Proposed Oman Building Code: Key Insights from Workshop and Its Impact on Construction Businesses

• By Observer Web Team
• October 1, 2024July 25, 2025
• Building Code Oman Stakeholder Workshops
• With 0 comments

Muscat: The International Code Council (ICC) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in Oman recently concluded a significant series of workshops aimed at refining the draft Oman Building Code.

Held from September 9 to 12, the workshops served as a platform for stakeholders to provide crucial feedback on the proposed building regulations. The sessions were divided into two segments: one addressing nonstructural provisions such as fire safety, accessibility, and health requirements, and the other focusing on structural provisions, including design and foundational aspects.

Limited to 50 participants to encourage meaningful dialogue, the workshops included designers, engineers, municipal officials, and regulatory staff, all of whom offered invaluable insights regarding the current scope of the code and its applicability within local regulatory frameworks.

An official spokesperson from MoHUP highlighted the importance of the workshops, stating, “These workshops represent not only a key step in developing the Oman Building Code but also an ongoing opportunity to seek improvements and build upon current practices. The expertise shared and the feedback received are helping us elevate safety, sustainability, and innovation in Oman’s buildings and construction sector.”

Hamid Naderi, ICC’s Senior Vice President of Product Development, expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting, "We are pleased to see the continued progression with MoHUP on this transformative project. The engagement and feedback from Omani stakeholders are vital to ensuring the draft code sets new benchmarks for safety and resilience while meeting the unique needs of the Sultanate of Oman."

The insights gathered during these workshops will be instrumental in finalizing the comprehensive suite of Oman building codes, expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. Additional support materials will be released in the following months. The collaboration between ICC and MoHUP underscores a shared commitment to enhancing building standards that not only meet current demands but also address future challenges.

Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market

The recent workshops between the International Code Council and Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning signal a transformative shift in the construction sector, particularly with the impending Oman Building Code. Businesses must recognize the potential for enhanced safety, sustainability, and innovation, creating opportunities for those investing in compliant construction practices. However, stakeholders should also be mindful of potential regulatory hurdles; smart investors and entrepreneurs should actively adapt to these evolving standards to remain competitive in the dynamic Omani market.