. Its construction not only improves domestic and international trade routes but also supports the broader goal of decentralizing urban growth by enhancing accessibility to emerging cities and industrial zones along the coast.
Learning from Past Ventures: The Blue City Experience
Oman’s current urban strategy is informed by past experiences, notably the Blue City project. Launched in the mid-2000s, the Blue City was envisioned as a $20 billion waterfront metropolis, featuring luxury residences, golf courses, and marinas. However, financial challenges, combined with insufficient demand, led to the project’s eventual discontinuation.
The lessons learned from the Blue City’s failure have been instrumental in shaping Oman’s more measured and sustainable urban policies today. By focusing on projects with clear economic and social benefits, Oman is avoiding the pitfalls of speculative development and ensuring that new cities and communities are both viable and aligned with long-term national goals.
Environmental Sustainability at the Core
Oman’s urban vision places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. From green building codes to renewable energy initiatives, the government is actively pursuing policies that minimize environmental impact. For instance, new developments are required to incorporate energy-efficient technologies, waste recycling systems, and water conservation measures. Solar power, in particular, is being promoted through initiatives like the Ibri Solar Project, which aims to generate hundreds of megawatts of clean energy, reducing the carbon footprint of urban areas.
Additionally, Oman is committed to protecting its extensive coastline and biodiversity. Urban projects are subject to stringent environmental impact assessments to prevent habitat destruction and coastal erosion. This balanced approach underscores Oman’s recognition that long-term urban prosperity depends on a healthy and sustainable environment.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Urbanization
Oman’s urban development strategy represents a thoughtful departure from the rapid, high-density urbanization seen elsewhere in the Gulf. By prioritizing sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic diversification, Oman is crafting an urban future that reflects its unique identity and values. The emphasis on low to mid-rise developments, smart city technologies, and sustainable infrastructure ensures that growth does not come at the expense of heritage and environmental integrity.
This balanced approach not only enhances the quality of life for its citizens but also positions the nation as a distinctive model of development in the region. As Oman progresses towards Vision 2040, its commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally resonant urban landscape offers valuable insights for other nations navigating the challenges of rapid urbanization.
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