Latest news with #MoHUP
Observer
19-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Break bureaucratic barriers for a smarter future
In recent months, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has led a notable wave of political and economic engagement, marked by official state visits to countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia and Algeria. These visits aim to bolster Oman's strategic, political and economic interests. They also reflect a broader ambition to expand Oman's horizons, foster dynamic trade relations with the global community, attract foreign investment, and project Oman as a model in the region and beyond. Alongside these diplomatic initiatives, Oman's soft power has been on full display. It played a vital role in hosting nuclear talks between the US and Iran — before they were undermined by Israeli actions — and in facilitating the halt of Ansar Allah attacks on maritime traffic in the Bab al Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. These accomplishments reinforce Oman's balanced approach to regional instability and global conflict. They also have profound implications for global trade and security. Guided by His Majesty's forward-looking vision, there is an urgent need to translate this high-level economic philosophy into dynamic domestic momentum. This requires a flexible economy that can keep pace with global changes — whether in economic diversification, clean energy transition, attracting technological investment, or elevating the efficiency of public administration to meet these aspirations and generate meaningful job opportunities for Omanis. At the macro level, the national direction appears bold and clear. However, at the micro level, there is often a lack of alignment. Some units within the public service apparatus appear insufficiently responsive or engaged in delivering the agility required for today's dynamic economic landscape. This is particularly evident in sectors such as commerce, electronic governance, workforce nationalisation, and employment. Take agriculture and industry, for example. Business owners frequently raise concerns over high electricity tariffs and the contradictory requirements imposed by various service agencies. Many departments appear to focus on procedural minutiae at the expense of seeing the broader national objective — facilitating business activity, attracting investors, and, most importantly, empowering citizens to thrive in enterprise through enabling legislation and swift responsiveness. This lack of coherence partly explains the establishment of the 'Tajawob' platform, initiated by His Majesty to improve government responsiveness to public concerns. It also reflects the reality behind overcrowded service centres and complaints desks. If government units were already proactive and solutions-oriented, such measures might not have been necessary. Unfortunately, delays and complications remain common, especially in food security and industrial projects. A prime example is how some investors receive land through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP), only to be overwhelmed later by excessive conditions, fees, and delays from other agencies. The 'Invest in Oman' portal may boast about streamlined services, but the ground reality often tells a different story. In twenty-first-century Oman, we must move beyond entrenched bureaucracy in some service units and adopt a culture of proactive problem-solving. Our government strategy should reflect the same drive and energy at both the leadership and implementation levels, ensuring that the public and business communities feel the impact of policy reforms through tangible, everyday improvements. We must adopt a fully integrated, transparent, and user-friendly digital government system with minimal fees, making Oman a competitive destination for global investment. This, in turn, will help generate more jobs for young Omanis. There are successful global models to draw upon — Estonia, for example, with its digital ID system that allows citizens to vote, sign documents, pay taxes, and access nearly all government services online. Over 99 per cent of Estonia's government services are available around the clock. The concept of 'e-residency' even allows anyone in the world to register and run a company in Estonia remotely. Their paperless government eliminates outdated issues like unreliable staff attitudes, broken systems and absentee managers. By adopting such innovations, Oman can eliminate unnecessary delays and align its administrative practices with its bold economic vision — turning ambition into opportunity for its people and securing its place on the global economic map. The original version of this article was published in Arabic in Oman Arabic on June 15. Translated by Badr al Dhafri
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ICC to showcase building safety and innovation expertise at Oman Design & Build Week
Dubai, UAE: The International Code Council (ICC) is set to participate in Oman Design & Build Week (ODBW), taking place from May 19–21 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center in Muscat. Recognized as a leading platform for professionals in construction, design, and real estate, ODBW offers valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and industry collaboration. Representing the ICC, Mohammed Amer, Managing Director – ICC MENA, will deliver a presentation focused on how building codes serve as a safety-first foundation for enabling the adoption of innovative and modern construction methods. The session will highlight the importance of robust regulatory frameworks in supporting technological advancement while ensuring safety and performance remain central to the built environment. Amer will also join a panel discussion on Sustainability in Construction, where he will share his insights on how modern building codes, innovative practices, and sustainable design standards can drive more environmentally responsible and energy-efficient development. Speaking about ICC's involvement, Amer said, 'It's an honor to support Oman's vision for safe, sustainable, and innovative building practices. By collaborating on the development of local building codes, we're helping ensure a resilient and forward-thinking construction industry.' This participation builds on ICC's agreement with Oman's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP), signed last year to enhance building safety and construction standards across the Sultanate, through the development of the Oman Building Code (OBC), five specialty codes and a range of user tools including training and credentialing. As part of this initiative, ICC will be conducting training online and in Muscat throughout 2025. Its involvement in Oman Design & Build Week reflects a continued commitment to supporting Oman's evolving construction industry, where safety, innovation, and sustainability remain key priorities. About the International Code Council The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. More information about ICC MENA: Middle East Media Enquiries should be directed to AllDetails: Diane D'costa, Senior PR Account Manager Email: Chamodi Gunawardane, Junior PR Account Manager, Email:
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Landowners affected by railway project to get compensation
The Directorate General of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in North al Batinah called on citizens whose properties are affected by the railway project to visit the directorate to complete procedures related to financial compensation and land valuation. The affected plots, which include residential, commercial, and industrial uses, require the presence of landowners to ensure timely processing. The review process will take place during official working hours from May 18- 30. According to the ministry, landowners are requested to bring the following documents: original property ownership deeds for the affected lands, personal identification documents of the landowner, and legal declarations in cases of inheritance or death. In cases where the landowner is unable to attend in person, a valid power of attorney must be presented. ZAKIYA AL HUSSAINI 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( ZAKIYA AL HUSSAINI
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain launches tender for 128 residential units
Bahrain's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) has announced the launch of a tender for the construction of 128 apartments in Umm Al Hassam. The project covers over 8,000 sqm and will be built to updated vertical housing standards, featuring modern units of 200 sqm with all key facilities. The entire work will be completed in a 50-month period. This comes following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, to expand the Government Land Development Rights Programme, reported BNA. This marks the first project under the programme in the Capital Governorate and the eighth nationwide. The ministry said there was increased interest from both developers and citizens in similar projects, emphasising the programme's role in sustaining long-term housing services. In its notification on Bahrain Tenders site, the ministry stated that all bidders will be competing for a licence to develop the project and the one offering the highest land value and lowest sales rate while meeting all technical criteria will be selected for the project. The winning bidder will be responsible for the design, finance and construction of all 128 housing units in addition to connectivity and the existing infrastructure. Construction will take 20 months from the start of works, with units sold exclusively to beneficiaries of the MoHUP's social housing financing programmes. The deadline for submitting the bids has been set at August 6. Following the project completion and sale of all units, the developer must pay MoHUP the agreed land value, said the ministry in its tender notification. Additionally the ministry will offer a buy-back arrangement for any units that remain unsold 24 months after the projects construction is completed, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
24-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Bahrain launches tender for 128 residential units
Bahrain's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) has announced the launch of a tender for the construction of 128 apartments in Umm Al Hassam. The project covers over 8,000 sqm and will be built to updated vertical housing standards, featuring modern units of 200 sqm with all key facilities. The entire work will be completed in a 50-month period. This comes following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, to expand the Government Land Development Rights Programme, reported BNA. This marks the first project under the programme in the Capital Governorate and the eighth nationwide. The ministry said there was increased interest from both developers and citizens in similar projects, emphasising the programme's role in sustaining long-term housing services. In its notification on Bahrain Tenders site, the ministry stated that all bidders will be competing for a licence to develop the project and the one offering the highest land value and lowest sales rate while meeting all technical criteria will be selected for the project. The winning bidder will be responsible for the design, finance and construction of all 128 housing units in addition to connectivity and the existing infrastructure. Construction will take 20 months from the start of works, with units sold exclusively to beneficiaries of the MoHUP's social housing financing programmes. The deadline for submitting the bids has been set at August 6. Following the project completion and sale of all units, the developer must pay MoHUP the agreed land value, said the ministry in its tender notification. Additionally the ministry will offer a buy-back arrangement for any units that remain unsold 24 months after the projects construction is completed, it added.
