SUR: Under the renewed Renaissance led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Governorate of Al Sharqiyah South has witnessed numerous comprehensive development projects that translate the priorities of Oman Vision 2040 into action. These aim to achieve balanced development that enhances competitiveness with other governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
The governorate enjoys comparative advantages in economic, investment and tourism domains, supported by an integrated logistical and infrastructural base, in addition to its cultural and artisanal heritage. This has positively reflected on key indicators, including improved institutional performance and service quality.
Its long coastal strip, extending from Tiwi in the north to Masirah Island in the south, is rich in marine wealth and comprises attractive sites for aquaculture, such as the Qaroon and Khawimah projects. These have an investment value of RO 41 million, with a total production of 5,366 tonnes. The governorate also features natural and historic ports, such as Sur Port, alongside areas amenable to industrial and tourism development, advanced road and communication networks, logistical hubs for supply chains and maritime exports, and several major industrial facilities, including Oman LNG and the Oman India Fertiliser Company.
On the tourism front, the governorate boasts attractive natural features and beaches, such as Al Ashkharah and Ras Al Jinz. It also offers a number of hotels, resorts and tourist inns. In addition, the governorate is home to natural reserves, namely Ras Al Jinz, Al Saleel Natural Reserve and Jabal Qahwan, as well as archaeological and historical sites such as the ancient city of Qalhat, various forts, castles and traditional souqs (markets). It is renowned for traditional wooden dhow manufacturing. Tourist destinations such as Wadi Al Shab and Wadi Tiwi attract visitors year-round and host various adventure activities, including hiking.
Al Sharqiyah South Governorate spans approximately 12,039 square kilometres and comprises five wilayats: Sur, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Al Kamil W'al Wafi, and Masirah. The population numbers 375,853 people, of whom 251,764 are Omanis and 124,089 are expatriates. Sur leads in population with 130,226, followed by Jaalan Bani Bu Ali with 126,062, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan with 55,827, Al Kamil W'al Wafi with 46,517 and Masirah with 17,221.
In the field of digital transformation, the governorate has achieved advanced levels, with a digital proficiency rate of 81% in 2025.
Regarding development projects, the governorate implemented 27 projects between 2023 and 2025, with a total cost of RO 39.8 million. Actual disbursement amounted to RO 21.4 million. These projects include the construction of Al Ashkharah Waterfront, Al Nahda Park in Masirah, the development of Al Suwaih Park, the construction of Falaj Al Mashayekh Park, the development of Al Ashkharah Park, the development of the Ras Al Hadd Eastern Waterfront and the improvement of parks across various wilayats. Additional projects include the construction of the Aseela Waterfront, the construction and improvement of internal roads, the installation of stormwater drainage networks, the construction of a central market and public facilities, the development of Siyq Park in the Wilayat of Al Kamil W'al Wafi (Souq Al Mashariq), and the development of the Friday Souq in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali.
Within the framework of public-private partnership, 41 projects were implemented with private-sector financing at a total cost of RO 4.6 million. These include Sur Public Park, Al Barr Waterfront pathway, the development of Al Rassagh pathway, the construction of an equestrian field and the Qahwan pathway in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, the establishment of the Cultural Centre for Youth in the Wilayat of Sur, and a multipurpose centre in the Wilayat of Masirah.
Al Sharqiyah South Governorate continues to implement its development plans in line with a vision aimed at enhancing competitiveness, developing economic sectors and investing in natural resources. These efforts contribute to achieving sustainable development that benefits the local community and supports the national economy. - ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
