MUSCAT – Among the key projects currently underway are the Sands Park project in the Wilayat of Nakhal, the waterfront developments in the Wilayats of Barka and Al Musannah, the City Walkway project in Rustaq, the development of the Rustaq mountain pass, and market enhancement projects in the Wilayats of Al Awabi and Wadi Al Maawil.

His Excellency Eng. Masoud bin Saeed Al Hashimi, Governor of South Al Batinah, stated that these initiatives aim to enhance the governorate’s tourism appeal and provide integrated recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike. He noted that work is progressing at Ain Al Kasfa in Rustaq, where the second phase of development — including swimming pools, service facilities, and site beautification — has reached over 80 percent completion.

The Governor added that additional projects are underway, including the Aqaba Al Rustaq Gate, Tawi Al Hara Market, and the restoration of the archaeological tower in Al Aini neighbourhood, Rustaq.
His Excellency highlighted that the governorate currently offers 172 investment opportunities across various sectors, including 21 under the Heritage and Tourism Department, more than 50 in Khazaen Economic City, 50 agricultural projects, seven opportunities for schools and commercial centers, 40 multipurpose plots, and two social development projects.

He noted that a total of 1,884 investment opportunities have been utilised to date. The General Directorate of Housing and Urban Planning leads with 1,822 opportunities, followed by the agriculture sector with 22, Khazaen Economic City with 24, and the Heritage and Tourism Department with three. By the end of the third quarter of 2025, 11 investment contracts had been signed, surpassing the cumulative target of six — a reflection of the growing investor confidence in the region.

Major economic developments in the governorate include Khazaen Economic City in Barka and Sindan Industrial City in Nakhal. In the first half of 2025 alone, 1,847 new commercial registrations were recorded, marking a 35 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of commercial registrations reached 26,248 by the end of June 2025.

The governorate continues to strengthen its position as a promising tourism destination, supported by its rich heritage and numerous natural and archaeological sites. By the end of September 2025, the number of licensed tourist establishments rose to 274, including hotels, guesthouses, green lodges, and heritage accommodations. A total of 495 historical and archaeological sites have been identified across South Al Batinah.

His Excellency added that the ‘Try South Al Batinah’ events held over the past two years have played a major role in boosting local tourism, supporting productive families, and promoting traditional crafts.
His Excellency noted that the value of projects and contracts directly awarded to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) reached RO 1.38 million, underscoring the governorate’s commitment to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in various sectors.

Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with projects underway to pave internal roads across all wilayats, including Rustaq, Barka, Al Musannah, Al Awabi, Wadi Al Maawil, and Nakhal. The governorate is also implementing industrial road projects in Barka, constructing main roundabouts, and installing lighting poles on major and internal roads, in addition to improving road designs and drainage systems.

Public service and energy projects include rehabilitation of water networks and pumping stations, drilling new wells in Barka, and the construction of transformer stations in multiple wilayats. The electricity network rehabilitation and extension projects aim to improve efficiency and meet growing demand.
In the health sector, several development projects are in progress, including maintenance of Al Rustaq and Wadi Bani Ghafir hospitals, new clinics at Al Awabi and Nakhal health centers, dialysis units in Barka and Al Musannah, and expansion of Barka Health Complex. Other initiatives include a medical warehouse in Al Musannah, radiology service upgrades, and digital archiving systems at Al Rustaq Hospital.

Environmentally, the governorate is implementing projects focused on biodiversity conservation, climate impact assessment, coastal zone management, and habitat restoration. Initiatives such as green roofs on residential buildings and preservation of the Rustaq Wildlife Reserve highlight the region’s commitment to sustainability.

His Excellency stressed that digital transformation remains a cornerstone of administrative development in South Al Batinah. The governorate has launched several digital systems, including ‘Mawrid Plus’, ‘Injaz’, and the ‘Tanmia’ and ‘Mujab’ applications, enhancing institutional performance, streamlining government processes, and facilitating access to public services.