KUWAIT: The Sultanate of Oman is taking part in the Second Gulf Housing Conference and Construction Exhibition, which runs until 6 September 2025.

Held under the theme “Sustainable Housing,” the event focuses on strategies for residential care, real estate development, public-private partnerships, financing, and the role of technology in the housing sector.

Oman’s participation underscores its commitment to showcasing successful experiences in housing and urban planning, particularly those related to sustainable urban growth and development that contribute to social well-being and quality of life. The event also provides a platform for exchanging expertise with other GCC countries and strengthening regional integration in addressing contemporary housing challenges.

At the accompanying exhibition, the pavilion of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is highlighting key future city projects, integrated residential neighborhoods, and housing schemes. It also showcases the various housing options and services the ministry offers citizens as part of its efforts to establish balanced urban environments that meet current needs and anticipate future aspirations.

The conference program includes discussion panels that address critical housing issues of regional interest, most notably improving the quality of services for citizens and enhancing the use of smart solutions in infrastructure and cities. These discussions reflect the sustainable development and regional integration goals in this vital sector. Sessions also delved into the strategic impact of digital transformation on the real estate industry and the growing role of modern technologies in improving the efficiency of urban projects.

During the conference, the ministry presented a paper titled “Integrated Residential Neighborhoods and Schemes – The Sorouh Experience in the Sultanate of Oman.” The paper detailed Oman’s experience in developing sustainable urban communities that align with the goals of “Oman Vision 2040.”

It addressed key challenges such as population growth, unplanned urban expansion, and high infrastructure costs. The paper also highlighted the innovative solutions embodied in the “Sorouh” projects, which feature integrated neighborhoods that reduce infrastructure costs by over 50%, increase population density, and enhance family stability and social cohesion while creating new avenues for investment and stimulating the local economy. The paper further highlighted plans to expand the implementation of an additional 60 projects by 2030.