Muscat: The Agricultural Cities Project represents a national drive to merge urban and agricultural planning, enhancing quality of life while strengthening the agricultural sector’s contribution to the national economy. The initiative focuses on sustainable development, innovation, and capacity building in modern agricultural technologies to promote self-sufficiency, ensure the stability of food supplies, and preserve natural resources.

Two major agricultural cities have been identified under this initiative. Najd Agricultural City, spanning 6,000 hectares in Thumrait and Al Mazyunah in Dhofar Governorate, will have the capacity to produce food for more than 18,000 people annually. Meanwhile, Saham Agricultural City, covering 5,600 hectares in North Al Batinah Governorate, is designed to provide food for over 25,000 people annually.

Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the project’s long-term aspirations include positioning Oman among the top 20 countries globally in agricultural technologies and top 10 in agricultural competitiveness skills. By 2040, it aims to achieve a 50% reduction in food imports, a 30% increase in domestic food production, and ensure that 40% of crops and practices are climate-resilient.

Additionally, the initiative targets a 50% reduction in energy consumption within the agricultural sector by 2040, a 30% increase in renewable energy use by 2030, and a 30% improvement in water use efficiency through sustainable land management.