Unlocking Ibri’s Economic Potential: What the New Structure Plan Means for Investors and Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT: A comprehensive strategic framework aimed at the sustainable development of Wilayat Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate, transforming it into a regional economic and logistics hub, has been finalized, revealed Broadway Malyan, the project’s lead urban planner.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the UK-based architecture and urban design firm emphasized that the Ibri Structure Plan capitalizes on the city’s strategic location, rich heritage, and distinctive mountain landscape.
"The Ibri Structure Plan presents a long-term vision for the city’s evolution into a connected, resilient, and economically diverse urban centre. It prioritizes future government investments in infrastructure, social amenities, and environmental improvements, ensuring synergy with local needs and Oman Vision 2040," stated Broadway Malyan.
Phil Bonds, Director of Masterplanning, added: "Our multidisciplinary team developed an integrated plan to unlock Ibri’s potential, transforming it into a hub for manufacturing, trade, logistics, and agro-industries, while highlighting its unique heritage and natural environment to boost tourism."
The project partners included F&M Middle East (Project Management), Pegasys (Socio-Economics, Investment & Governance), PAL (Economy), Cundall (Infrastructure, Environment, Sustainability & Smart City), Systematica (Transport and Mobility), Chronicle Heritage (Heritage-led Regeneration), Oman Think Urban (Stakeholder & Community Engagement), SKIFT (Strategic Tourism Advice), TRM (Traffic Surveys & Assessments), Green Mawared (Agronomy & Food Security), and DG Jones (Cost Planning).
The plan addresses critical challenges such as unplanned urban sprawl, which has diminished the city’s visual appeal. Over past decades, housing policies have led to Ibri expanding approximately 30 kilometers beyond its historic walled area into the surrounding mountains and desert. This calls for a structured development strategy, especially considering the population is expected to rise from around 71,000 in 2024 to about 120,000 by 2040.
Additional challenges targeted include Ibri’s reliance on car-dependent transport, climate change effects, and unsustainable traditional agricultural methods. Furthermore, limited employment diversity has driven many qualified Omanis to seek job opportunities in major cities or neighboring countries.
Broadway Malyan highlighted six core initiatives of the new plan: establishing a transport loop for a more pedestrian-friendly urban layout; regenerating the historic city centre; preserving the natural skyline and mountain ridges; creating a central green space; and integrating adjacent villages.
Leveraging its strategic proximity to Oman’s western border with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Ibri is set to attract foreign direct investment into specialized clusters for light industry and logistics, energy services, and food manufacturing. The plan also includes investments in tourism, education, and agro-food sectors to support sustainable growth.
This blueprint paves the way for Ibri’s transformation into a vibrant economic and logistics hub aligned with Oman’s broader development goals.
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The Ibri Structure Plan signals a transformative opportunity for businesses in Oman, positioning Ibri as a regional hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics—key sectors aligned with Oman Vision 2040. This strategic development invites smart investors to capitalize on emerging clusters in light industry, energy, and agro-food, while entrepreneurs should consider sustainable urban projects and tourism ventures that leverage the city’s unique heritage and geography. However, addressing urban sprawl and climate resilience presents a critical challenge and risk, underscoring the need for innovative, sustainable solutions in infrastructure and community planning.
