Muscat – In a significant step towards urban transformation, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) has commenced the initial phase of the Sultan Haitham City project, by floating two key tenders. These include enabling preliminary works and construction of housing units.

Speaking at an event focused on future housing projects held in Sultan Qaboos University recently, H E Dr Khalfan bin Saeed al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, elaborated on the upcoming developments in Sultan Haitham City.

He highlighted the city’s future prospects, including establishment of a new university. He emphasised the role of Omani youth in this development, stating, “in two months, we will engage six Omani youth to include their innovative ideas in the university’s construction.”

Phase 1 of the Sultan Haitham City will coincide with development of an extensive road network to serve both the initial and subsequent phases. H E Shuaili confirmed the allocation of 10% of the city’s housing units for families unable to own property, including those with limited income, social security beneficiaries and widows.

“This initiative aims to provide enhanced educational opportunities for their children.”

A key highlight of the meeting was a visual presentation of the structural plan for Greater Muscat. This ambitious plan includes the construction of a metro line, originating from the Sultan Haitham City and extending to Ruwi, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the city.

“The metro will play a vital role in this project for Greater Muscat,” H E Shuaili noted.

The meeting also shed light on a downtown project in Muscat, located in the Ministries District, Al Khuwayr. Spanning an area of 3mn sqm, the project features a marina and a waterfront integrated with breakwaters and a water canal.

Cable car to connect Jabal Akhdar

Additionally, development of a Jabal Akhdar project was discussed, which includes 2,500 residential units, a 5-star hotel, 6km of walkways along the mountain edge, and a variety of shops and cafés.

A significant feature of this project will be a cable car connecting Jabal Akhdar to Wadi Bani Kharous in Rustaq. The project also includes development of Jabal Akhdar Museum, an arena for activities and festivals accommodating 30,000 visitors, and a camping site.

The minister stressed the meeting’s purpose was to acquaint Omani youth with the new housing projects and engaging them in realising the government’s urban development goals.