Housing bachelors, families in same building is prohibited in Muscat
Published: 06:10 AM,Oct 13,2026 | EDITED : 10:10 AM,Oct 13,2026
Muscat Municipality has warned against the the construction of buildings or complexes for the accommodation of workers or single men in residential and mixed-use residential/commercial areas, or the combination of family and single men's accommodation in a building.
Municipality said such unregulated occupancy can the property's capacity or violates its classification, its effects extend to regulated roads and parking and services and facilities.
Muscat Municipality has been stressing the need for having labour camps outside the residential areas.
The local order 23/92 of Muscat Municipality states it is not permitted to establish complexes or buildings for single expatriate workers in residential or commercial residential areas.
The Article 30 and 31 of the local order 23/92 states that in industrial areas of various types, warehouses and workers’ camps it is not permitted to build residential units for family accommodation.
Owners of industrial plots over-looking a main street shall use the front part of the plot for commercial purpose, provided that prior approval is obtained from the concerned Authority. The conditions do not apply in such cases.
Owners of industrial plots over-looking a main street shall use the front part of the plot for commercial purpose, provided that prior approval is obtained from the concerned Authority. The conditions do not apply in such cases.
Article 31: A. workers accommodation is permitted within reasonable limits, in various types of industrial areas according to the type of industry or workshop built on the same plot. Bachelor’s accommodation for staff or technicians may be permitted in plots with large areas, originally all located as workers’ camp.
Showrooms (to exhibit industrial products and spare parts only) shall be permitted in areas allotted for light industry provided that the area of showrooms is not more than 30 per cent of the approved percentage of building.
It is allowed to construct offices only in the first floor in the industrial areas and stores areas provided the public utilities for the same should be in one place.
Complexes or buildings for workers or bachelors’ accommodation are not permitted in residential or residential commercial areas. Any architectural design revealing such use shall not be accepted. Also buildings that consist of family as well as bachelors accommodation shall not be permitted.
Buildings for industrial activities (heavy or light industries) shall not be permitted in residential, commercial or residential areas.