Muscat – As part of ongoing efforts to further develop the capital, Muscat governorate is planning a landscaping project along Sultan Qaboos Street aimed at improving the urban landscape and enhancing environmental sustainability.

In a statement, Muscat Governor’s Office said the project seeks to reorganise landscaping along Sultan Qaboos Street in a manner that suits the nature of the road and meets traffic safety requirements, while also improving the aesthetic appearance of one of the most important arterial roads in the governorate.

The statement noted that unsuitable landscaping can sometimes obstruct drivers’ visibility and create potential traffic hazards, in addition to hampering efficiency in usage of resources.

The project includes the removal of some existing date palms and replacement of these with alternative tree species selected for their suitability to the road environment in terms of safety, sustainability and efficient use of resources. The initiative also aims to provide better shade for road users and enhance the overall visual appeal along the road.

According to the statement, the project will extend along approximately 14km on each side of the road, with a landscaping strip of about 5m in width. It involves the removal of around 1,300 palm trees and planting approximately 1,500 new trees selected to suit the location and local environmental conditions.

The Governor’s Office added that the selection of tree species will be based on technical criteria to balance aesthetic, environmental and traffic safety considerations. The new trees are expected to provide more shade, withstand local climatic conditions such as heat, drought and salinity, and contribute to improving environmental sustainability.

The Governor’s Office also invited members of the public to share their views on the most suitable types of trees to be planted for the project, in a step aimed at encouraging community participation in shaping the urban landscape of the capital.