Muscat – In a move to attract investment, enhance urban living and provide recreational opportunities, North Sharqiyah has unveiled preliminary designs for the redevelopment of several of its historic neighbourhoods (harats).

The initiative, which seeks to strike a balance between modernisation and heritage preservation, aims to transform old harats into vibrant community spaces that cater to the needs of residents while attracting visitors and investors.

According to a governorate official, the designs were submitted by young Omani talents and cover key heritage clusters including Harat al Uqair and Al Sawafah in Sinaw, Harat al Masila in Mudhaibi and Harat al Qanater in Ibra.

“The project will be implemented in collaboration with government agencies and local communities to ensure that the redevelopment reflects the aspirations of residents,” the official said. “It is expected to not only modernise infrastructure, but also add recreational facilities, cultural spaces and improved public services.”

The official further noted that the involvement of Omani youth in shaping the designs underscores the role of innovation in urban planning. “This urban renewal project represents a new chapter for these neighbourhoods – one that blends tradition with forward-looking development.”

Work on the renewal initiative is slated to begin in the coming months, marking a major step towards sustainable, community-driven development in North Sharqiyah.