Sultan Haitham City is a new, sustainable, smart, human-centered city in Oman.
- Eric ALAUZEN
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Located in Seeb, west of Muscat, Sultan Haitham City is a new smart city being developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning of the Sultanate of Oman. This major project is fully in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to strengthen the country's sustainability, resilience and urban attractiveness.
With a total area of 14.8 km², including nearly 3 km² of green space, the city is designed to accommodate 100,000 inhabitants in approximately 20,000 homes. It is positioned as a modern, planned alternative to the uncontrolled urban sprawl of Muscat.
The Sultanate of Oman: a discreet jewel of the Arabian Peninsula
Located at the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman stretches between the Arabian Sea and the desert, bordered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Its strategic position at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz makes it a discreet but essential player in global maritime trade.
Oman is a monarchy ruled since 2020 by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, successor to the highly respected Sultan Qaboos, who modernised the country while preserving its traditions.
The Sultan holds most of the executive powers, but remains popular thanks to a style of governance that is perceived as stable, moderate and dialogue-oriented. Unlike its neighbours such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman has deliberately distanced itself from the flamboyant model of other Gulf countries. Here, there are no spectacular skyscrapers or ostentatious luxury: the country focuses on authenticity, heritage and natural diversity.
Mountains, wadis, pristine beaches and adobe villages make up a landscape far removed from mass tourism.
The Omani economy relies heavily on oil and gas, but the government is working to diversify resources, particularly through fishing, agriculture, sustainable tourism and logistics (notably with the port of Duqm).
The Oman Vision 2040 plan aims to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and provide more opportunities for young Omanis. In a region often marked by tensions, Oman stands out for its diplomacy of active neutrality, playing a mediating role in regional conflicts. This position, combined with an open society, ensures it an enviable stability.
A city designed for people and nature
The urban development is based on an integrated vision: 19 mixed-use, high-density neighbourhoods will gravitate around a natural wadi that has been redeveloped into a 7.5 km linear park, the green backbone of the project. Far from motorway-based models, Sultan Haitham City has opted for a walkable city, where cycle paths, shaded footpaths and sustainable public transport will structure travel. A 3.4 km long central artery will be reserved for active mobility.
In terms of housing, diversity is the order of the day: detached villas, semi-detached houses and apartments will be distributed in a balanced manner to suit different family and social profiles. Affordability is also central to the project: a mortgage scheme with an interest rate of 3.5% and capped at 80,000 Omani rials (approx. £190,000) will facilitate home ownership. Around 5% of the homes are reserved for social housing, and units are also available to foreigners under certain conditions.
Sustainable and technological urban planning
In terms of ecology, Sultan Haitham City aims to set an example. Bioclimatic urban planning is at the heart of the design: building orientation, sustainable materials, rainwater management and smart lighting have all been carefully considered to limit the environmental impact. Solar energy will be widely used, and circular waste management is planned. This approach aims to create a resilient city capable of adapting to the hot and humid climate of the Gulf.
The term ‘smart city’ is not just a gimmick here, but a lever for quality of life and efficiency.
Public facilities and living environment
Particular attention is being paid to public services and community life. Sultan Haitham City will be home to 39 schools, 1 university, 25 mosques, 11 health centres, a 1,200-bed hospital and a care centre for the elderly and disabled, not to mention shopping centres and gyms, some of which will be open-air. Cultural, sporting and commercial facilities will be spread evenly across the area to promote social diversity and a sense of belonging.
The urban design also conveys meaning: a logo inspired by the golden ratio and Omani nature, a clear slogan – ‘Treasure the Future’ – and a strong visual identity all contribute to making Sultan Haitham City a unifying project that is both forward-looking and rooted in national culture.
An ambitious schedule and a long-term vision
The project will take twenty years to complete, with four major phases of development. The first, scheduled between 2024 and 2030, covers 5 km² and includes the construction of 6,750 homes, a private hospital, six pilot neighbourhoods and a large park. Work has already begun and the subsequent phases, which will run until 2045, will see the city reach 20,000 homes and full capacity.
The project is based on hybrid financing, combining public and private sectors. The total investment for the project amounts to USD 1.7 billion.
‘Construction work has started at an accelerated pace since the launch of the project, thanks to the participation of six developers on the ground’ - Laila Al-Nasseri, Director of Developers Projects Followup
The highlight of this project is that it is progressing much faster than expected. The first phase has exceeded the planned schedule, covering more than 50% of the city's area, thanks to the cooperation of developers and assistance provided by the relevant government agencies, confirms Laila Al-Nasseri.
The first phase should be completed by 2030, and the project should be fully completed by 2045, with the possibility of accelerating work if the current pace of construction continues.
An Omani urban model
Unlike some spectacular projects in the Gulf, such as Neom in Saudi Arabia or The Line, Sultan Haitham City does not seek to impress with its verticality or record-breaking features. Its originality lies in a more human, realistic approach rooted in the local context. A Singapore Street will symbolise this international outlook, while incorporating the traditional aesthetics and customs of Oman.
Ultimately, this new city could serve as a model for other projects, such as Thuraya City and Salalah Future City, as part of a nationwide urban network. More than just a construction site, Sultan Haitham City is a statement of intent: that of a country looking to the future without denying its foundations.
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