
Majlis A'Shura to host Housing Minister Shu'aili on April 21
Muscat – H E Dr Khalfan bin Saeed al Shu'aili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, will address Majlis A'Shura on April 21 to review his ministry's performance and outline future strategies related to housing and urban development in the country.
The session, the council's ninth regular sitting, will focus on five main areas of discussion, according to Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al Nadabi, Secretary General of Majlis A'Shura.
H E Shu'aili will begin by presenting an overview of the National Urban Development Strategy and the ministry's initiatives under the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). This section will cover performance indicators for strategic programmes, housing and urban planning policies, and planning tools intended to promote sustainable development across governorates. It will also address the ministry's contribution to employment generation and projected outcomes of the National Social Housing Plan.
The second section will examine legal and legislative frameworks that govern the housing sector, including existing laws and upcoming legislation linked to urban planning.
The third part will focus on the ministry's efforts to coordinate activities of public and private entities, including partnership development, real estate investment promotion and urban planning improvements supported by standardised guidelines and performance measures. The discussion will also touch on cross-sector collaboration in areas such as transport, agriculture and renewable energy.
The fourth section will highlight progress in digital transformation, particularly the use of artificial intelligence and geographic information systems (GIS) to streamline procedures and enhance governance in real estate.
The final section will explore future opportunities and challenges in building sustainable cities and integrated residential communities. H E Shu'aili is expected to detail financing strategies, cost structures and social outcomes, especially as these relate to meeting growing demand for social housing.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
MoHUP pavilion highlights the future of urban life
Muscat: In a unique initiative that blends visionary planning with public engagement, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) inaugurated its 'Future Cities' exhibition pavilion at the Oman Across Ages Museum. The exhibit, which will run from July through September 2025, is part of the ministry's broader mission to raise public awareness about Oman's urban development vision and sustainable planning goals. The pavilion offers an immersive experience for visitors, highlighting key strategic projects that embody the future of urban life in the Sultanate of Oman. These initiatives reflect Oman's commitment to building modern, inclusive and smart cities based on the principles of sustainability, quality of life and urban integration. At the heart of the exhibition lies Sultan Haitham City, the country's first integrated and sustainable next-generation city. Designed with cutting-edge infrastructure and intelligent systems, the city aims to provide a high quality of life through walkable neighbourhoods, green spaces and comprehensive services. This landmark project exemplifies the Oman's shift towards building future-ready cities and reflects the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for a society that balances economic prosperity with environmental responsibility and human well-being. Beyond Sultan Haitham City, the pavilion showcases a diverse array of strategic projects derived from Oman's National Urban Development Strategy. Among them is the Highland City project, an innovative model for sustainable mountain development that combines natural topography with advanced residential and tourism solutions. The pavilion also features Al Thuraya City — a futuristic smart city development located in the heart of Muscat. With its global investment outlook and sustainable design, the project demonstrates Oman's ambition to become a leader in smart urbanism. Another highlight is the Central Al Khuwair Master Plan, which reimagines a dynamic, mixed-use urban core in Muscat. Meanwhile, in the south, the Future Salalah City is presented as a landmark coastal development in Dhofar Governorate, designed to harmonise with the region's rich ecological and cultural identity. The exhibition also shines a spotlight on the Sorouh initiative — a national programme aimed at delivering integrated residential neighbourhoods that meet the evolving housing needs of Oman's population. These communities are designed with a focus on sustainability, affordability and livability, offering diverse housing solutions tailored to different social segments. One of the exhibition's special features includes a display of the Royal Directives issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which have significantly influenced the trajectory of Oman's urban development efforts. These endorsements mark pivotal moments in shaping cities that reflect the nation's aspirations for innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. On the sidelines of the inauguration, a prize draw was held for attendees of the Oman Real Estate Conference and the 20th edition of the Design and Build Week. The prizes — ranging from apartments and plots in Sultan Haitham City and Sorouh neighbourhoods to luxury cars and exclusive home furnishing packages — were aimed at stimulating public interest and investment in Oman's evolving housing sector. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to invigorate the real estate market while encouraging citizens to explore integrated housing options that combine quality construction, comprehensive services and a modern community ethos.


Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
SalamAir reconnects Muscat and Beirut with direct flights
SalamAir, Oman's low-cost airline, proudly announces the return of Beirut, Lebanon, to its flight schedule, with direct flights operating twice a week starting December 3rd, 2025. This move comes as part of SalamAir's broader strategy to expand its regional network and enhance air connectivity across the Middle East and beyond. The reintroduction of Beirut marks a key milestone in the airline's continued growth and commitment to offering affordable, flexible and various travel options to its customers. Beirut is a cultural and historical gem offering stunning Mediterranean coastlines, world-class cuisine, and a rich blend of ancient and modern heritage. The city attracts tourists year-round, and its significance as a regional hub for business and leisure makes it a highly desirable destination for travelers from Oman and beyond. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, commented: 'Bringing Beirut back to our network reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening air connectivity and enhancing travel options for our guests. There is a significant Lebanese population in Oman, and currently, there are no direct flights between the two countries. Our new service aims to fill that gap, offering greater convenience and supporting increased tourism, trade, and business opportunities. This move also aligns with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in advancing the tourism and logistics sectors and driving economic diversification. As always, we continue to expand with competitive Lite Fares and easy add-ons to ensure real value for our guests.' H E Albert Samaha, Ambassador of Lebanon to Oman, welcomed the resumption, stating: 'These long-awaited flights serve as a vital link for the Lebanese community residing in Oman and facilitate easier access to their homeland. It also paves the way for enhanced tourism, cultural interaction, and bilateral cooperation between our two nations. We sincerely thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman and SalamAir for realizing this shared vision.' This addition affirms SalamAir`s role as one of the region's fastest-growing low-cost carriers and a key contributor to Oman's Vision 2040 goals of enhancing tourism, connectivity, and economic diversification. Passengers can book their tickets via SalamAir's website and the mobile app.


Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman leads Arab support for Syria amid Israeli airstrikes
Muscat – Arab foreign ministers, including Oman's H E Sayyid Badr al Busaidi, have condemned Israel's recent air strikes on Syria, calling these a violation of international law and a threat to the its sovereignty and stability. In a series of consultations over two days following the Israeli bombardment last week, H E Sayyid Badr spoke with counterparts from Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt. The ministers issued a joint statement denouncing the attacks and expressed unified support for Syria's territorial integrity. The statement reaffirmed rejection of any foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs and welcomed recent efforts to defuse tensions in the southern Suwayda governorate. The ministers backed an agreement aimed at ending unrest in the area and commended Syrian President Ahmad al Shara's pledge to hold those responsible for violations against civilians accountable. The ministers also voiced support for national efforts to restore security and uphold the rule of law across Syria, stressing the need to reject violence, sectarianism and hate speech. They warned that Israeli strikes not only violate Syria's sovereignty but also undermine efforts to stabilise the country and rebuild after more than a decade of conflict. 'Syria's security and stability are essential to regional security and represent a shared priority,' the statement said. The ministers called on the international community to support the Syrian government's reconstruction plans and urged the UN Security Council to take action to stop Israeli aggression and ensure full withdrawal from occupied Syrian territory.