Oman is working to transform the Musandam governorate from a strategically significant area overlooking the Strait of Hormuz into a dynamic economic hub. A series of development projects aim to drive economic growth and enhance the region’s role in the country’s future.
Musandam Governor Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed al-Busaidi told The Arab Weekly that these initiatives are part of a broader national economic strategy. Given Musandam’s appeal to investors, the government is prioritizing infrastructure development to support key sectors such as renewable energy, electricity, and water.
The vision for Musandam’s development spans multiple sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, services, fishing, energy, and environmental sustainability, alongside improvements in healthcare and education.
This week, the governor outlined a strategic roadmap for the governorate, highlighting projects designed to position Musandam as a prime destination for investment and tourism.
Key initiatives include the expansion of Khasab Port into an integrated logistics and tourism hub and the Musandam Airport project, aimed at enhancing connectivity within Oman and internationally.
Infrastructure projects are also advancing, including the completion of the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road to link the governorate’s provinces and the construction of the Ras Al Amoud Resort in Khasab, a $13 million luxury tourism development.
To enhance transportation and logistics, the government has allocated over $104 million for the development of the fishing port in Dibba and the Khasab-Lima-Dibba road, a vital project expected to unlock new opportunities for urban, economic, and commercial expansion while boosting tourism.
The fisheries sector, a key economic pillar for local communities, is receiving significant investment. A new fish market in Khasab is being constructed at a cost of $7.82 million, while a $26 million fish-farming project in Al-Harf is set to produce 10,000 tonnes of fish annually.
Education and healthcare are also seeing advancements, with a new branch of the University of Technology and Science offering specialized programs and upgrades to Khasab Hospital and regional pharmacy services.
Cultural and heritage projects include the Musandam Winter Festival and the restoration of historic castles in Khasab and Bukha. Meanwhile, construction is underway on the $7.56 million Dibba Archaeological Centre, set to showcase the region’s historical significance upon completion by midyear.
(Source: The Arab Weekly)
