Sorouh residential project work in full swing
Muscat: Eighteen projects of the Sorouh Integrated Neighbourhoods and Housing Schemes Initiative have made significant progress in different governorates with some of them nearing completion of the first phase and ready to deliver housing units. The total investment value of the project exceeds RO 600 million covering a vast area of over 6 million square metres.
Habiba al Amri, Project Engineer at the Sorouh Initiative, said that construction and infrastructure work on the integrated residential neighbourhoods is in full swing across various governorates. 'Among the most prominent projects currently witnessing remarkable progress is the Al Azm neighbourhood in Al Rustaq, where 100 per cent of the units offered have been sold with approximately 40 per cent of the construction work completed in the first phase and the delivery is scheduled for June 2026. Construction work is also proceeding at a rapid pace in the Al Samou neighbourhood in Al Mudhaibi, which has also recorded full sales. The first phase is almost 20 per cent complete with delivery scheduled for December 2026.'
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning confirmed that the projects are not limited to their urban aspect alone, but also involve effective employment of national cadres with more than 360 Omanis working on the implementation of Sorouh projects. In addition, more than 145 small and medium enterprises have benefited from supply and contracting opportunities in 18 projects. In this regard, Sorouh represents a significant economic and social driver in the governorates, boosting local economy, providing job opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs. The ministry announced that the first phase of Sorouh involves18 projects on a total area of over 6 million square metres with an investment value exceeding RO 600 million benefiting more than 10,000 families.
The ministry as signed 44 cooperation agreements to implement infrastructure works in several integrated residential neighbourhoods under the Sorouh initiative. These agreements cover 15 integrated Sorouh projects in different governorates including those of Al Ula, Al Ezz, Al Masarat, Al Shurooq, Al Naseem, Al Nama, Al Salam, Al Azm, Al Samou, Al Noor, Al Luban, Al Majd, Al Ahd, Hisn Al Zain and Tilal Al Nakhil.
Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of Al Batinah North, said: 'The governorate attaches great importance to the integrated residential neighbourhood projects implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning across the governorates. Among these projects are Al Ezz neighbourhood in the Wilayat of Liwa and Al Majd neighbourhood in the Wilayat of Suhar which embody a modern vision for providing integrated residential environments. The availability of services and integrated infrastructure meet citizens' aspirations and keep pace with the rapid urban expansion in the governorate.'
Najeeb bin Ali al Rawas, Governor of Al Dhahirah, said: 'Focusing on development and real estate projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate is a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development, given their pivotal impact in enhancing economic and social stability and providing modern urban environments that meet citizens' needs and aspirations. The real estate development projects within the Sorouh initiative are not limited to urban development but also spur economic activity, attract investment and strengthen public-private partnerships. This contributes to generating job opportunities and empowering local communities in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
Mahas Industrial City investments surpass RO 41 million
KHASAB: Total investments in Mahas Industrial City in Musandam Governorate have exceeded RO 41.7 million by the end of 2024, according to the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). The city, located in the Wilayat of Khasab, spans an area of 1.5 million square metres and has seen the completion of key infrastructure works, including a 7-kilometre road network, sidewalks, solar-powered street lighting, water and sewage networks, a water tank, a sewage treatment plant, a guard gate, and a protective channel for the main valley. Mubarak bin Salem al Ghailani, Acting Director General of Mahas Industrial City, reported that eight new projects were approved in 2024 with investments exceeding RO 2.5 million, covering more than 49,900 square metres. The city now has a total leased area of 229,600 square metres and employs around 320 people. In 2024, three building permits were issued, along with several map approvals and work permits, all in line with Madayn's regulatory framework. Eight land surveying requests were also processed. Al Ghailani also noted that construction is ongoing for the Madayn Pioneer Complex, which is intended to support startups and SMEs. Spread over 10,000 square metres, the complex will feature 10 ready-built, expandable factories, external parking, and full support facilities. Mahas Industrial City aims to attract investments in food security, logistics, and light to medium industries. Its strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz and proximity to Khasab Port, Khasab Airport, and regional markets such as the UAE and Iran offer logistical advantages for investors. — ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Break bureaucratic barriers for a smarter future
In recent months, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has led a notable wave of political and economic engagement, marked by official state visits to countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia and Algeria. These visits aim to bolster Oman's strategic, political and economic interests. They also reflect a broader ambition to expand Oman's horizons, foster dynamic trade relations with the global community, attract foreign investment, and project Oman as a model in the region and beyond. Alongside these diplomatic initiatives, Oman's soft power has been on full display. It played a vital role in hosting nuclear talks between the US and Iran — before they were undermined by Israeli actions — and in facilitating the halt of Ansar Allah attacks on maritime traffic in the Bab al Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. These accomplishments reinforce Oman's balanced approach to regional instability and global conflict. They also have profound implications for global trade and security. Guided by His Majesty's forward-looking vision, there is an urgent need to translate this high-level economic philosophy into dynamic domestic momentum. This requires a flexible economy that can keep pace with global changes — whether in economic diversification, clean energy transition, attracting technological investment, or elevating the efficiency of public administration to meet these aspirations and generate meaningful job opportunities for Omanis. At the macro level, the national direction appears bold and clear. However, at the micro level, there is often a lack of alignment. Some units within the public service apparatus appear insufficiently responsive or engaged in delivering the agility required for today's dynamic economic landscape. This is particularly evident in sectors such as commerce, electronic governance, workforce nationalisation, and employment. Take agriculture and industry, for example. Business owners frequently raise concerns over high electricity tariffs and the contradictory requirements imposed by various service agencies. Many departments appear to focus on procedural minutiae at the expense of seeing the broader national objective — facilitating business activity, attracting investors, and, most importantly, empowering citizens to thrive in enterprise through enabling legislation and swift responsiveness. This lack of coherence partly explains the establishment of the 'Tajawob' platform, initiated by His Majesty to improve government responsiveness to public concerns. It also reflects the reality behind overcrowded service centres and complaints desks. If government units were already proactive and solutions-oriented, such measures might not have been necessary. Unfortunately, delays and complications remain common, especially in food security and industrial projects. A prime example is how some investors receive land through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP), only to be overwhelmed later by excessive conditions, fees, and delays from other agencies. The 'Invest in Oman' portal may boast about streamlined services, but the ground reality often tells a different story. In twenty-first-century Oman, we must move beyond entrenched bureaucracy in some service units and adopt a culture of proactive problem-solving. Our government strategy should reflect the same drive and energy at both the leadership and implementation levels, ensuring that the public and business communities feel the impact of policy reforms through tangible, everyday improvements. We must adopt a fully integrated, transparent, and user-friendly digital government system with minimal fees, making Oman a competitive destination for global investment. This, in turn, will help generate more jobs for young Omanis. There are successful global models to draw upon — Estonia, for example, with its digital ID system that allows citizens to vote, sign documents, pay taxes, and access nearly all government services online. Over 99 per cent of Estonia's government services are available around the clock. The concept of 'e-residency' even allows anyone in the world to register and run a company in Estonia remotely. Their paperless government eliminates outdated issues like unreliable staff attitudes, broken systems and absentee managers. By adopting such innovations, Oman can eliminate unnecessary delays and align its administrative practices with its bold economic vision — turning ambition into opportunity for its people and securing its place on the global economic map. The original version of this article was published in Arabic in Oman Arabic on June 15. Translated by Badr al Dhafri
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Freehold ownership to drive SEZ investment
MUSCAT, JUNE 18 The opportunity for foreigners to own residential property on a freehold basis in Oman's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Free Zones is expected to significantly enhance the investment appeal of the Sultanate's expanding portfolio of industrial and economic hubs. This provision is a key feature of the Law of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, promulgated under Royal Decree 38/2025 on April 7, 2025, and effective from April 14, 2025. Article 42 of the law, titled Land Allocation and Freehold Sale of Units, states: 'A real estate developer may sell the units of these projects to non-Omanis—whether they are natural or legal persons—as freehold, in the manner specified by the regulation.' An explanatory note published by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) clarifies that land for real estate development projects within SEZs is allocated through usufruct rights. However, under the new law, developers may sell residential units within these projects to non-Omanis on a freehold basis. 'It permits real estate developers to sell project units to non-Omanis under the freehold system, a legal framework that allows buyers to fully and permanently own property without restrictions on the ownership period. In other words, individuals possess absolute ownership of the property and may dispose of it in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Authority,' OPAZ stated. 'This type of ownership presents an attractive option for investors and buyers seeking long-term stability and permanent property ownership,' the Authority emphasized. Until now, freehold property ownership for foreigners was limited to Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs)—zones designated by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. As of mid-2023, around 19 ITCs were operational or under development across Oman, offering thousands of residential units for foreign investment. In March 2025, the Ministry announced that 13 additional ITCs are under development, with a further 12 in the pipeline, as part of efforts to strengthen investment in Oman's growing tourism sector. With the extension of freehold ownership rights to SEZs and Free Zones, Oman is poised for a surge in foreign investment in residential real estate, particularly in high-growth industrial and logistics hubs. OPAZ currently manages an extensive portfolio of 23 investment zones, comprising SEZs, free zones, industrial cities, economic cities, an airport free zone, and a dedicated IT park. Several more developments are in early planning or construction stages, aligning with Oman's national drive for economic diversification, industrial resilience, job creation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. As of end-2024, the total volume of investments in OPAZ-managed assets rose by 10% to approximately RO 21 billion. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) accounted for RO 6.3 billion, while free zones collectively attracted RO 6.6 billion. Meanwhile, industrial cities saw cumulative investments reaching RO 7.6 billion.
