Al Wusta road improvements support Khareef Dhofar economy

MUSCA: Maintenance work continues on paved roads in Al Wusta Governorate as part of a project valued at approximately RO 6.4 million. This project encompasses the maintenance of 1,244 kilometres of roads, contributing to the preservation of the road network's efficiency, especially in light of the increased traffic and tourism during khareef Dhofar Season.
The importance of these projects extends beyond improving safety and traffic flow; they also support economic activity related to tourism, services, transportation and hospitality.
Al Wusta Governorate holds strategic importance due to its location, making its roads a major thoroughfare for travellers, trucks and tourist vehicles heading to Salalah during the season.
The Sultanate of Oman is proceeding with the implementation of a comprehensive package of road projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the transportation network, improving connectivity between governorates and wilayats and supporting commercial, logistical and tourism activities, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Work is also underway to complete a section of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road north of Haima, spanning 850 kilometres, at a cost of RO 44 million. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months. Work continues on the third phase of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road project, spanning 124.5 kilometres, at a cost of RO 70 million with a three-year implementation period.
Eng Bakhit bin Salem al Awaid, Director of the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, stated: 'During the Khareef Dhofar Season, we intensify our efforts to carry out road maintenance work. This includes removing sand, dust and other obstacles, painting road markings, repairing asphalt damage and painting bridges and city entrances. These efforts contribute to raising traffic safety standards and improving the efficiency of the road network”.
Khareef is one of the most prominent tourist seasons in the Sultanate of Oman. This influx of tourists impacts a wide range of economic activities, from hotels, hotel apartments and restaurants to car rentals, gas stations, shops and tourist-related businesses. Therefore, developing the roads leading to Dhofar is not merely a service project, but rather an investment in the infrastructure of tourism and the local economy.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also benefit from the increased traffic during the season, particularly those operating in the transportation, hospitality, restaurant, retail and tourism services sectors.
The economic benefits are not limited to the Dhofar Governorate. The Al Wusta Governorate also benefits from the increased traffic on the main roads, through the increased demand for gas stations, restaurants, rest areas, auto repair shops and various services related to overland travel.
With the continued implementation of strategic projects throughout 2026, investments in roads appear to be a key driver of infrastructure spending in the Sultanate of Oman, with an expected impact on the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector and an improved business environment, in line with the economic diversification goals of Oman Vision 2040.