Key Takeaways
- Oman is developing two smart cities to lower carbon emissions, aiming for net zero by 2050.
- The cities will utilize renewable energy, including solar power, and will accommodate a total of 18,000 residents.
- The new ventures are part of Oman’s broader initiative to enhance sustainable living and attract foreign investment.
New Initiatives for a Sustainable Future
Oman has revealed plans for two smart cities aimed at advancing its environmental goals. The first city, located in the mountainous region of Jebel Akhdar at an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters, will cover a 12,000-square-meter area and accommodate around 10,000 residents. The second, Thuraya City, will be built in Bawshar Heights, Muscat, with a capacity for 8,000 people.
These projects were unveiled on Monday during the Design and Build Week at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre. The cities will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including solar-generated electricity, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a carbon-free environment as stated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
In addition to these cities, Oman is also progressing on the $2.6 billion Sultan Haitham City project in Seeb, northwest of Muscat. This expansive development will cover 14.8 million square meters and is expected to provide 20,000 housing units across 19 neighborhoods. Furthermore, a $350 million city in the Dhofar region is planned, with capacity for 60,000 residents.
To support its ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, Oman recently launched the Oman Centre for Net Zero. This initiative expands the focus on sustainable practices beyond industrial sectors to include urban living. As Naifeen Al Bahrani, director of Jumaana Travels, noted, “Net zero is now extended to towns and cities for clean living, which will certainly attract more foreign property buyers.”
These initiatives reflect Oman’s dedication to fostering a sustainable environment and enhancing the attractiveness of its real estate market to prospective investors.
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