Opportunities for investment and sustainable development in the Governorate of Muscat
Oman Horizon Bulletin

The Muscat Governorate is now undergoing the execution of several significant development initiatives aimed at enhancing its tourism, economy, and sustainability.
Muscat – These projects are aligned with the Sultanate’s vision of achieving comprehensive, long-term growth. One of the flagship initiatives is the Sultan Haitham City, which, at 14 million square meters, is poised to be Oman’s first fully integrated smart city. The project is expected to be a key driver of economic and investment opportunities while promoting sustainability and innovation.
The development of Muscat extends beyond urban expansion; it includes a strategic focus on the environment, digital transformation, and green spaces. The Governorate is actively increasing the utilisation of tourist sites, improving entertainment areas, and expanding green spaces to ensure that both residents and visitors benefit from a balanced, high-quality lifestyle.
H.E. Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, emphasised the importance of youth empowerment and participation in development efforts, in line with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s vision.
The Governorate’s efforts to develop an innovative and sustainable environment are also reflected in the Sustainable City – Yiti, an integrated tourist destination set in the villages of Yiti and Yinket. This project will blend Oman’s coastal beauty with the surrounding mountains, offering an area of more than 11 million square meters, and will feature luxury developments such as the Trump International Resort as part of the Aida Tourism Project.
Other projects include development of Al Khuwair Downtown, and Tilal Al Irfan Project, which are expected to contribute to changing the urban development scene in the governorate, enhancing its investment and tourism values, in addition to creating new job opportunities and supporting the local economy.
Muscat’s leadership is also focused on youth empowerment, with initiatives designed to nurture young talent and promote entrepreneurial skills. Notable programs include the Oman Planning Hackathon, which encourages young people to devise innovative urban solutions, and the Sports and Beach Games Forum in Bausher, which promotes physical activity and sports development. These efforts are complemented by platforms like the Muscat Dialogue Sessions, an annual event that allows youth to share ideas and engage with leaders on various development issues.
His Excellency highlighted the importance of aligning development projects with the broader Greater Muscat Master Plan, which is a cornerstone of the Oman Vision 2040. This includes the development of key residential and commercial projects such as the Muttrah Development Project and the Sultan Qaboos Port Waterfront, which are expected to provide new housing and improve the city’s urban infrastructure while enhancing its economic appeal.
Moreover, Muscat’s focus on urban development spans various sectors. For instance, the Bausher Sands Development Project and the Najm Identity Development Project are major undertakings to build new recreational spaces, preserve natural landscapes, and create new opportunities for tourism and community engagement.
Infrastructure development remains a key priority for Muscat Governorate. A range of transportation projects are currently underway, such as the expansion of the Muscat Expressway to accommodate more traffic and improve connectivity. Additionally, major roadworks, including the dualization of Halban Street and the expansion of the Al Qurum Street, are designed to enhance traffic flow and make the city more accessible.
Muscat Governorate is also working towards sustainability, with initiatives such as the Green Muscat project to increase the city’s green cover as part of the national goal to plant 10 million trees. The Governorate is also collaborating with the Environment Authority to implement eco-friendly projects, including establishing parks with solar panel-covered parking lots and the design of a sustainable park in cooperation with a German university.
Tourism plays a vital role in the Governorate’s economic strategy. The Governorate is working closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to enhance the visitor experience by developing infrastructure at major tourist sites like the Omani Botanical Garden and the Muttrah Tourist Trail. These projects aim to boost tourism and local heritage while creating new jobs in the sector.
In addition to economic growth, Muscat Governorate is committed to improving the well-being of its residents. His Excellency the Governor noted several ongoing social projects, including the establishment of the Al Wafa Center for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities and the expansion of juvenile correctional facilities. Through these initiatives, Muscat is ensuring that development benefits all segments of society. Until mid-2024, assistance provided by the Social Development Committees in the Governorate reached 3071, with a total amount of RO 767736.
The health and education sectors are also being transformed, with new health complexes, schools, and expansions underway. Projects like the new Al Sahel Health Complex and the ongoing expansion of schools in Al Amerat and Seeb are vital in meeting the needs of a growing population. Additionally, new hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities, including the Minajin Pharmaceutical Industries Factory, are contributing to Muscat’s status as a hub for healthcare innovation.
His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, concluded his speech by saying that the Governorate of Muscat seeks to enhance the fisheries sector by developing the infrastructure of fishing ports through several projects, including the fishing port in the Wilayat of Quriyat and designing and a port in the village of Haramel in the Wilayat of Muscat.
Several sites have been allocated for fish landing in the villages of Fins, Bama and Daghmar in the Wilayat of Quriyat, in addition to the fish landing site in the Al-Sifa area in the Wilayat of Muscat. These are set to facilitate fishing operations, provide new outlets for fishermen, add services for fishermen and visitors to the Ainat port in Darsait, and implement the complementary works project to establish a fish market in Seeb, to meet the needs of the local market for fresh fish.
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