Duqm – Al Wusta is pushing forward with more than 140 development projects across its wilayats targeting infrastructure improvement, environmental initiatives and economic growth.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Muslim al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, has stated that these projects are part of the 10th Five-Year plan and have investments exceeding RO25mn. These include completed initiatives, ongoing developments and future projects.

Of the total, 59 projects have been completed at a cost of around RO4mn, while 37 projects of estimated value RO9.9mn are underway.  An additional 44 projects, projected to cost RO11.6mn, are scheduled in the near future.

Key infrastructure developments include six service sites along critical roadways – four on the Al Zamaim-Al Ghaftain route and two connecting the wilayats of Mahout and Duqm. Haima is also seeing major projects, including the Knowledge Park featuring interactive heritage displays, an exhibition square and green spaces.

To enhance transport infrastructure, a new bus station has been designed with a range of amenities, including office spaces, cafes, restaurants, a three-star hotel, a business centre, prayer rooms, children’s play areas and a landscaped walkway. Parks and recreational spaces are also being developed in Al Ajaiz and Abu Mudhabi, including a hexagonal playground with facilities for public use.

Further, Sheikh Kathiri has highlighted specific projects in Mahout, including the Mahout Public Park, the Shanna waterfront and a health walkway. Plans are also underway for a commercial area in Al Juba. In Duqm, projects include the Dhahr waterfront development, residential area improvements and a community garden with a playground. Ras Madrakah is set to benefit from a waterfront project, commercial upgrades and new beach facilities.

Environmental initiatives include a blue carbon project aimed at establishing artificial lakes for mangrove cultivation. It will involve reclaiming 20,000 hectares to plant over 100mn mangrove trees. This initiative with an investment of RO38.5mn is expected to create new wetlands and contribute to regional environmental sustainability.

Al Wusta is also focusing on the fisheries sector, which contributes 37% to the governorate’s GDP. Fisheries projects have attracted a total investment of RO611.5mn, including a shrimp farm in Al Jazar valued at RO462mn, which is expected to produce up to 220,000 tonnes annually.

Additional investments inclu-de RO105mn for fish and food industry developments, RO102mn for fishing ports in Duqm, Mahout and Al Jazar, and RO4mn for fish markets and fishing village improvements in Duqm and Al Jazar.