Urban October Conference and Home & Building Expo kicked off today with wide participation from international investors and consultants in the fields of urban planning and real estate development.

The opening of the 3-day event was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Taimour Asa’ad Al Said, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

During the conference, six partnership and cooperation agreements were signed as part of the first phase of Sultan Haitham City, with a total value exceeding RO 70 million. Additionally, an agreement was signed for the fifth package to establish networks for electricity, water, sewage, irrigation, broadband, telecommunications, and district cooling services, with an investment value exceeding RO 82.7 million. The project, to be completed within 24 months, will be implemented by Towell Infrastructure Company.

For the fourth package of Sultan Haitham City, an agreement was signed to construct main roads, tunnels, and culverts with an investment value of RO 63.2 million. This project, awarded to Sarooj Construction Company, is set to be completed in 30 months.

Furthermore, an agreement was signed to build three transformer stations (11/33 kV) within the sixth package, covering an area of 7,500 square meters in districts 6, 8, and 9 of Sultan Haitham City, with an investment value exceeding RO 6 million. The project will be carried out by Al Faniah Oman Company within 15 months.

An agreement was also signed to establish integrated service stations with an investment value exceeding RO 6 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. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to allocate a land plot exceeding 8,000 square meters for the Security and Safety Services Foundation in Residential District No. 17 at Sultan Haitham City.

Further, a cooperation agreement was signed to develop the technological framework for smart cities within Sultan Haitham City.

The patron of the event, HH Sayyid Taimour Asa’ad Al Said inaugurated new neighborhoods in Sultan Haitham City. This included the launch of Al-Nuha Neighborhood (A13), developed by Tibiaan Real Estate on an area of over 58,000 square meters, comprising 116 residential units with an investment value exceeding RO 13.4 million.

Additionally, the identity of the Yanayer Neighborhood (D12), developed by Idraak Properties was unveiled. It covers an area of more than 56,000 square meters and includes 339 residential units with an investment value exceeding RO 38.7 million.

As part of the sales launch, the sales of Sarooj Oasis Neighborhood (A13), developed by Sarooj Construction Company, were announced. This neighbourhood includes 278 residential units spanning an area of more than 86,000 square meters with an investment value exceeding RO 31.6 million. Moreover, the sales for Al-Wafaa Neighborhood (Phase 2), developed by Al Abrar Real Estate LLC, were launched. This project covers more than 770,000 square meters and consists of 1,644 residential units with an investment value exceeding RO 208 million.

The conference focuses on six main themes, which feature more than 40 papers presented by prominent local and international experts in urban planning and related fields. Moreover, it will host over 60 local and international speakers and showcase successful global experiences in urban planning.

The first day of the conference addressed the theme of “Engaging Youth in Planning,” highlighting the importance of early investment in involving young in urban planning to contribute to the creation of a better urban future. It also discusses the role of architectural competitions in developing youth skills and competencies. The second theme addressed the topic of “Recreation in Cities”. This theme included papers that emphasize the role of recreation in making cities vibrant, the emotional connection between space and cities, and the importance of creating lively places within urban environments.

An exhibition is held on the sidelines of the conference. The exhibition features 40 pavilions that showcase models of future projects, including Sultan Haitham City, the Khuwair Downtown project, and the Muscat Structural Plan, along with comprehensive residential community projects.

Additionally, the Home and Construction Exhibition was inaugurated. It features 190 exhibitors from 13 countries, presenting a wide range of innovative products, services, and solutions in the fields of building acquisition, construction, design, decoration, and renovation for homes and buildings.

As part of the ministry’s efforts toward digital transformation, 23 electronic services in the urban planning sector were launched at the conference on the “Amalak” platform. This launch aims to facilitate the provision of services in a comprehensive and digital manner for beneficiaries, including subdivision, separation, and extension services, along with other land-related services.