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Transformative projects taking shape: Mawali

22 Jan 2025 Transformative projects taking shape: Mawali By MOHAMMED TAHA

Muscat – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) announced several transformative projects under its 2025 executive plan, aimed at enhancing transport infrastructure, promoting sustainability and advancing digital innovation, on Wednesday.

At a media briefing, H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, confirmed that the Muscat Metro project proposal would soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers. The metro system is expected to alleviate congestion in the capital, offering a modern and efficient alternative to road transport.

Additionally, the minister announced that a tender for the Amerat-Bausher tunnel project, spanning 2.6km, will be floated this year. The project is designed to improve road connectivity and address persistent traffic challenges in the area.

Plans are also underway to introduce water taxis and maritime salvage services. Contracts for these projects are expected to be awarded soon, enhancing Oman’s coastal transport network and connectivity along its coastal cities.

In a significant milestone for sustainable energy, Oman’s first hydrogen refuelling station is set to open at Muscat International Airport later this year, reinforcing the sultanate’s commitment to low-carbon technologies and energy diversification.

H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology

H E Mawali noted that the logistics and communications and information technology (ICT) sectors collectively contributed over RO2bn to Oman’s GDP, accounting for 8% of the total.

Investments in these sectors are expected to rise to RO2.5bn by the end of 2024, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure and advancing economic diversification.

He further informed that nearly RO989mn has been allocated to development projects, with 93% of this directed towards enhancing Oman’s road network.

The minister also announced plans to launch 30 major infrastructure projects in 2025 of a combined value exceeding RO800mn. These projects will cover 700km, focusing on road network improvements, logistical connectivity and tourism infrastructure.

Key projects include dualisation of the Raysut-Mughsail Road, to improve access to southern Oman’s coastal areas, and Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Haima-Thumrait). The latter, spanning 400km, will be executed in partnership with an Omani-Saudi coalition. Other projects include dualisation of the Izki-Nizwa Road and the Al Kamil Wa al Wafi-Jalan Bani Bu Hassan-Jalan Bani Bu Ali Road. Phase 1 of  Rub al Khali Road will also commence, enhancing connectivity in the desert region.

The importance of Omani ports in regional trade was also highlighted, with over 10,000 ships docking at Omani ports and more than 325,000 passengers received. MTCIT plans to implement the Omani Ports Development Strategy (2025-2040), focusing on modernising infrastructure and signing long-term concession agreements for Khasab, Shinas and Dhalkut ports. An electronic ‘Ports Community Platform’ will also be launched to streamline operations and enhance global competitiveness.

Push towards carbon neutrality

MTCIT has made significant progress towards achieving zero carbon neutrality in the transport sector.

By 2024, 25 initiatives and projects in legislation, governance and pilot programmes were introduced. Key efforts include the use of biofuel in public transport, installation of more than 150 electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and registration of over 1,500 EVs. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are currently undergoing trials.

Plans for the future include establishing a unified EV charging platform, replacing government vehicles with EVs, and implementing a green lanes project for hydrogen trucks.

AI and space exploration

H E Mawali informed that public and private investments in artificial intelligence (AI) reached RO60mn by 2024. In 2025, the ministry will launch the first phase of an Omani AI language model, establish an AI studio and roll out a national open data platform. The Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre will also commence operations.

Space exploration is another area of focus this year. The ministry will launch the Space Accelerators Programme, continue developing the Space Engineering Laboratory in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University, and implement the second phase of the National Capacity Building Programme in the Space Sector.

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