Al Dakhiliyah Governorate Project Inspections: Key Developments Shaping Investment Opportunities and Business Growth in Oman
On the second day of the fourth periodic meeting of governors, hosted by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, officials reviewed several key development and strategic projects underway in the wilayats of Nizwa, Al Hamra, and Bahla. The purpose was to share development experiences within the governorate and evaluate progress on initiatives aimed at improving quality of life while boosting tourism and economic activity.
The delegation’s visit began with an inspection of the Nizwa Public Park project, one of Al Dakhiliyah’s most significant ongoing development and beautification efforts. The park covers approximately 150,000 square meters and has a budget exceeding RO two million. Currently 88% complete, it is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2026. The project is designed to offer an integrated urban environment with recreational, educational, and cultural features, including an artificial lake, children’s playgrounds, vast green spaces, cafes, restaurants, kiosks, sports facilities, an investment park, a library, and educational medicinal facilities. Upon completion, the park is expected to generate 24 investment opportunities and around 65 jobs, with local content contributing up to 50%.
The delegation also reviewed the Al Dakhiliyah Square project in Nizwa, a strategic development initiative aimed at enhancing services and infrastructure by integrating investment, tourism, recreation, culture, health, and environmental elements. Covering about 145,000 square meters, the project is 24% complete and boasts a local content rate of 60%. Features include a family promenade, cycling paths, sports areas, open-air theaters, play zones, laser and hologram show areas, illuminated sculptures, a range of restaurants, a cultural street with cafes, libraries, cultural activities, and a market for local artisans. This development is projected to create approximately 380 direct and indirect jobs and 57 investment opportunities.
In Bahla, the delegation toured the historic Bahla Souq, which is undergoing renovation with over 69% completion as of November and a budget exceeding RO 477,000. This project aims to revitalize the souq as a commercial and cultural hub by enhancing its urban and service environment while preserving its heritage character. Renovations include façade and shop rehabilitations, natural stone floor paving, and the creation of a tourist walkway linking the market to Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The visit concluded with a stop at Misfat Al Abriyeen, recognized in 2021 as one of the world’s most beautiful tourist villages at the UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid. Development efforts here are 30% complete and include over 80 hotel rooms, a traditional house, museums, and archaeological galleries. The project aims to transform Misfat Al Abriyeen into a comprehensive tourist destination that melds authentic heritage with modern hospitality, thereby strengthening the tourism sector and local economy of the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The comprehensive development projects in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate represent significant opportunities for businesses and investors in tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors, driven by integrated urban, recreational, and heritage-focused initiatives. With strong local content rates and job creation potential, smart investors should consider capitalizing on emerging investment parks, artisanal markets, and hospitality infrastructure to leverage Oman’s strategic push for sustainable economic diversification and enhanced quality of life. However, risks lie in ensuring timely completion and maintaining authentic heritage preservation while scaling modern tourism demands.
