Oman Unveils Ambitious Salalah New City Waterfront Development Plan
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman has unveiled an ambitious masterplan for the Salalah New City waterfront development, slated to kick off later this year as a significant part of Oman's RO33 billion development agenda outlined in Oman Vision 2040, according to Muscat Daily report.
This comprehensive project, covering an expanse of 7.3 sq km, has been meticulously designed by the international design firm Sasaki. It promises to transform the waterfront into a vibrant, mixed-use space that emphasizes pedestrian mobility and integrates over 12,000 residential units to accommodate around 60,000 inhabitants across four neighbourhoods within walking distance.
A notable aspect of the Salalah waterfront development is its dedication to establishing a 6km stretch of public beach, aiming to bolster Salalah's reputation as an attractive coastal destination year-round. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance the city's appeal and liveability.
By integrating climate resilience strategies such as a wetland park and revetments, the project addresses environmental challenges like rising sea levels and flooding, which are particularly pertinent during the Khareef season. These measures underscore Oman's commitment to sustainable and adaptive urban planning.
Projected to generate a 10.2% return for investors, the phased development of this ambitious project begins with the delivery of 5,827 residential units in its initial phase. This initiative not only aims to improve the quality of life and infrastructure in Salalah but also anticipates accommodating a population surge to 674,000 by 2040 as part of the Greater Salalah Structural Plan.
The plan's emphasis on mixed-use spaces, encompassing over 3.5 million sqm of open parks, 200,000 sqm dedicated to retail and hospitality, along with 100,000 sqm for cultural amenities, two hospitals, and integrated transport connections, signifies a leap towards modern urban living.
Adding to the project's allure is a pedestrian-friendly marina, poised to become a hub for retail, tourism, and hospitality. This facet of the development is in alignment with Oman's larger objective to diversify its economy, with a particular focus on boosting tourism investments to RO51bn by 2040. Following a substantial investment of RO7.8 billion between 2021 and 2023, Oman envisions escalating tourism's GDP contribution to 5% by 2030 and doubling it by 2040.
Dr. Khalfan al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: "With works due to begin this year, we look forward to bringing Salalah New City to fruition with the Omani people and leading international partners, investors, and developers."
This sentiment is echoed by Romil Sheth, Principal Designer at Sasaki Associates, who highlighted Salalah's unique natural features and rich history, stating, "Salalah is blessed with incredible natural features and a deep history—lush wadis, local agriculture embedded in the city, and an extensive coastline with sandy beaches."
Sheth further elaborated on the forward-thinking approach of the Salalah New City plan, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for innovative urban design and sustainable living practices.
"The Salalah New City plan adopts forward-looking urban design, place-making, and planning practices that challenge status quo urbanism and reflect an aspirational lifestyle for Dhofaris. The plan will serve as Oman's living laboratory for urban innovation and a model for sustainable urbanism in the broader region," Sheth remarked.
The redevelopment of Salalah's waterfront under the Salalah New City plan is poised to significantly contribute to Oman's vision for economic diversification and urban innovation. With a keen focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and enhancing quality of life, this project sets a new benchmark for urban planning in the region, promising a vibrant and sustainable future for its residents and visitors alike.
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