AL HAMRA: Jabal Shams in the Wilayat of Al Hamra is witnessing the implementation of a package of integrated development projects at a cost exceeding RO 31 million. These projects, spearheaded by urban development and infrastructure initiatives, are part of a plan for the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, aimed at enhancing tourism and investment readiness.
Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, said that the first phase of the Jabal Shams project is under implementation at a cost of RO 2.93 million with a completion rate of 5 per cent. The project covers an area of 145,000 square metres and the total cost of the project is approximately RO 11 million.
Al Hajri noted that the first phase includes preparing the land and essential utility networks, while the second phase will include high-quality tourist and recreational facilities, such as a glass walkway, a mountain slide, an open-air theatre and a cultural park. This will enhance the site’s tourism value and increase its competitiveness among mountain destinations in the Sultanate of Oman.
The project is expected to generate more than RO 1.26 million in annual revenues and provide 309 direct job opportunities, in addition to 32 investment opportunities for entrepreneurs, he added.
The completion of the Jabal Shams road project represents a strategic dimension of the waterfront development project. Construction began at the beginning of January this year at an estimated cost of RO 20.2 million and is progressing as per schedule. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is overseeing its implementation as part of its plans to develop the road network in Oman, Al Hajri said.
The project to supply and install 172 lighting poles along the 10-km road leading to Jabal Shams has been completed, Al Hajri said, adding that these integrated efforts in developing roads, lighting, and infrastructure pave the way for a new phase of tourism and development in the Wilayat of Al Hamra.
The road extends for 32 km and serves the Jabal Shams area and several villages along its route. This will enhance geographical connectivity, improve road safety, and facilitate movement for residents and visitors.
The governor said that the project includes the construction of nine rest areas distributed along the road, with coordination underway to provide a fuel station in response to the demands of residents and visitors. This will enhance comfort and safety, reduce travel time, and improve access to vital sites.
The waterfront and road projects together form an integrated development package aligned with national directives to enhance local content by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and providing greater opportunities for national companies to participate in the implementation of associated works and services. This will bolster economic sustainability and increase the contribution of development projects to supporting the local economy, he said.
The development underway at Jabal Shams is part of an advanced stage of development projects in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, where the value of ongoing projects exceeds RO 11.5 million in the urban development, roads, and lighting sectors. This reflects the governorate’s commitment to accelerating the pace of balanced and sustainable development.
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