Muscat — Expanding the road network alone will not resolve traffic congestion in Muscat Governorate, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, has said, highlighting that travel behaviour, rather than infrastructure capacity, is the primary cause.

In an interview, Humaidi noted that 87% of vehicles in Muscat carry a single occupant, whether for commuting or family visits. “Many families now travel in multiple vehicles even when heading to the same destination, further intensifying congestion,” he added.

“More roads inevitably mean more cars,” he said, pointing out that global experience shows road expansion alone does not guarantee long-term traffic flow unless individual travel patterns are addressed. He also highlighted that Muscat’s expressway network is based on studies conducted more than 20 years ago, underlining the need for updated traffic planning to match urban growth and rising population density.

Humaidi stressed that sustainable solutions include strengthening public transport, promoting carpooling, and improving connectivity between residential areas and business districts. “Adopting a culture of public transport use would reduce pressure on roads and provide practical alternatives,” he said.

He also cited flexible working hours and remote work as measures that can ease congestion. “In the municipality, some departments already have 50% of their staff working remotely, and the results have been very positive,” he noted.

Regarding ongoing infrastructure projects, Humaidi confirmed that several tenders for new roads and road widening have been awarded across Muscat. “These include the dual carriageway linking Al Nuzha Street to Muscat Expressway in Seeb. The 11km road features dual lanes, a 3.5km service road, six signalised intersections, and a 2.5km drainage canal. We have also completed the road leading to the Oman Botanic Garden in Al Khoud, and recently signed an agreement to build the Al Mouj Road project.”

Humaidi stated that the municipality is currently implementing one of its largest infrastructure projects — the dualization of the Al Ansab–Jefnain Road — with nearly 70% of the work already completed. He also revealed that all traffic signals in Muscat are being upgraded to artificial intelligence systems to help reduce congestion at intersections.

Humaidi concluded that the future of mobility in Muscat depends on integrated solutions combining smart urban planning with efficient and sustainable transport systems, rather than solely on expanding the road network.

He also discussed Muscat Nights, an initiative that attracted around two million visitors last year and created hundreds of job opportunities. “This year, Muscat Nights will be held across eight locations, with the wilayat of Quriyat included for the first time, featuring events along its coastline,” he said.