SALALAH, MARCH 4
The Governorate of Dhofar has unveiled a sweeping development plan for the Wilayat of Shalim and Hallaniyat Islands, aiming to revitalize the region through private sector engagement, tourism promotion, and infrastructure upgrades.
The plan – spanning the agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and mining sectors - prioritizes attracting private investment, fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities in Shalim and the islands.
As part of the plan, around 179 acres of land in Rakhyab have been allocate for expanded frankincense cultivation, with a further 1,000 acres dedicate across the wilayat for broader agricultural production.
In a boost for tourism infrastructure, an eco-friendly resort powered by solar energy is proposed to be built on a 155,000 m2 plot in Shorbthat, alongside serviced apartments in the wilayat center.
Further, to strengthen local infrastructure, the development plan sets out initiatives for a 500-meter waterfront project in Shuwaimiyah, construction of 10 kilometers of internal roads, establishment of a slaughterhouse, and improvement of the Shuwaimiyah escarpment.
Given the wilayat’s promising mining potential, the strategic exploration and development of a mining site within the wilayat is also included in the plan.
Over the past year, several key projects have been completed across the wilayat.
The list includes the construction of an administrative building and service facilities at the fishing port, a new health center, 20 new residences alongside the refurbishment of 32 existing ones, and the development of a park and football pitch in the Hallaniyat Islands.
Other projects lined for implementation this year are: An 11 kV overhead power line to Shuwaimiyah, connection of Shorbthat and Wadi Rakhyab to high-voltage power lines, maintenance works at the administrative center, and a new multi-purpose building housing the Omani Women's Association, the Department of Social Development, and the Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities. An expansion of the Dhofar wind power station in the wilayat is also envisioned.
In recent years, the wilayat has witnessed the addition of a desalination plant, sports complex, fish collection center in Shuwaimiyah, camel racetrack, passenger ferry terminal in the Hallaniyat Islands, and 28 kilometers of internal roads on the islands.
Ongoing projects include the maintenance of Abu Firas Al-Hamdani Primary School, construction of a multi-purpose building and a 2-kilometer health walkway in the wilayat center, and the development of the wilayat sports center. Also envisioned for implementation is a wholesale market in Shuwaimiyah, and a fish collection project in Shorbthat Importantly, a tourism festival is planned to showcase the cultural gems of the Wilayat of Shalim and Hallaniyat Islands.
This comprehensive development plan, encompassing various sectors, is expected to significantly transform the economic and social landscape of Shalim and the Hallaniyat Islands, positioning them as attractive destinations for investment and tourism.
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