A significant development plan is currently underway in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, specifically in Nizwa, to attract both local and foreign tourists. The goal is to welcome nearly a million tourists annually once the various projects are completed. The completion rate of development projects in the Governorate has already reached almost 66 percent by the end of May 2024. Many of these projects, which fall under the Governorate Development Programme, are expected to be finished within the first half of the current year and will soon become popular tourist destinations. These projects are not only aimed at enhancing the aesthetic value of the region but also at serving the local community and visitors.
Sheikh Hilal bin Said bin Hamdan Al Hajri, the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, recently announced that the completion rate of the entrance to the wilayat of Nizwa has reached 85 percent, with the basic infrastructure of the project already in place. This work includes the construction from the Firq Bridge to the traffic lights intersection leading to the city centre, covering a distance of 1.5 km. Furthermore, both sides of the public road are being developed through green areas spanning over 23,000 square metres. One of the upcoming projects, the Nizwa Park project, is set to begin next month on an area of 150,000 square metres. This project will include a recreational park and a site designed for family members, offering investment opportunities and new horizons for small and medium enterprises.
The Interior Boulevard is another significant project that is expected to be implemented soon after receiving financial approval from the Tender Board. The project, with an estimated cost of OMR7 million, is set to be a crucial entertainment, cultural, and service destination in the region. The private sector is expected to contribute OMR1.5 million towards the project, which is an extension of the plan to develop the Nizwa Gate. It will cover an area of 145,000 square metres and will feature various amenities such as sports facilities, open theatres, restaurants, and sites for productive families and small and medium enterprises. The project aims to attract around 944,000 tourists and visitors annually and create permanent and temporary job opportunities.
Additionally, a project for an integrated station for public transport buses and taxis in Nizwa is being developed in collaboration with the Omani Transport Company (Mwasalat) and private sector investors. The station will cover an area of 11,412 square metres and will include a commercial market, a passenger waiting station, and shaded public parking. Another crucial project, the Samail General Hospital, is currently in progress, with the implementing company already commencing work. The hospital is expected to become a reliable reference hospital and will collaborate with Nizwa and Bahla hospitals to serve the states of Samail, Izki, and Bidbid.
Overall, the development plan in Nizwa and Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is focused on transforming the region into a top tourist destination by enhancing infrastructure, creating new attractions, and improving services for both locals and visitors. With various projects underway, the area is poised to welcome a significant influx of tourists, thereby boosting the tourism sector and creating job opportunities. By investing in these projects and collaborating with the private sector, the Governorate is taking strategic steps to position itself as a key player in Oman’s tourism industry.
