Muscat – Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) has invited bids for consultancy services to oversee marine infrastructure works at the Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development project, a flagship urban regeneration initiative in the capital.

The tender ‘Consultancy Package – Design Review and Construction Supervision of Marine Infrastructure’ was issued on September 19.

The consultancy package will focus on two key elements – design review and site supervision for the breakwater and related marina infrastructure; and oversight of wider marine works, including coastal protection, reclamation, canal and lock systems, and beach protection measures.

Package 1 relates to design and breakwater works at the marina. This part of the project has a tight completion schedule to avoid disruption to the desalination pipeline intake and meet the operational deadline for the desalination plant. Package 2 encompasses the larger and more complex scope of remaining marine works, with planned completion extending beyond December 2026 due to its size and interface with surrounding infrastructure and demolition works.

The tender is open to first-grade consulting firms specialising in urban engineering, civil engineering, architecture and project management. Tender documents are available till October 3 with bid submission closing on October 8.

The US$1.3bn Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development project, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, spans 3.3mn sqm and includes a marina, waterfront with beaches and sports facilities, a canal walkway, a cultural quarter and a ministry complex. It is a key part of Oman’s National Spatial Strategy and supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

Located near Al Khuwair desalination plant and adjacent to the Ministries District, the development seeks to relieve overcrowding, improve urban infrastructure and enhance quality of life in the capital. The Ministries District will remain intact but will undergo phased remodelling as part of the broader plan.

MHUP said the project is designed to promote sustainable urban growth, upgrade infrastructure services and create well-planned communities, contributing to balanced development across Muscat governorate.