IBRA: Al Sharqiyah North Governorate is undergoing comprehensive and sustainable development across all sectors under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The governorate’s seven wilayats — Ibra, Al Mudhaibi, Bidiyah, Al Qabil, Wadi Bani Khalid, Dima W'attayeen and Sinaw — boast significant tourism and historical potential, driving strategic investment in infrastructure and services.
Mahmoud bin Yahya al Thuhli, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, stated that the development plan focuses on increasing investment opportunities through major developmental and service projects.
Last year, strategic projects totalling RO 183.9 million were implemented. Key highlights include the Al Namaa Hospital project valued at RO 56.05 million, the Mawarid Market in Sinaw at RO 9.7 million and the Al Mudhaibi Industrial City funded with over RO 15 million.
The governorate is also prioritising modern infrastructure. The municipality completed 145 kilometres of roads, costing RO 25.5 million last year, with ongoing development projects currently valued at RO 54.2 million. These include the Bidiyah Entertainment Centre, multi-purpose halls, and various parks and water pond developments in Wadi Bani Khalid.
In the realm of technology and innovation, plans are underway for the Future Centre for Artificial Intelligence, the first project of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman.
Additionally, the governorate launched the Al Sharqiyah North Award for Innovative Economy to stimulate creativity in architectural development, institutional excellence and community contribution.
The tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with winter season occupancy rates reaching 100% during peak periods. The governorate offers unique desert and mountain adventures, supported by over 97 accommodation facilities providing nearly 1,295 hotel rooms. In the industrial and mining sector, 35 mining licences are active, including the Al Washhi copper mine in Al Mudhaibi, which aims to produce 50,000 tonnes of copper ore monthly.
Economic indicators reflect this robust growth, with commercial registers reaching 19,328 by mid-2025. Agriculture also thrives, with an average annual production of 250,000 tonnes.
The social and educational sectors continue to expand, with 104 government schools serving over 62,000 students, alongside the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, A'Sharqiyah University, and Oman College of Health Sciences. - ONA
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