Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision for developing the governorates represents a transformative step towards sustainable economic and social progress.

Focusing on decentralisation, His Majesty the Sultan’s 2023 Royal speech underscored the importance of empowering local communities to play a central role in the nation’s development. Introduction of the System of Governorates and the Law of Municipal Councils is a reflection of this vision, ensuring that governorates have the autonomy to effectively manage resources and contribute to the sultanate’s overall growth.

Royal Decree No 36/2022, which established the Governorates System, stresses on decentralisation, granting governorates both administrative and financial independence. This enables them to attract investment and manage local affairs, fostering regional development.

In line with Oman Vision 2040, the government increased financial allocations for the Governorates Development Programme from RO10mn to RO20mn per governorate. Key projects, including development of seafronts, internal roads, public parks and landmark initiatives like Ibri View and Grand Canyon, illustrate a commitment to leverage local resources for national growth.

According to Mohammed Saif al Amri, Director General of Governorate Affairs, these efforts align with national strategies, streamlining governance and enhancing competitiveness.

To ensure success of these initiatives, development progress is regularly monitored through opinion polls, annual reports on service satisfaction, and performance indicators linked to Oman Vision 2040.

Educational and training programmes, such as the National Initiative for Development of Local Administration, aim to enhance local skills, providing governors, walis and municipal councils with the tools to drive change. These efforts are complemented by participation in regional and international conferences, as well as workshops by government and private sector entities.

Sheikh Said Rashid al Qatabi, Director General of Social Sectors in Ministry of Economy, explained that through Vision 2040, Oman is increasing focus on governorates to encourage their involvement in economic development. “Royal Decree No 38/2022 defines the role of municipal councils, empowering these to propose strategies for investing governorate resources for sustainable development and job opportunities.”

His Majesty the Sultan’s continued commitment to decentralisation, as stated in his 2023 speech, emphasises gradual progression, ongoing evaluation and expansion of this policy across various sectors. “The goal is to increase local participation in the development process and ensure that each governorate contributes meaningfully to the country’s economic and social transformation.”

Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is also working towards a modern, integrated lifestyle across all governorates, not just Muscat. With projects like Sultan Haitham City and other planned smart cities, the ministry aims to improve infrastructure and public services, creating economic opportunities and addressing climate change challenges. These smart cities will meet citizens’ needs for sustainable housing and enhance their quality of life. The high demand for residential units in these new developments underscores their success in empowering citizens and improving well-being.

Vision 2040’s priority of developing governorates and sustainable cities aims for comprehensive and balanced growth across all governorates, reinforcing the need for integration between the centre and local governments. The focus is on maximising the use of natural and human resources, attracting investment, generating job opportunities and improving public services.