Muscat: The Urban October Conference and Home & Building Expo commenced on Monday, attracting a substantial participation from international investors and consultants specializing in urban planning and real estate development.
The inaugural day of the three-day event was graced by the presence of HH Sayyid Taimour Asa’ad Al Said, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), who presided over the opening ceremony.
Throughout the duration of the conference, six partnership and cooperation agreements were formalized, marking the commencement of the first phase of Sultan Haitham City. The total value of these agreements surpassed OMR70 million. Moreover, an agreement was reached for the fifth package, which encompasses the establishment of networks for electricity, water, sewage, irrigation, broadband, telecommunications, and district cooling services, with an investment value exceeding OMR82.7 million. The project, slated for completion within the next 24 months, will be executed by Towell Infrastructure Company.
In the context of the fourth package of Sultan Haitham City, an agreement was formalized for the construction of main roads, tunnels, and culverts, with an investment value of OMR63.2 million. This project, awarded to Sarooj Construction Company, is anticipated to be completed within the next 30 months.
Additionally, an agreement was signed to develop three transformer stations (11/33 kV) within the sixth package, spanning an area of 7,500 square meters in districts 6, 8, and 9 of Sultan Haitham City, with an investment value exceeding OMR6 million. The development of this project will be undertaken by Al Faniah Oman Company within a span of 15 months.
Furthermore, an agreement was established to construct integrated service stations, with an investment value exceeding OMR6 million, covering an area of 6,200 square meters, as part of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs’ Al Birr and Al Ihsan project.
Moreover, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to allocate a land plot extending over 8,000 square meters for the Security and Safety Services Foundation in Residential District No. 17 at Sultan Haitham City.
In addition, a cooperation agreement was formalized to develop the technological framework for smart cities within Sultan Haitham City.
The esteemed patron of the event, HH Sayyid Taimour Asa’ad Al Said, inaugurated the development of new neighborhoods within Sultan Haitham City. This development includes the launch of the Al-Nuha Neighbourhood (A13), a project undertaken by Tibiaan Real Estate. Spanning an area of over 58,000 square metres, this development features 116 residential units, each with an investment value surpassing OMR13.4 million.
Furthermore, the unveiling of the Yanayer Neighbourhood (D12), developed by Idraak Properties, was also part of the inauguration ceremony. Covering an area of more than 56,000 square metres, this development includes 339 residential units, each with an investment value exceeding OMR38.7 million.
As part of the sales launch, the sales of the Sarooj Oasis Neighbourhood (A13), developed by Sarooj Construction Company, were announced. This neighborhood boasts 278 residential units, spread over an area of more than 86,000 square metres, each with an investment value exceeding OMR31.6 million.
Additionally, the sales launch for the Al-Wafaa Neighbourhood (Phase 2), developed by Al Abrar Real Estate LLC, was a highlight of the event. Covering an expansive area of more than 770,000 square metres, this development consists of 1,644 residential units, each with an investment value exceeding OMR208 million.
The conference, which is centered around six primary themes, features over 40 papers presented by distinguished local and international experts in the fields of urban planning and related disciplines. It also includes the participation of over 60 local and international speakers, who will share insights from successful global experiences in urban planning.
The inaugural day of the conference focused on the theme of "Engaging Youth in Planning," underscoring the critical importance of early engagement of young individuals in urban planning processes to foster a more sustainable urban future. It also delved into the significance of architectural competitions in nurturing the skills and competencies of the youth.
The second day of the conference explored the theme of "Recreation in Cities," which included papers that highlight the role of recreation in enhancing the vibrancy of cities, the emotional connection between urban spaces and the community, and the necessity of creating lively environments within urban settings.
An exhibition was inaugurated concurrently with the conference, featuring an array of 40 pavilions that display prototypes of forthcoming projects. These include the Sultan Haitham City, the Khuwair Downtown project, and the Muscat Structural Plan, in addition to detailed residential community development projects.
Furthermore, the Home and Construction Exhibition was officially opened, attracting 190 exhibitors from 13 nations. This event showcases an extensive selection of innovative products, services, and solutions across various sectors such as building acquisition, construction, design, decoration, and renovation, tailored for residential and commercial buildings.
In alignment with the ministry's commitment to digital transformation, 23 electronic services within the urban planning sector were introduced at the conference through the "Amalak" platform. The purpose of this launch is to enhance the delivery of services to beneficiaries by providing comprehensive and digital solutions, including services related to subdivision, separation, extension, and other land-related matters.
