857-km final phase of Oman's longest dual carriageway begins
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology confirmed the start of construction on the third, fourth and fifth phases of the project. These segments span approximately 400 km and are being developed at a cost of over RO 258 million ($670m). The construction period for the three phases is expected to be 36 months.
According to Said bin Mohammed Tabook, Director-General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate, the three sections will significantly improve travel efficiency between the central and southern regions of the country. He explained that phase three extends from the Wilayat of Haima to the Wilayat of Muqshin and covers 132.5 km. Phase four begins in Muqshin and continues to the area of Dawkah, adding another 135 km. Phase five then links Dawkah to the Wilayat of Thumrait, also with a length of 132.5 km.
These final phases are part of a broader national infrastructure initiative to upgrade the Sultan Said bin Taimour Road to a dual carriageway, eventually bringing its total length to approximately 857 kilometres. This makes it the longest dual road in the country, serving as a critical transport corridor for both passenger vehicles and commercial freight, particularly during the annual khareef season when Dhofar sees a significant influx of domestic and regional tourists.
The project is being implemented by a consortium of companies that includes both Omani and Saudi partners. The road has been designed to withstand Oman's variable desert climate, ensuring accessibility throughout the year.
Eng Tabook stated that the road is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but a national integration project. He noted that it would significantly boost economic development by supporting the movement of goods and people across the country. The highway is also expected to facilitate overland logistics from Salalah Port and energy zones in the south to the industrial and commercial centres of the interior and northern Oman.
The upgraded road will also improve access to remote communities in the governorates of Al Wusta and Dhofar, contributing to broader goals of economic inclusion and sustainable development. With more efficient transport links, Oman's southern governorate is positioned to emerge as a logistics and energy hub connecting the Arabian Sea to Gulf markets and beyond.
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