The Urban October Conference and Home & Building Expo in Muscat began on Monday with a strong presence of international investors and consultants in urban planning and real estate development. The 3-day event was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Taimour Asa’ad Al Said, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman. During the conference, several partnership and cooperation agreements were signed, including those for the development of Sultan Haitham City. These agreements have a total investment value exceeding OMR70 million and involve the construction of essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, sewage, irrigation, and more.
One of the major agreements signed during the conference was for the fifth package to establish networks for electricity, water, sewage, irrigation, broadband, telecommunications, and district cooling services in Sultan Haitham City. The investment value of this agreement is over OMR82.7 million, and it is set to be completed within 24 months by Towell Infrastructure Company. Additionally, agreements were signed for the construction of main roads, tunnels, and culverts as part of the fourth package of the city, with an investment value of OMR63.2 million, awarded to Sarooj Construction Company.
Furthermore, the conference saw agreements being signed for the construction of transformer stations, integrated service stations, and the allocation of land for the Security and Safety Services Foundation in Sultan Haitham City. A memorandum of understanding was also signed to develop the technological framework for smart cities within the city. HH Sayyid Taimour Asa’ad Al Said inaugurated new neighbourhoods in the city, including Al-Nuha Neighbourhood and Yanayer Neighbourhood, with investments exceeding OMR13.4 million and OMR38.7 million respectively.
The conference focuses on six main themes, featuring over 40 papers presented by local and international experts in urban planning. It includes discussions on engaging youth in planning and the role of recreational spaces in cities. An exhibition held alongside the conference showcases models of future projects, including Sultan Haitham City and the Khuwair Downtown project. The Home and Building Exhibition features 190 exhibitors from 13 countries, presenting innovative products and services in building acquisition, construction, design, decoration, and renovation.
As part of the ministry’s digital transformation efforts, 23 electronic services in the urban planning sector were launched at the conference on the “Amalak” platform. These services aim to facilitate the provision of digital services for beneficiaries, including subdivision, separation, and extension services. The conference aims to highlight successful global experiences in urban planning and provide a platform for local and international experts to share their knowledge and insights in the field.
