Sultan Haitham City, located in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, Muscat, represents a pioneering urban development initiative to revolutionise sustainable living in the Sultanate of Oman. Spanning approximately 14.8 million square metres, the city is designed to accommodate 100,000 residents across 20,000 diverse housing units, including villas, townhouses, and apartments. This ambitious project is integral to Oman Vision 2040, a national strategy focused on sustainable growth, economic diversification, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Central to the vision of Sultan Haitham City is a strong emphasis on sustainability. The development allocates 2.9 million square metres for green spaces, including a central park and natural valleys, offering residents a harmonious blend of urban living and nature. Renewable energy solutions—such as solar power, waste-to-energy systems, advanced wastewater treatment, and recycling facilities—ensure that the city operates with minimal ecological impact. These sustainable practices are essential to Oman’s long-term goals for environmentally responsible urban growth. The city features a wide range of housing options to meet the diverse needs of its residents. With a mix of detached and semi-detached villas, townhouses, and apartments, the design promotes inclusivity and caters to various preferences. Sultan Haitham City also offers extensive amenities, including 25 mosques, 39 schools, 11 healthcare facilities, sports complexes, and a university. These features create a self-sufficient urban environment where essential services are easily accessible. Sultan Haitham City's development is set to progress in four well-planned phases. The first phase, from 2024 to 2030, will cover 5 million square metres and focus on the city core, including six modern neighbourhoods, a central park, and 6,743 residential units to house over 35,000 residents. The subsequent phases will expand the city’s capacity, with the second phase (2028–2035) incorporating 2.6 million square metres, the third phase (2033–2040) covering 2.3 million square metres, and the fourth phase (2038–2045) encompassing 5.5 million square metres. These phases will culminate in 20,000 housing units, showcasing a systematic and sustainable approach to urban expansion. Sultan Haitham City places a strong emphasis on healthcare, ensuring comprehensive medical services for its residents and surrounding communities. Central to this commitment is a state-of-the-art 1,200-bed referral hospital, set to become one of Oman’s largest medical facilities. Additionally, the city will include two health centres, each capable of serving 20,000 patients, and six smaller health centres designed to cater to 10,000 patients each. Plans also encompass a private hospital and a specialised centre dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and the elderly. These facilities underscore Sultan Haitham City’s vision of fostering a self-sufficient urban environment with accessible and inclusive healthcare services.
The city also represents substantial economic potential, expected to generate 50,000 jobs across various sectors, contributing positively to Oman’s economy and attracting foreign investment. Designated areas within Sultan Haitham City allow for foreign property ownership, thus appealing to international investors. Developments like ‘Yenaier,’ featuring over 700 apartments and commercial spaces, highlight the city’s ability to blend modern design with traditional Omani elements, positioning itself as a centre for innovation and economic activity. Engaging the youth is crucial to Sultan Haitham City’s development plan. The ‘Basamat’ competition, launched at the October Urban Conference and Home and Building Expo, invites young Omanis to present innovative ideas for the city’s future. This initiative aligns with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision of encouraging youth involvement in national development and fostering creativity. Sultan Haitham City is part of a broader initiative to modernise Muscat's urban landscape while preserving Oman’s cultural heritage. As the nation’s first integrated smart city, it incorporates advanced technology, sustainable design principles, and community-oriented planning. The city’s development serves as a scalable model for similar projects across Oman, advancing the goals of sustainable urbanisation. The project was officially launched on May 31, 2023, by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, symbolising a significant milestone in realising the city’s vision. In February 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning completed over 35 development and partnership agreements, demonstrating substantial progress and a commitment to collaboration between public and private sectors. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Sultan Haitham City embodies a shared vision that merges ecological sustainability, technological innovation, and modern urban planning. As a model for future developments, it reflects Oman’s dedication to creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
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