Urbanism, housing expo opens with RO 1 bn in deals

MUSCAT: The Urbanism, Housing and Construction Exhibition and Conference and World Habitat Day 2026 celebrations opened on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together developers, investors, experts and policymakers to discuss sustainable housing, urban development and quality of life.
Organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in partnership with the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the four-day event runs until October 8 as part of 'Urban October'.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, and attended by UN Under-Secretary-General and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, along with officials and specialists from several countries.
Held under the theme 'Adequate Housing for All', the event witnessed the signing of 20 partnership, development and tender-award agreements with a combined investment value exceeding RO 1 billion. The agreements cover projects in Sultan Haitham City, Al Thuraya City, Khazaen Economic City, Kamzar Residential Scheme and several integrated residential and tourism developments.
In Sultan Haitham City, a tender worth more than RO 12 million was awarded for the construction of a rehabilitation complex for persons with disabilities and a care home for older persons. Another tender, worth more than RO 14 million, was awarded for Package 22 to divert the wadi along the eastern boundary of Al Barakah Palace.
A community contribution agreement was also signed with Aflaj Group to develop a sports and health trail in Sultan Haitham City.
In Al Thuraya City, a RO 45 million development agreement was signed for Neighbourhood 5C, comprising 220 housing units, while a RO 55 million agreement was signed for Neighbourhoods 5A and 5B, comprising 265 units. A RO 4.5 million consultancy contract was also awarded to prepare the detailed master plan for Phase Three.

Eight development agreements under the 'Surooh' integrated residential neighbourhoods programme were signed, with total investments of RO 186.6 million. The projects will provide 2,443 housing units across several governorates.
Tourism-related agreements included the development of the Sultan Qaboos Port waterfront project with Omran Group, the Al Bandar project with Al Bandar Development, and the Yanquat Hills integrated tourism project with Masa Al Qurum Development.
Speaking at a press meeting held alongside the event, Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, said the ministry had prepared structural plans covering around 70 per cent of Oman’s cities over the past three to four years, drawing on international best practices and local knowledge.
He said the plans provide a clear road map for urban development over the next 20 years, while helping identify future needs and maintain a balance in urban growth. He added that housing is a fundamental human right and noted that more than 90 per cent of Oman’s population own their homes.
The minister stressed the importance of water security in urban planning, particularly given Oman’s hot and arid climate, and highlighted efforts to improve water-network efficiency and reduce leakage.
Rossbach said many solutions to housing and urban development challenges already exist, with the main challenge being their implementation and scaling up. She stressed that housing must be integrated with transport, land, financing, services and employment opportunities.
She said cities should work for people while remaining in harmony with nature, noting that urban populations are expected to account for around 70 per cent of the world’s population in the coming decades.
Rossbach also highlighted the role of technology, artificial intelligence and digital solutions in improving land and resource management and strengthening decision-making, while stressing that technology should support, rather than replace, human judgement.
The four-day programme includes ministerial sessions, international experiences in urban development, and discussions on emerging cities, integrated communities and the future of housing.
The exhibition features more than 200 exhibitors from 50 countries, over 65 real estate developers and more than 100 experts and urban planning leaders. It also includes more than 20 cultural, artistic and musical activities, competitions and other public programmes.