The Sultanate of Oman has announced the “New City Salalah” project, an urban development initiative aimed at enhancing the status of Salalah as a tourist and economic destination. The project spans 7.3 square kilometers and falls under the framework of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to achieve economic diversification and sustainable development.
Project Details
The project was designed by the international design firm “Sasaki Associates.” It includes a range of facilities and services, contributing to the Salalah waterfront development:
- Over 12,000 residential units, accommodating approximately 60,000 people.
- 3.5 million square meters of green spaces and parks.
- 200,000 square meters dedicated to retail and hospitality.
- 100,000 square meters allocated for cultural and artistic facilities.
- A new pedestrian marina with tourism and commercial services.
- Construction of two new hospitals.
- A multimodal transportation system to improve connectivity within the city.
Sustainability and Climate Planning
The project incorporates strategies to mitigate climate impacts, including sustainable measures for Salalah waterfront development:
- The creation of wetland parks that act as natural flood barriers.
- The use of green infrastructure to reduce temperatures and improve the environment.
- Designing natural barriers to protect the coastline from rising sea levels during the monsoon season (Khareef).
Economic Objectives
The project is part of a broader plan to increase investments in Oman’s tourism sector. Key objectives of the Salalah waterfront development include:
- Attracting investments totalling 51 billion Omani Rials (approximately $132 billion) in the tourism sector by 2040.
- Increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040.
- Achieving developer returns of 10.2%.
Implementation Phases
Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2025. The first phase will include the construction of 5,827 residential units. The project will be completed in stages, eventually contributing significantly to the Salalah waterfront development and becoming a major urban and tourism hub.
Official Statements
Oman’s Minister of Housing and Urban Planning stated that the project reflects Oman Vision 2040’s goals for sustainable development. The principal designer at Sasaki noted that the project relies on innovative urban design that leverages Salalah’s natural resources, underlining the importance of the waterfront development.
Conclusion
The “New City Salalah” project represents a step toward developing infrastructure and tourism in Oman. The project focuses on providing residential, commercial, and cultural facilities, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and attracting investments, and significantly contributing to the Salalah waterfront development.
