In March, the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning unveiled an ambitious masterplan for the transformation of Salalah's waterfront, the second largest city in Oman.
This initiative is part of the Oman Vision 2040 and is set to commence later this year as a component of the Sultanate's OMR33 billion national development strategy.
The project, which spans 7.3 square kilometers and is crafted by the renowned international design firm Sasaki, aims to deliver over 12,000 residential units, accommodating approximately 60,000 residents within four distinct, walkable neighborhoods.
Emphasizing mixed-use development and a focus on soft mobility, the plan includes 3,500,000 square meters of open spaces and parks, 200,000 square meters dedicated to retail and hospitality, 100,000 square meters for cultural facilities and amenities, as well as two new hospitals and integrated multimodal transport systems.
A newly designed pedestrian marina will feature retail, tourism, and hospitality options.
Located just a two-hour flight from Dubai and a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat, Salalah boasts Oman’s largest logistics port and is a favored tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and mild climate, with over one million tourists expected in 2024.
The masterplan aims to further solidify Salalah’s appeal as a year-round destination for sun and sea, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, complemented by a new 6-kilometer public beach.
New City Salalah is designed to harmonize with the coastal environment while safeguarding its distinctive natural characteristics.
A significant emphasis on climate resilience has guided the design of New City Salalah to endure rising sea levels and flooding, particularly during the region's khareef monsoon season.
The project encompasses the establishment of a wetland park along with a series of revetments and natural infrastructure initiatives aimed at alleviating the effects of extreme weather events.
These waterfront initiatives are a crucial component of the Greater Salalah Structural Plan, which serves as a comprehensive framework to improve livability by addressing spatial, infrastructure, and mobility challenges, while also enhancing the capacity to accommodate the anticipated population growth in Wilayat Salalah, expected to reach 674,000 by 2040.
The phased development strategy is set to commence later this year, with the first phase slated to deliver 5,827 residential units. The project is projected to yield developer returns of 10.2%.
This initiative is integral to Oman Vision 2040, which aims to foster a developed, diversified, and sustainable national economy, ensuring equitable distribution of development benefits and safeguarding natural resources.
Oman is targeting OMR 51 billion in tourism investments by 2040, building on a successful investment of OMR 7.8 billion from 2021 to 2023. The goal is to double tourism's contribution to GDP to 5% by 2030 and further increase it to 10% by 2040.
A sustainable and prosperous future
Dr. Khalfan Al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman, stated: “Our vision for the development of Salalah embodies the principles of Oman Vision 2040, aimed at creating a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Oman. This initiative exemplifies how the integration of tourism and urban development is facilitating the diversification of Oman’s economy and presenting significant opportunities for the international community. Salalah is a cherished and vital city that plays a crucial role in our nation’s progress.”
These initiatives are designed to ensure that we can continue to support our community and economy for generations ahead, while also highlighting some of Oman’s most remarkable attributes to international visitors.
With construction set to commence this year, we are eager to realize New City Salalah in collaboration with the Omani populace, as well as esteemed global partners, investors, and developers.
Romil Sheth, Principal Designer at Sasaki Associates, remarked: “Salalah is endowed with stunning natural landscapes and a rich historical background. The city features verdant wadis, local agricultural practices, and a vast coastline with beautiful sandy beaches. To enhance these valuable resources, the Salalah New City plan incorporates innovative urban design, place-making, and planning strategies that challenge conventional urbanism and embody an aspirational lifestyle for the people of Dhofar. This plan will act as Oman’s experimental hub for urban innovation and a benchmark for sustainable urban development in the wider region.”
