Muscat's Magnificent Makeover

The plans will result in a cleaner and greener future for Muscat’s people and its environment.

Muscat, the capital city of , is about to receive the incredible gift of not just a facelift, but an injection of top international town planning, which will revolutionise the city for residents and tourists alike, helping among other things to show attractions in Muscat in their best light.

Muscat Municipality has sought the creativity and vision of the world’s best architects and together they are conspiring to create a city in perfect harmony of ancient and modern, for leisure, living and business.

Muscat is unique in its layout: draped along the coast of North East Oman, able to expand in length but kerbed in width by the Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman. This means that unlike many other cities, Muscat has no logical main city centre but instead has numerous smaller centres such as the commercial shopping area of Qurum, Muttrah Corniche with its fish market and souq, the business centre of Ruwi and the markets at Seeb. Because of this, all the different areas must all be accessed by motorised transport on the main highway, Sultan Qaboos Street, with little options for pedestrians to move through the city.

The outcome of the collaboration between Muscat Municipality and the architects has resulted in a vision for a city which reaches right into the 21^st century yet retains the ancient culture which gives the city its soul.

Careful consideration has been given to cultural and religious sensitivities while at the same time creating a more open and socially interactive environment. People will be able to walk or cycle between shops, restaurants and parks instead of making car journeys between each one, and this will result in a cleaner and greener future for Muscat’s people and its environment.

There are altogether twenty-four fantastic projects in the pipeline, at various stages of development. The next decade should see the realisation of the projects and the positive changes they bring will be immediate. Here we give you a rundown of some of the best ones.

The Minaret

A celebratory monument, The Minaret, will be created in honour of the 40^th renaissance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Situated on the outermost point of Muttrah Corniche, the monument will be seen by all ships entering the port and lit at night to create a spellbinding structure.  Natural, local materials will be used to build the monument.

Muttrah Corniche

Grand plans are also underway to transform the Muttrah Corniche itself, making the most of the promenade, which already attracts throngs of evening strollers and photographers.  The waterfront will also become part of a network of improved pathways, which weave in and around the historic area.

Muttrah Fish Market

Leading from the Corniche is the Muttrah Fish Market, which is at present a hive of activity and important to local businesses.  The market will undergo a transformation to a modern and hygienic market, with food and beverage outlets showcasing the daily catch on their menus. The modern architecture employs natural light and shadow to create interesting and intimate spaces.

Al Qurum Festival Square

Qurum will benefit from a number of projects including Al Qurum Festival Square, an area earmarked for public events, serviced with shaded walkways and retail areas.  High quality lighting will enhance the space destined to attract major events and entertainers.

Al Khuwair Vegetable Market

Al Khuwair Vegetable Market is an exceptional design, turning a simple market into a vibrant area for retail, office space and accommodation. Lofty canopies, making shopping time more pleasant in the desert climate, will shade sunken courtyards and elevated plazas. The adjacent park will also be connected to the market as part of the traffic system upgrade.

Muscat Plaza

Nearby in Al Khuwair is the Muscat Plaza, which includes The Walk of Oman, a one kilometre history walk under shade.  The plaza will also include the National Ceremonial Plaza, the National Resource Centre and the National Obelisk.

Al Khuwair Park and Activity Hub

Al Khuwair Park and Activity Hub will link Al Khuwair and surrounding neighbourhoods by means of a terraced park, containing water features and native vegetation. In the centre will stand the striking building known as the Activity Hub, with multiple usage possibilities.

Seeb Seafront Plaza

Seeb Seafront Plazawill be a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, sensitively combined with historical Omani design.  Fittingly, the plaza will accommodate an art gallery and a digital and contemporary library.

Seeb Waterfront

Along the coast is Seeb Waterfront, which will incorporate aesthetic and safety improvements for those living and working in the area, making the most of the waterfront position and its fishing industry.

Sultan Qaboos Boulevard

Perhaps the most talked about initiative is the Sultan Qaboos Boulevard project, which links the Al Mawelah Interchange to the Bait Al Barkah Palace roundabout.  The plans will transform Sultan Qaboos Highway / Seeb Street into an appealing stretch of urban land, providing an environment perfect for drawing the local community together.

Hawijit Najim Park

Hawijit Najim Park will be an oasis of green and calm, with small shaded gardens nestled between curved walkways.  The amazing natural feature of a sinkhole will be linked by a bridge to an island in the centre, and will allow access to the water for swimming and other such activities.

These projects are among many others intended to enhance the living and working space for Omani people. While the new developments will undoubtedly mark a new age of modernity for Muscat, their carefully thought out designs will reflect the city's ancient roots and values, which will help preserve the true character of this fascinating place.