Muscat: As part of the The Greater Muscat project, the capital's future planning will include the presence of hotels, commercial establishments, and government buildings like ministries side by side, with the aim of increasing activity and vitality in the region.
This will also help in designing plans to avoid random distribution of residential and commercial areas with concepts of transportation, housing, and the environment expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years.
The gradual implementation of the project will take off in 2024 with a special focus on developing the transport system (including Muscat Metro Project), promoting infrastructure and environment protection.
Public transport is expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse emissions by nearly 44 per cent.
Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) said the project highlights the natural blending of environmental, transportation, and economic factors in the Governorate, which will include the Wilayat of Barka in the future.
He said development of modern cities and the potential economic impact of major cities on the economy of the Sultanate of Oman, emphasising their contribution to population growth and job creation.
Speaking to the Observer, an official at the ministry said, "We are in the process of involving active discussions and inviting feedback from the public by involving all stakeholders in the discussion."
According to estimates, the number of people living in Greater Muscat, including Barka, will increase to 36 per cent from 28 per cent by 2040, and contribute around 49 per cent to the national GDP by 2040.
Around 48 per cent of the workforce in 2040 will be based in the Greater Muscat Region. The businesses will focus on service and financial centres, hospitality and commerce, dry freeports and carbon neutral technologies.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
