RO 1.2 Billion Road Projects in Oman: What It Means for National Connectivity and Business Growth
MUSCAT: In a major move to advance infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, the Sultanate of Oman has announced a comprehensive road development initiative valued at over RO 1.2 billion. This ambitious package underscores the government’s dedication to improving national connectivity and promoting sustainable development.
At the 14th regular session of the Majlis Ash’shura, Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, highlighted the ongoing execution of several high-quality strategic road projects across the country. These projects encompass the construction of new roads, the upgrading and rehabilitation of existing routes—particularly those impacted by climatic conditions or aging beyond their functional lifespan—and routine road maintenance managed by the Ministry.
The Eleventh Five-Year Plan for the roads sector prioritizes the completion of ongoing projects while introducing new initiatives slated for 2026. Key efforts include expanding dual carriageways on major roads and rehabilitating critical routes to enhance overall transportation infrastructure.
Among the strategic projects set to be operational by 2026 is the expansion of the Muscat Expressway from the Al Qurum Natural Park intersection to the Halban intersection. The redesign aims to resolve current congestion issues for at least the next 25 years. Studies identified that the primary traffic problems stem not just from lane numbers but also from the design of exits, entrances, and vehicle intersections that cause repeated slowdowns and result in extensive traffic jams. The new design will separate traffic flows, optimize exit and entrance efficiency, and add lanes where necessary to alleviate bottlenecks.
In addition, the dual carriageway project for Ibra Road (Al-Yahmedi to Al-Qafisi), costing RO 186.3 million, forms part of the broader strategic plan. Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Transport, emphasized that awarding contracts for both the Muscat Expressway expansion and the Ibra Road dual carriageway represent critical steps to enhance main road network efficiency, accommodate rapid urban and population growth, improve intergovernorate connectivity, and ensure safer travel conditions.
According to the 2026 State Budget Guide, the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan will finalize ongoing projects begun under the Tenth Five-Year Plan. Approximately RO 900 million has been allocated for annual development project expenditures, including the roads sector.
Key projects earmarked for completion include the dual carriageway of the Al-Ansab-Al-Jafnain road; Sultan Turki bin Said Road (the Eastern Expressway from Al Kamil W’al Wafi to Sur); the Raysut-Al-Mughsail dual carriageway; the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thamrait) dual carriageway; the Harweeb-Mitan road in Dhofar; and the Farq-Heritage District-Nizwa dual carriageway, alongside the widening of the Muscat Expressway.
These substantial investments reinforce Oman’s leading position in road infrastructure quality, with the Sultanate ranked eighth globally and second in the Arab world according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report. This standing reflects Oman’s commitment to adhering to the highest international standards in building a safe and sustainable road network.
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Oman’s RO 1.2 billion investment in strategic road projects signals robust infrastructural growth, positioning the Sultanate to significantly ease urban congestion and boost intergovernorate connectivity. For businesses, this presents enhanced logistical efficiency and expanded market accessibility, while smart investors should consider opportunities in infrastructure-related sectors and urban development. However, maintaining project momentum and adapting to evolving urban demands will be critical to fully unlocking these benefits and mitigating potential risks of delayed returns.
