Muscat – H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, presided over the unveiling of the Greater Muscat Structural Plan under the slogan ‘Greater Muscat… Timeless Spirit, Boundless Vision’ on Thursday, marking a major step in the sultanate’s long-term urban development strategy.

H H Sayyid Bilarab said in a press statement that the plan reflects a vision to build more efficient, sustainable and interconnected cities that can adapt to change, regulate urban growth, preserve the city’s identity and enhance quality of life.

The plan covers the governorates of Muscat and South Batinah, stretching more than 80km from Muttrah in the east to Barka in the west, with a coastline extending nearly 100km. It seeks to create an integrated urban corridor that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability and quality of life.

Officials said the project reflects the integration of Oman’s heritage with future development ambitions, while providing a unified planning framework that transcends administrative boundaries.

The plan site is characterised by diverse landscapes, including marine and terrestrial reserves, parts of the Al Hajar mountain range, valleys and urban control zones, allowing for development that preserves natural resources while supporting expansion.

The structural plan is built around five strategic pillars. The first pillar, Green Muscat, focuses on expanding parks, green walkways and public open spaces by making use of valleys and beaches. The plan targets the development of four priority parks and aims to increase per capita open space by 9sqm by 2040.

The second pillar, Connected Muscat, centres on an integrated transport network featuring public transport, pedestrian routes and cycling tracks. The strategy aims to ensure 80% of residents live within walking distance of public transport services, increase public transport usage by 20%, and establish a 55km light rail network with seven main stations, in addition to logistics hubs.

Under the Productive Muscat pillar, authorities aim to create 15 economic clusters to strengthen Muscat’s contribution to non-oil GDP to 45% and raise productivity by 44% by 2040.

The fourth pillar, Vibrant Muscat, seeks to enhance liveability through integrated neighbourhoods and active waterfronts. Plans include construction of 313,000 housing units, activation of nine waterfront areas and wider use of renewable energy solutions.

The fifth pillar, Resilient and Safe Muscat, focuses on sustainability and climate resilience. Targets include reducing carbon emissions by 90%, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, strengthening flood protection infrastructure and improving water management systems.

More than 6,000 people and over 90 government and private sector entities contributed to the preparation of the plan through workshops, surveys and consultations.

The initiative stems from the National Spatial Strategy approved by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in March 2021 to guide Oman’s long-term development in line with Vision 2040. The strategy also includes the development of Greater Salalah, Greater Suhar and Greater Nizwa as key growth centres.

Great Muscat Plan targets 

55km light rail network with 7 main stations

15 economic clusters

9 waterfronts

313,000 housing units construction

90% reduction in carbon emissions

80% of residents within walking distance of public transport