MUSCAT: Efforts to enhance the visual appeal and organisation of coastal areas in Al Seeb gathered pace as Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali al Shihi, Wali of Al Seeb, chaired a coordination meeting to address the spread of unplanned fishermen’s shelters along the waterfront.
The meeting forms part of a broader push to align urban development with environmental priorities and community needs.
It brought together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General of Muscat Municipality in Al Seeb, the Director of the Fisheries Department, and representatives of coastal communities, among them a local elder and a member of the traditional marine committee.
Participants noted that while the shelters play a vital role in supporting fishermen by protecting equipment and facilitating daily operations, their unregulated expansion has begun to impact the overall appearance of the waterfront.
The area is widely regarded as an important public and tourism destination, making its visual and environmental quality a key concern for authorities.
Discussions focused on developing a structured framework to organise the shelters. Officials stressed the need to strike a balance between safeguarding fishermen’s livelihoods and advancing tourism-oriented development plans aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of Al Seeb’s coastline.
Among the proposals reviewed was the allocation of designated alternative sites, where shelters could be constructed in a more organised and visually consistent manner. This approach is expected to improve the coastal landscape while ensuring fishermen retain access to functional and convenient facilities.
Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of sustainable and inclusive solutions that align with environmental standards and long-term planning goals. Any regulatory measures, they noted, should be introduced gradually, with clear communication and close coordination between authorities and local communities.
The meeting concluded with a field visit to the waterfront, allowing participants to assess the current distribution of shelters and identify potential relocation sites. The visit provided firsthand insight into on-ground challenges and helped inform practical options for reorganisation.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to preserve Al Seeb’s coastal identity while modernising its infrastructure in a manner that remains both people-centred and environmentally responsible.
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