Muscat: Total expenditure on the development of the governorates exceeded RO 81 million during (2021-2024), with an additional allocation of RO 44 million earmarked for 2025, as per the General Budget.
The Royal Directive of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was to increase the financial allocations for the Governorates Development Program from RO 10 million to RO 20 million for each governorate during the 10th Five-Year Development Plan.
Key governorate development projects that will be implemented in 2025 include the development and maintenance of public parks, waterfront development projects, and paving of internal roads apart from the implementation of the winning projects as the best proposal for a development project - Ibri View Project in Al Dhahirah, the Grand Canyon Development in Al Dakhiliyah and the Historical Centre in North Batinah Governorate.
This increase aims to support strategic programs that promote the sustainable development of governorates and cities while stimulating their competitive and comparative advantages.
The Ibri View in Al Dhahirah Governorate covers over 2 million sqm with an investment value of RO10.8 million.
The first phase of the project, expected to be completed within two years, aims to integrate diverse uses to enhance social interaction and economic vitality, creating numerous investment opportunities that ensure project sustainability while respecting local culture. The development will include three hotels, a shopping center, residential areas, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities such as gardens and a youth center.
Jabel Shams 'Grand Canyon' Project in Al Hamra, spans 148,000 square meters with an investment value of RO7.7 million. The master plan encompasses several key features, including a recreational area, a glass walkway, a tourist resort, a zipline, and a hiking trail. It will include geological exhibitions, a rock garden, and an adventure center.
Additionally, the project will see the establishment of a coffee farm, fruit orchards, a summer camp, and a garden for seasonal activities. Kiosks selling seasonal products, a theatre of 500 seating capacity, and an information center will also be developed.
Situated at an altitude of 3,000m above sea level, covering an area of 148,000 sqm, the project will offer a recreational area that will offer children’s games, creative workshops, and a 200m zip line offering tourists an exhilarating blend of adventure and exploration.
A 97m long and 2.5m wide glass walkway will offer visitors a sensation of floating in the air, and 12 kiosks in a public square will offer a variety of local products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, traditional sweets, and souvenirs.
Al Durra Project in Al Khabourah, North al Batinah Governorate will cover an area of 60,000 sqm with an investment value of RO9.8 million. The project includes a range of developments such as a fish market, a vegetable market, a tourist visitor center, Al Khabourah Fort and its square, a fabric market, a handicraft training center, an urban women’s center, a hotel, parking areas, restaurants, and cafés.
In the first phase, commercial shops, fish stalls, restaurants and cafés, two handicraft training centers, a tourist visitor center, a marina for fishing boats, and a hotel will be constructed.
The marina area will include heritage markets, walking paces, a coastal road, gathering spaces, and a floating walkway. The total cost of the project’s first phase is about RO9.8 million.
This substantial investment demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and driving sustainable economic growth in the governorate. Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of Al Batinah North, emphasized that the project is in line with Oman’s Vision 2040, aiming to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development across the country. He noted that the Al Durrah project will revitalize Al Khabourah’s rich heritage and strengthen its cultural identity.
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.
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