Muscat – Al Khuwair Downtown, a major urban regeneration project led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, has become the first project in the Middle East to join the Global Business Districts (GBD) Innovation Club.

The club is a professional network of leading business districts worldwide. Its members include Paris-La Défense, Chicago Loop Alliance, Waterfront BIA Toronto and Liverpool BID.

The ministry said the membership reflects efforts to position Muscat as a competitive urban centre through long-term planning and infrastructure development. The Al Khuwair project is part of this strategy, aimed at supporting economic diversification, improving connectivity and enhancing service efficiency.

Located in central Muscat, the site connects the residential hub, the coastline and key national infrastructure. According to the GBD Innovation Club, the area offers an opportunity to introduce higher density, expand commercial and civic activity, and improve public access to the waterfront within a central district that remains underdeveloped.

The masterplan proposes a skyline defined by towers and a waterfront canal intended to shape the district’s layout and identity. The scale and density are designed to establish a new focal point within Muscat’s urban fabric.

Al Khuwair Downtown is a key component of the Greater Muscat Structural Plan. The plan promotes compact, mixed-use development with emphasis on walkability and public space. It also seeks to reduce car dependency and improve metropolitan accessibility.

Authorities state that the project is structured to evolve in phases, providing clarity for investors while aligning with Oman’s long-term development objectives.

In a statement, GBD Innovation Club said, ‘On behalf of the chairwoman and all members, we welcome Al Khuwair Downtown to the club. Its positioning in urban regeneration, public leadership and large-scale development brings a relevant contribution to the club’s discussions. We look forward to addressing practical challenges together and sharing experience across projects.’