On Oman Environment Day, The Sustainable City – Yiti has successfully generated over 3,000 local employment opportunities, established collaborations with ten local enterprises, and remains at the forefront of Oman’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Each year, January 8 marks Oman’s Environment Day, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to environmental conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources while advancing towards a net-zero future by 2050. This day serves as a crucial reminder for all sectors that reaching this ambitious target necessitates a unified approach, with every industry playing an essential role. The real estate and development sector, in particular, holds significant potential for implementing sustainable practices that align with Oman’s environmental goals.
A prominent illustration of sustainable development in Oman is The Sustainable City – Yiti, located in Muscat. This project is designed to meet the highest standards of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, aiming to become the largest operational sustainable community in the region and the first net-zero-emission city globally by 2040.
The initiative is a collaboration between Diamond Developers, a division of SEE Holding, and the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), stemming from a mutual vision to create the sustainable cities of the future. These cities are intended to prioritize the needs of both people and nature, reflecting the urgent necessity for the planet's survival.
Diamond Developers has developed a unique framework called the "DNA," which identifies the sources of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their impact on global warming, structured around six fundamental pillars of environmental sustainability: food, energy, water, products, mobility, and waste. This framework enables communities to effectively mitigate or eliminate emissions in these vital areas.
The Sustainable City – Yiti is strategically designed to significantly lower the carbon footprint of its residents by an impressive 78% compared to traditional housing in Oman. This ambitious target is accomplished by tackling emissions across six key pillars, in addition to utilizing sustainable construction materials and interior designs. The city is also committed to being entirely powered by renewable energy, underscoring its dedication to sustainability at all levels.
Moreover, The Sustainable City – Yiti aims for complete water recycling, total waste diversion from landfills, and achieving 80% self-sufficiency in food production. These initiatives establish the community as a pioneer in sustainable urban development and a model for future eco-friendly living in Oman and beyond.
Designed to house approximately 10,000 residents and expected to be fully operational by 2026, this community is not only advancing Oman’s net-zero goals but also revitalizing the local economy and business landscape in Yiti and its surroundings. It will facilitate opportunities for residents and non-residents to live, work, and prosper within the community, offering both full-time and part-time employment across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, education, and entertainment. The project has already created over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, formed partnerships with ten local companies, and is anticipated to generate numerous business opportunities for local enterprises and SMEs upon completion.
Additionally, the initial two phases of sales have experienced remarkable demand, particularly from Omani nationals, who constitute 55% of the homeowners, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable living in the region. The remaining buyers come from 29 different nationalities, with significant interest noted from North America and the United Kingdom.
The Sustainable City – Yiti is challenging the belief that sustainable developments incur higher construction costs, as it recently announced that 96% of its infrastructure is now complete. This initiative seeks to motivate and enable partners and stakeholders around the globe to embrace sustainable solutions. Additionally, it promotes the sharing of knowledge to enhance sustainable living practices and achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, both on Oman Environment Day and in the future.
