Friday 08 / May / 2026
Muscat— At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, graced today the launch ceremony of the Greater Muscat Structure Plan.
The event took place at the Experience and Sales Centre in Sultan Haitham City, located in the Wilayat of A’Seeb, Muscat Governorate.
During the launch ceremony, HH Sayyid Bilarab was briefed on the components of the "Greater Muscat" plan, which proceeds with a future vision aimed at building a prosperous and integrated city, driven by diverse economic opportunities and supported by an attractive investment environment.
This vision is rooted in its rich heritage and unique natural beauty, thereby providing a high quality of life and sustainable global competitiveness.
HH Sayyid Bilarab also toured the "Greater Muscat” hall, where he was acquainted with its prominent pillars, which included: Productive Muscat, Green Muscat, Resilient and Safe Muscat, and Vibrant Muscat.
Several officials provided explanations regarding the targets of each pillar and its role in enhancing sustainable urban development in the capital, Muscat.
Furthermore, His Highness viewed a scale model illustrating the latest developments of the A’Thuraya City project and listened to an explanation of the project's most prominent features and advancements.
Following this, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham proceeded to the theater to watch a visual presentation on the identity of Muscat and its unique urban spirit.
Afterwards, His Highness toured the "Royal Trust" exhibition, which featured all the royal approvals granted by His Majesty the Sultan, for future city projects in the Sultanate of Oman. These represent advanced models of human-centric cities that place people at the core of urban planning and enhance the quality of life.
His Highness then proceeded to the balcony overlooking Sultan Haitham City, where he observed the progress of the construction works in the city. He listened to a detailed explanation regarding the completion rates, the ongoing implementation phases, and the timelines for the upcoming phases.
He also examined a detailed scale model of the city, familiarizing himself with its urban components, the distribution of its vital facilities, and the modern design visions it incorporates, which reflect the objectives of sustainable urban development.
His Highness the Minister of State and Governor of Muscat stated in a press release on the occasion of the launch: “We view Greater Muscat as a timeless spirit and boundless vision—one that preserves its place in the heart of Oman. It is deeply rooted in its identity, serving as a civilizational showcase for a nation advancing confidently toward the future, grounded in its values, its distinct character, and its ever-renewing ambition.”
His Highness further explained that the Greater Muscat Structure Plan translates the far-sighted vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik into action by building cities that are more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected; capable of adapting to change; organizing urban growth; preserving the identity of place; and elevating quality of life.
His Highness noted that this approach is centered on people as both the driver and ultimate goal of development. It is founded on an integrated understanding of the key dimensions shaping the city of the future—ranging from mobility, environmental sustainability, and quality of life, to economic opportunity and social safety.
His Highness also highlighted that Greater Muscat’s joining to the Innovation District for Global Business Districts as the first project from the Middle East reflects the growing recognition of this vision on the global urban landscape. It affirms the capital’s ability to harmonize local authenticity with the demands of competitiveness and innovation.
His Highness concluded that through this integrated approach, Greater Muscat is being established as a national framework for developing the capital and enhancing its future readiness—turning vision into tangible reality, with positive impact on people, place, and the economy.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Khalfan bin Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, presented a commemorative gift to HH Sayyid Bilarab, the chief guest of the occasion.
The launch ceremony was attended by several royal family members, ministers, undersecretaries and project officials.
