Muscat: The International Code Council (ICC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in Oman has recently concluded a series of pivotal workshops aimed at refining the draft Oman Building Code.
These workshops, spanning from September 9 to 12, served as a platform for all stakeholders to provide critical feedback on the proposed code.
The structure of the workshops was meticulously divided into two distinct segments. The first segment focused on Nonstructural Provisions, delving into essential areas such as fire safety, accessibility, and health requirements. The second segment concentrated on Structural Provisions, including structural design and foundational elements.
To ensure meaningful dialogue and comprehensive input, the participation was capped at 50 attendees. This included professionals from various fields such as design, engineering, municipal officials, and regulatory staff, each contributing invaluable insights into the current scope of the code and its implementation within local regulatory frameworks.
During the event, an official spokesperson from MoHUP underscored the importance of these workshops, stating, “These workshops represent not only a critical step in the development of the Oman Building Code but also an ongoing opportunity to seek improvements and build upon existing practices. The expertise shared and the feedback received are instrumental in elevating safety, sustainability, and innovation within Oman’s building and construction sector.”
Hamid Naderi, ICC’s senior vice president of product development, expressed satisfaction with the continued progress made by MoHUP in this transformative project. He highlighted the importance of the engagement and feedback from Omani stakeholders, stating, “The involvement and insights from Omani stakeholders are essential in ensuring that the draft code establishes new benchmarks for safety and resilience, while also addressing the unique needs of the Sultanate of Oman.”
The feedback collected throughout these sessions is set to play a pivotal role in the finalization of the comprehensive suite of Oman building codes, which are scheduled for completion in the first half of 2025. Support materials are anticipated to be released in the subsequent months. The collaboration between ICC and MoHUP signifies a shared commitment to advancing building standards that are both responsive to current needs and future challenges.
