The Sultanate of Oman preceded many countries in the region in distributing vacant land plots to citizens for various purposes at nominal prices. The process of land distribution began during the 1970s and it continued until recently under the renewed era of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik when certain decisions were issued to enable citizens to obtain land plots, particularly in Muscat Governorate.
In previous decades, some merchants, influential individuals and financially capable citizens were able to acquire more than one plot of land for different purposes.
However, many of these lands remained unused, prompting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to reconsider such grants in order to ensure fairness in access to land, especially in Muscat Governorate. This led to a review of the right to free ownership and the adoption of the usufruct system, which is considered more equitable and sustainable for land management. The aim was to utilise lands allocated to some citizens under usufruct but left unused for decades, as well as to enhance fairness among current generations and generate developmental impact economically, environmentally and socially.
The future vision of land distribution under the usufruct system aligns with national development directions within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, with the goal of sustainability.
The gradual shift from free ownership to usufruct represents an organised and fair approach for citizens. It does not deprive citizens of their right to housing or investment, rather it ensures that land becomes a tool for production and development rather than an instrument for monopoly or stagnation. Therefore, equitable land distribution between Muscat and other governorates is not merely an administrative issue, but a developmental matter affecting the economy, environment, and society. Usufruct represents a more balanced and sustainable model, as it preserves state ownership of resources, ensures optimal use, enhances intergenerational justice, supports balanced regional development, and achieves comprehensive and sustainable national growth.
As we understand, in Muscat Governorate, population density and economic activities are more concentrated than in other governorates, raising the issue of distributional justice to ensure that those in genuine need obtain land. The usufruct system emerges as a more just and sustainable tool compared to ownership, as Muscat represents the administrative and economic heart of the Sultanate of Oman, attracting investments, services and employment opportunities.
This has led to rising land prices in some areas and difficulties for young people in acquiring land, while some individuals monopolise unused plots in vital areas.
However, a pressing question remains among citizens: every head of the household today aspires to obtain a land plot of approximately 600 square metres to build a private home, particularly young people, as was common in previous decades. This can only be achieved through planning new land areas and providing essential services such as electricity and water to those vast regions. Oman’s geographical area is sufficient to distribute thousands of new plots to citizens so they can build homes according to their preferences, as was previously the case. This would also create job opportunities for contractors and small Omani entrepreneurs in the construction sector and reduce unemployment rates. The relevant authorities should consider this demand. Moreover, the idea of granting a land plot to every citizen should continue regardless of the planning of new residential cities that often benefit large contractors and developers before ordinary citizens.
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