MUSCAT : The governorate has recorded strong progress in implementing Oman Vision 2040 objectives, exceeding several annual targets in investment, tourism, employment and community participation by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

Mahja bint Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Office at the Musandam Governor’s Office, said achievement rates exceeded 100 per cent across a number of key indicators.

She said the progress has contributed to stronger economic activity, improved market indicators and a reduction in the rate of job seekers to around 3.8 per cent.

Among the key achievements, Musandam successfully utilised 11 investment opportunities and developed and activated four tourism sites, surpassing the targets set for the year.

The governorate also ranked first on four consecutive occasions in the Community Satisfaction Index for basic services, while satisfaction with government services reached 83 per cent.

Employment initiatives resulted in 580 job seekers securing employment, while 116 contracts were awarded to small and medium enterprises by the end of the third quarter. Around 680 volunteers also registered for community initiatives, while 17 recreational and sports facilities underwent maintenance.

Al Shehhi said these indicators reflect the progress being made across several development areas through cooperation between government institutions, the private sector and the local community.

Musandam is currently implementing a number of major strategic projects directly linked to Oman Vision 2040.

Among the most prominent are the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road connecting Khasab, Lima and Dibba, the development of Khasab Port and its associated logistics facilities, the establishment of a special economic and tourism zone, strategic fuel and pharmaceutical stockpile projects and the new Musandam Airport.

Education projects include the planned College of Marine Sciences and the establishment of a permanent branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in the governorate.

Several major projects have already reached advanced stages or been completed. The new Khasab Hospital has achieved 100 per cent completion, alongside developments including Mahas Industrial City and the Musandam Centre for Culture and Innovation.

Al Shehhi said infrastructure and transport projects remain among the main drivers of development as they improve connectivity between Musandam’s wilayats, facilitate movement and increase the efficiency of both government and private-sector services.

They are also expected to strengthen Musandam’s attractiveness to investors and tourism developers while supporting population and economic growth.

Musandam has also exceeded its annual target for utilised investment opportunities, while continuing to develop new projects across tourism, logistics, maritime activities and services.

The planned special economic zone, Khasab Port development and tourism investments linked to waterfronts and resorts are among the projects expected to broaden the governorate’s economic base.

Under Oman Vision 2040, Musandam is seeking to capitalise on its competitive advantages in tourism, fisheries, logistics and maritime transport.

Investment opportunities being developed include eco-resorts, mountain and adventure tourism, fisheries-related industries, marine sports and recreational activities, as well as cultural and creative projects linked to Musandam’s local identity.

Tourism development efforts are also focused on improving sites, facilities and services while attracting investment and diversifying tourism products built around Musandam’s distinctive marine and mountain landscapes.

The governorate aims to ensure that these projects remain environmentally sustainable while balancing economic development with the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

Small and medium enterprises are also playing an increasingly important role in Musandam’s development. The awarding of 116 contracts to SMEs by the third quarter reflects efforts to increase their participation in government and development projects, strengthen local content and support the growth of local businesses.

Youth empowerment and employment remain another key priority. Alongside the employment of 580 job seekers, training and qualification programmes are being implemented to develop skills and better align educational outcomes with the needs of growing economic sectors.

The planned University of Technology and Applied Sciences branch and College of Marine Sciences are expected to help prepare qualified Omani professionals for future sectors in the governorate.

Development initiatives have also contributed to improvements in healthcare, education, recreation, public facilities and the urban environment, while stronger employment, investment and community participation indicators are supporting improvements in overall quality of life.

Al Shehhi said projects are being distributed across Musandam’s wilayats according to their individual development needs, priorities and competitive strengths to ensure more balanced social and economic development.

Looking ahead, the Oman Vision 2040 Follow-up Office will focus on increasing Musandam’s attractiveness to investors, expanding tourism and investment opportunities, improving the implementation of strategic projects and raising the quality of government and basic services.

Other priorities include supporting SMEs and local content, empowering young Omanis, expanding employment opportunities and improving quality-of-life indicators.

Major projects including the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road, strategic fuel and medicine reserves, the special economic zone, Khasab Port development, the new Musandam Airport and tourism, fisheries and education projects are expected to generate significant economic and development benefits in the coming years.

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