MUSCAT, OCT 27
The Sultanate of Oman is undergoing a transformative phase in its construction industry with the development of the Oman Building Code (OBC). The comprehensive set of regulations, overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in partnership with the International Code Council (ICC), aims to enhance building safety, resilience and sustainability.
These updates are not just timely but crucial for the nation’s growth, aligning closely with Oman’s Vision 2040. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Mohammed Amer, Regional Director of Operations at ICC MENA, shares insights into the evolution of the OBC and its potential impact on Oman’s construction sector.
Key provisions for a safer, resilient future
The OBC revisions focus on both structural and non-structural updates that directly influence the safety of buildings and infrastructure in Oman. The non-structural provisions include advanced fire and life safety systems, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and enhanced health standards. “These non-structural updates are crucial because they ensure that buildings are safer for everyday use as well as during emergencies like fires or natural disasters,” said Mohammed Amer. The code’s emergency evacuation protocols have also been strengthened, enhancing the ability to respond swiftly during crises.
On the structural side, the code incorporates global standards such as the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard 7 (ASCE 7) for structural loads and the American Concrete Institute Standard 318 (ACI 318) for concrete design.
“The structural updates ensure that our buildings can withstand the unique environmental challenges Oman faces, from extreme heat to occasional flooding,” Amer emphasised.
By adopting both performance-based and prescriptive approaches, the code allows for the use of innovative materials and construction methods, making it adaptable to both traditional practices and modern innovations.
ICC’s role in shaping Oman’s building standards
As a global leader in building safety codes, the ICC has played a pivotal role in shaping the OBC. The ICC’s International Codes (I-Codes) form the backbone of the OBC, covering critical safety areas like plumbing, sewage disposal, and energy conservation. Amer noted, “The I-Codes are designed to ensure public health and safety while also promoting energy-efficient and sustainable building practices.”
Amer explained that the ICC’s collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) has been essential in tailoring these international standards to fit Oman’s local conditions. “Oman’s diverse climate, from the coastal governorates to the desert, presents unique challenges. Our role is to make sure that the global standards are localised to address these challenges,” he said. This localisation supports Oman’s broader sustainability goals by promoting the use of low-carbon materials and encouraging energy-efficient building designs.
Balancing global standards with local needs
The development of the OBC is not without its challenges, particularly in balancing international best practices with Oman’s unique environmental and regulatory requirements. “One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that the code is practical and enforceable within Oman’s existing regulatory framework,” Amer explained. The Sultanate of Oman’s varied geography demands construction solutions that can withstand extreme heat, humidity, and even flooding.
Amer highlighted that the ICC has been conducting workshops with local stakeholders to address these issues. “We’ve been working closely with Omani designers, engineers, and government officials to identify gaps and ensure the code reflects the realities of construction in Oman,” he said. These workshops have been instrumental in refining the code to ensure it meets both international standards and local needs.
Stakeholder collaboration: A key to success
Collaboration with stakeholders has been a cornerstone of the OBC’s development. According to Amer, the feedback from designers, engineers, and municipal officials has been invaluable. “The input we receive from local professionals helps us bridge the gap between international standards and practical implementation in Oman. Their experience on the ground is essential for refining the code,” he said.
This collaborative approach ensures that the OBC is not only practical but also implementable. “The code is designed to be dynamic, meaning it will continue to evolve as we gather more feedback and as Oman’s construction landscape changes,” Amer explained. This adaptability is key to ensuring the code remains relevant and effective in the long-term.
Alignment with Oman Vision 2040
One of the major goals of the OBC is to align with Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the areas of sustainability and innovation. The code integrates modern construction techniques, such as 3D concrete printing and off-site construction, which are gaining traction globally. “These innovations are not just about staying ahead in construction trends —they are vital for reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency,” Amer said.
Amer believes that as Oman continues to grow, these advanced methods will play a crucial role in meeting the nation’s sustainability goals. “By embedding these techniques into the code, we are fostering a culture of sustainability that will benefit Oman for decades to come,” he added.
Impact on large-scale infrastructure projects
The new building code is expected to have a significant impact on large-scale infrastructure projects currently under development in Oman. “By incorporating the latest international standards in fire safety, structural integrity, and materials use, the OBC ensures that major projects like airports and commercial complexes will meet the highest safety and quality standards,” Amer noted.
This will result in infrastructure that is not only safer for the public but also more resilient, capable of withstanding Oman’s unique environmental challenges.
Training and support for implementation
To ensure the successful implementation of the OBC, ICC and MoHUP are rolling out comprehensive training programmes for Omani engineers, architects, and regulatory personnel. “Training is crucial for the effective application of these new standards,” Amer stated. The training will include User Guides in both English and Arabic, as well as a series of online webinars and in-person sessions in Muscat.
Amer emphasised that these initiatives aim to equip construction professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to implement the new code effectively. “Our goal is to create a resilient built environment in Oman, and that starts with educating the people who will be applying these standards on the ground,” he concluded.
The Oman Building Code represents a major step forward in the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability in its construction sector. With the collaboration of local stakeholders and global experts, Oman is creating a regulatory framework that not only meets its immediate needs but also aligns with its long-term vision for sustainable development.
As the nation continues to evolve, the OBC will serve as a foundation for building a safer, greener, and more innovative future.
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