HAIMA: The Al Wusta Governorate is investing over RO 25 million in 140 development projects across multiple sectors to boost regional growth and align with Oman Vision 2040. Shaikh Ahmed bin Musallam al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, emphasised the strategic role these projects play in advancing economic and social development, focusing on urban expansion, environmental preservation and sustainable resource management.
Out of the total RO 25 million allocation, RO 4 million has been invested in 59 completed projects, while RO 9.9 million covers 37 ongoing initiatives. The remaining RO 11.6 million will support 44 additional projects within the current five-year plan, including infrastructure improvements and community-focused developments.
Key projects underway include six service hubs along major highways and a "Knowledge Park" in the Wilayat of Haima featuring a heritage museum and urban green spaces. Al Kathiri also highlighted projects in the wilayats of Mahout and Al Duqm, such as beachside amenities and commercial area upgrades, aimed at enhancing community facilities and tourism appeal.
Al Wusta’s location makes it a strategic hub for maritime logistics, especially in Al Duqm, where the Special Economic Zone has attracted over RO 6 billion in investments as of Q3 2024. The governorate is further positioning itself as a prime site for clean energy investments, with five out of eight national green energy projects located here, covering solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives valued at RO 18.8 billion.
In addition to energy, Al Wusta is exploring "blue carbon" projects to rehabilitate coastal wetlands, investing RO 38.5 million to create artificial lakes for mangrove planting. These projects aim to capture environmental and economic benefits by supporting biodiversity and offering sustainable tourism opportunities.
The fisheries sector is a substantial economic driver, contributing 37 per cent to the local GDP. Key investments include the Al Jazar shrimp farming project, valued at RO 462 million with an annual production capacity of 220,000 tonnes. Additional projects in fish and food processing, totalling RO 105 million, and the construction of fishing ports and fish markets further underscore the sector's growth.
Al Kathiri emphasised the tourism potential of Al Wusta’s pristine coastal areas and desert ecosystems, highlighting iconic sites such as Bar Al Hakman, Ras Madrakah, and the pink lakes of the Wilayat of Al Jazar. These natural assets not only offer recreational appeal but also present profitable investment opportunities within the region.
With its robust investment in diverse sectors, Al Wusta Governorate continues to build its reputation as a vital contributor to Oman's economic diversification, supporting Oman Vision 2040 goals and creating sustainable job opportunities for the future.
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