Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has announced significant progress on the Salalah Master Plan, a large-scale initiative designed to harness the economic, environmental, and social potential of the Dhofar region. Covering an expansive 427 million square metres between Salalah and the wilayat of Taqah, the plan aims to accommodate over 480,000 residents, marking a major milestone in the region’s urban development.
Sultan bin Hamad Al Ghafri, Director General of Housing and Urban Planning in Dhofar, confirmed the successful completion of the project’s first two phases, which involved extensive data collection and analysis. Work has now commenced on developing the general structural plan and detailed regional plans.
“The Salalah Master Plan is founded on three key principles: integrated coordination among government sectors, active community involvement to meet local needs, and robust public-private partnerships to secure sustainable funding and implementation,” Al Ghafri explained.
At the heart of the master plan is the proposed ‘Future City,’ a 7-square-kilometre urban development designed to house approximately 60,000 residents across 12,000 housing units. This modern city will emphasize sustainability and urban innovation.
Key highlights of the Future City include over 2.5 million square metres of green spaces and parks, cultural and community hubs, a vibrant seafront, and cutting-edge technologies integrated into eco-friendly construction.
The Salalah Master Plan represents a collaborative effort between government bodies, private investors, and local communities. By involving all stakeholders, the initiative seeks to address the specific challenges of the Dhofar region while serving as a model for sustainable urban development.
The Ministry stressed the crucial role of public-private partnerships in securing funding and ensuring the project’s long-term viability. Community feedback will also play an essential role in shaping the master plan to align with the aspirations of the region’s residents.
