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Projects – Arab Urban Development Institute
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Greater Muscat Structure Plan

Muscat, Oman

2022 - Ongoing
Metropolitan AreaStrategyTerritorial/ Regional DevelopmentUrban Governance
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Project Description

Approach Words: Participatory Approach, Strategic Planning, Sustainability

Public Policy Instruments: Communicative, Organization, Planning, Regulatory

The Greater Muscat Structure Plan provides a focused spatial planning development strategy for the 1,360 square kilometer metropolitan region extending from Yiti to Barka by 20401 2. The plan stemmed from the Muscat’s needs to accommodate the population growth, attract the investment to enhance the economy, develop an integrated transport system, raise the quality of services, promote infrastructure and protect the environment3.

The structure plan includes a vision and spatial strategy for the growth of Greater Muscat4. It responds to the Oman National Spatial Strategy (ONSS)i, Oman vision 2040ii, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It seeks to achieve a sustainable and resilient urban development that balances growth with securing prosperity, strengthening urban identity, and protecting Muscat’s unique natural beauty5. The plan aims to make Muscat by 20406:

  • Livable: An integrated city and an interactive and vibrant destination.
  • Productive: A stimulating environment for productivity and economic innovation.
  • Connected: Easy to move around, based on public transportation, and suitable for sports and health activities.
  • Green: Green City, cheerful and humane with its nature and green spaces.
  • Inclusive: Includes everyone and provide the amenities and facilities for all citizen.

Title: Location of Greater Muscat in the Oman National Spatial Strategy 2040.

Source: Click Here

Title: Boundary of Greater Muscat.

Source: Click Here

Title: Greater Muscat Structure Plan.

Source: Click Here

Title: Participatory workshop during the preparation of the plan.

Source: Click Here

To achieve these goals7, the structural plan focused on activating the containment of urban sprawl, activating the role of coasts, historical areas, the knowledge-based economy, and linking valleys and coasts. The plan also contains policies such as8 those that connect jobs with communities and focus on the development of four economic clusters9 10. Each economic cluster is specialized, with dominant sector that aims to diversify the regional economy. These sectors include11 12:

  • Innovation and knowledge in Knowledge Oasis, Sultan Qaboos University and Al Rusayl.
  • Industry and logistics in Khazaen, Ruwi, Misfat and Al Rusayl area.
  • Tourism and Economy are represented by Muscat, Muttrah, Al Khoudh and the airport area.
  • Food Industry in Barka area.

Additionally, different projects across Greater Muscat were introduced to achieve the aforementioned goals. These include the Muscat Resorts Conglomerate, Al Fahal Eco-Village, City Beach, Airport City, Sultan Haitham City, the green suburbs of Al Amerat, and Green Lung in Barka, and the Muscat Metro13 14.

Owner/Developer (Public)

Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning26

Consultant/Designer

F&M Middle East27

Broadway Malyan28

Cundall29

Funder

Government of Oman30

Contractor/Implementer

Muscat Municipality31

Owner/Developer (Public)

Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning26

Contractor/Implementer

Muscat Municipality31

Funder

Government of Oman30

Consultant/Designer

F&M Middle East27

Broadway Malyan28

Cundall29

It’s worth noting that to develop this structural plan a series of workshop were held in the first two phases15 where a workshop was also conducted to present the main conclusions of the data collection stage in the presence of stakeholders in 2022. A final session aimed at defining the opportunities that Greater Muscat presents as well as identifying the challenges associated with planning and development and how to overcome them brought the workshop to a close16. Over the course of a six-month long citywide consultation and engagement program, 7,000 residents and a wide range of stakeholders shared their aspirational ideas and opinions, which were reflected in the emerging concepts and strategies17.

The project is initiated by Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning18 that has specified a structural plan for Greater Muscat proposed by F&M Middle East19, Broadway Malyan and Cundall20 21. The project is funded by Oman’s Government and private sector22 23. The project has been under development since 18 months from March 2022 to the first quarter of 2023 and currently is in the implementation phase24 25.

Project Link, Endnotes and References

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