Muscat is witnessing a transformative period with the rapid development of Sultan Haitham City, a project poised to redefine urban living in Oman. Recent announcements detail significant progress in infrastructure implementation and the issuance of new construction tenders, signaling a major acceleration in the city’s development. This ambitious project isn’t just about building structures; it’s about creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community for generations to come. The latest developments focus on enhancing public spaces and providing specialized care facilities, solidifying the city’s commitment to a high quality of life for all residents.
Accelerated Infrastructure Development in Sultan Haitham City
The pace of construction within Sultan Haitham City is gaining momentum, with the recent launch of three new tenders under Package Nine. These tenders cover crucial aspects of the city’s aesthetic appeal and social infrastructure. They encompass streetscaping and landscaping for major roadways, the construction of a sprawling Central Park and Wadi, and the development of a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Complex for Persons with Disabilities. This follows the successful awarding of eight prior infrastructure packages, representing a total investment of OMR205 million, and ongoing work across residential areas and essential city facilities.
Package Nine: Enhancing the Urban Landscape
Package (9-A) will focus on beautifying the city’s main arteries through comprehensive streetscaping and aesthetic landscaping. This includes extensive afforestation, high-quality pavement treatments, decorative elements, and thoughtfully designed urban facades. The goal is to create visually appealing and welcoming thoroughfares that enhance the overall urban experience.
Meanwhile, Package (9-B) centers on the creation of the Central Park and Wadi, a 1.64 million square meter green space designed to be the heart of the city. This expansive park will feature a network of pedestrian paths, bridges, dedicated event zones, captivating water features, and expansive natural areas. It’s envisioned as a central hub for daily life, recreation, and community engagement, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
A Commitment to Inclusivity: The Rehabilitation Complex
A key component of the new tenders is the construction of the Rehabilitation Complex for Persons with Disabilities, a project undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development. This complex represents a national model for comprehensive care and rehabilitation, offering five specialized tracks within a single, accessible facility capable of serving 360 individuals.
The complex will boast specialized facilities, including adaptable therapeutic spaces, sensory environments tailored for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dedicated physical therapy and motor rehabilitation zones, vocational training halls, and therapeutic gardens. Furthermore, it will include community facilities – a gymnasium and a theater – accessible to the public after working hours, promoting integration and inclusivity. The center will span over 10,000 square meters of land, with a total built-up area of 16,000 square meters.
Vision for a Human-Centric City
Eng. Amal Al Zaidi, Urban Planner and Landscape Engineer at the Executive Office for Future Cities Projects, emphasized that Sultan Haitham City is fundamentally designed to be inclusive. “Public spaces are a fundamental pillar in building a balanced city that serves various segments of society,” she stated, highlighting the Central Park and Wadi as the “vital heart” of this vision. The park’s design prioritizes connectivity, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike through a network of paths, recreation areas, and activity facilities. This focus on connectivity aims to improve quality of life, promote public health, and foster social interaction within a truly human-centric urban model.
Eng. Ma’ather Al Nabhani, Urban Planner and Architectural Designer, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the rehabilitation center is designed to consolidate essential services – early intervention, autism rehabilitation, mental and physical disability care, and vocational training – within a supportive and accessible environment. The center’s flexible spaces are intended to enhance social integration, with facilities open to the community after hours. This collaborative effort with the Ministry of Social Development ensures sustainable operations, integrated roles, and high-quality services aligned with national goals for social inclusion and support for persons with disabilities. The project demonstrates Oman’s commitment to urban development that prioritizes the needs of all citizens.
Progress Across Multiple Infrastructure Packages
The development of Sultan Haitham City isn’t limited to the newly issued tenders. Significant progress is being made across multiple infrastructure packages simultaneously. Phase One of Package One, involving land levelling and preparation, is now 100% complete. Bridge and road works in Package Two are 70.7% complete, while roads in Package Four are currently at 37% completion. The Experience and Sales Centre in Package Three is nearing completion at 99.2%, and infrastructure service networks in Package Five are 33.1% complete.
Additionally, the energy sector is advancing, with the construction of three 33/11 kV power stations in Package Six exceeding 91.1% completion. In the wastewater sector, the main line for Phase One in Package Seven is 51.6% complete, and construction has commenced on the wastewater treatment plant in Package Thirteen, currently at 5% completion. This comprehensive and coordinated approach to infrastructure projects ensures the city’s sustainable and efficient operation.
The ongoing development of Sultan Haitham City represents a significant investment in Oman’s future. With its focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and quality of life, the city is poised to become a model for modern urban living in the region. Stay updated on the latest developments and explore opportunities to be a part of this exciting transformation by visiting the official project website or contacting the Executive Office for Future Cities Projects. This ambitious Muscat city project is truly shaping the future of Oman.
