Muscat: The recently concluded Urban October Conference highlighted the competition between various governorates in implementing developmental and tourism-related projects across the country.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the event highlighted investment opportunities across the governorates through the winning projects from the first two editions of the competition (2023-2024), which offered a total investment value of RO82 million.
It may be noted that the National Initiative for the Development of Local Governance based on Royal Decree 36/2022 has been implemented gradually in various governorates by supporting local leaders (Governors and Walis) in achieving balanced local development by strengthening their skills in governance and economic decentralization, which will positively affect the governorates' development and competitiveness.
Speaking on the investment opportunities in the governorates, Mohammed al Kindi, Governor of North aI Batinah, said, "There are RO24 billion deposited in banks among individuals and the private sector, reflecting significant liquidity waiting for suitable investment opportunities. The main challenge lies in providing 'good investment vehicles' with high economic viability. If these vehicles are offered in a thoughtful and calculated manner, there will be a strong demand from investors. Currently, we are witnessing an active movement in investment across various governorates."
The project that came at the top in the first two editions of competitions are Al Radhad Boulevard Project in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, spread over an area of 470,000 sqm with an investment value of RO40 million.
The Ames Bay Development Project in Khasab, Musandam Governorate, covers an area of 68,700 sqm, with an investment value of over RO7 million.
"The projects for the development of Ames Bay and Dolphin Bay in Musandam Governorate are distinguished by their unique geographical location, linking the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. These projects emphasize engaging the local community through small and medium enterprises and productive families. Additionally, focusing on infrastructure development, such as road improvements, will enhance these projects and increase the tourism appeal of the surrounding areas," said Eng. Abdulrahman al Alawi, director of the office of the Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
The Remal Park Project in Nakhal, South al Batinah Governorate covers an area of 225,000 sqm, with an investment value of RO7 million. This project consists of a resort, an entertainment city, Al Wadi Park, an aerial lift, a place for food trucks, a retail center, and car parking.
The project will cater to 15,000 weekly visitors and employ around 344 citizens. The winning project in the second edition are Al Durra Project in Al Khaburah, North al Batinah Governorate, which covers an area of 60,000 sqm with an investment value of RO9.8 million.
Abri View in Adh Dhahirah Governorate covers over 2 million sqm with an investment value of RO10.8 million.
Jabel Shams Facade 'Grand Canyon' Project in Al Hamra, spans 148,000 square meters with an investment value of RO7.7 million.
"Following the completion of the road projects leading to Jabel Shams there will be a significant increase in the number of visitors, both local and international. The Jabel Shams project dubbed the 'Grand Canyon,' will provide all the services visitors need, positioning it as a 'developmental beacon' for Jabel Shams and adding economic and cultural activity to the region," Eng. Saleh al Khayari, on behalf of the office of the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah
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