MUSCAT – Key projects include the new Samayil Hospital with 170 beds, paving of internal and vital roads, renovation of Samayil Fort, and development of public parks. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, improve residents’ quality of life, and support balanced development across Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

His Excellency Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, emphasized the Governorate’s commitment to closely monitoring project progress and ensuring quality performance, aligned with its responsibility toward citizens and adhering to established timelines.

He highlighted the essential cooperation between government and private sectors as a catalyst for accelerating progress and achieving desired outcomes. These projects reflect a partnership approach to development, engaging various societal institutions in supporting government plans.
The Governor stressed the commitment to enhancing local content by involving SMEs, local suppliers, and contractors, thereby stimulating the local economy, empowering youth and entrepreneurs, and increasing economic added value. He reaffirmed the focus on equitable project distribution across all governorates to ensure comprehensive development.

Currently, the internal roads project (Phase One) in Samayil has reached about 10 percent completion, at a cost exceeding OMR 2 million. The 7-kilometer Al-Najid-Wadi Andam road is 35 percent complete, with expected completion in April 2026. This project includes 33 box and tube culverts and future service facilities, serving as a vital route to facilitate movement and boost agricultural, commercial, and tourism activities.

Engineer Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Majini, Director General of Roads and Land Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, reported steady progress on the Aqbat Afri Road (Al-Bury to Al-Uyaynah) and Al-Saqari village road projects in Samayil and Izki. The overall completion rate stands at approximately 30 percent.

The projects cover upgrading 3.6 km of asphalt road (Aqbat Afri) and designing and constructing a 3 km road to Al-Saqari village, with a total budget exceeding OMR 4.5 million. The roads meet high technical standards, including two 3.5-meter-wide lanes, 1.5-meter asphalt shoulders, and one-meter dirt shoulders, along with valley crossings and flood drainage protections to enhance durability.
Traffic safety features include concrete and metal barriers, guidance and warning signs, and road surface markings to protect users. The objective is to facilitate transportation for residents, reduce reliance on rough dirt roads, improve safety, support social and economic connectivity, and reduce dust pollution.

Al-Majini noted that the Afri Pass road completion will connect villages along the route, notably Wadi Mahram in Samayil, marking a significant improvement in regional connectivity and local development.
Plans are underway to implement the Al Madrah Road dualization project in Samayil, aimed at enhancing road efficiency, traffic flow, and supporting economic and social activities, consistent with the Governorate’s development strategy.

Additional recent initiatives include maintenance of damaged roads, installation of lighting in Al Falajin and Al Mughbariyah areas, and design and upkeep of new roads and local markets, with investments exceeding OMR 1 million.

Water Sector Developments
Namaa Water Services Company is advancing several water infrastructure projects to meet Samayil’s growing urban and industrial demands. The water distribution network for the Samayil Industrial Area and nearby zones, initiated in 2023 at a cost of approximately OMR 12.2 million, is 66 percent complete as of early 2025, with completion targeted for 2026.

The company plans to start the water distribution network project for Lazgh 10 this year, aiming for completion in 2026, while the Lazgh 11 project is in the tender preparation phase, expected to commence in 2026 and finish by 2027. These projects will enhance water network efficiency and supply sustainability for residents and economic zones.

Entertainment and Tourism Enhancements
Development and rehabilitation are underway in state parks, including Hasas Park, where family seating areas, children’s facilities, and expanded green spaces offer recreational benefits to residents and visitors.

Ahlam bint Hamad Al Qasabi, Director of Heritage and Tourism in Al Dakhiliyah, announced the tender for investment in Samayil Fort was launched on December 17, 2024, with submissions extended until March 6, 2025. Bid analysis is ongoing, with contract signing expected post regulatory approvals.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism prioritizes preserving archaeological sites such as the ancient Al-Aghbari Mosque in Al-Khazamiah, built with traditional materials and adorned with Islamic artistic motifs and Quranic verses. The mosque, covering 69 square meters and accommodating fewer than 80 worshippers, is included in future restoration plans to preserve its cultural and architectural significance and promote it as a heritage tourism destination.

Healthcare Infrastructure
Construction of the new Samayil Hospital is progressing well, with over 52 percent completion as of mid-August 2025. Valued
at over RO 45 million and spanning 250,000 square meters, the hospital is ahead of schedule.
Engineer Yousef bin Yaqoub Ambu Ali, Director General of Projects and Engineering Services at the Ministry of Health, detailed that the main building (55,744 sq. m) is 52 percent complete, and the services building (6,552 sq. m) is 56 percent complete. The hospital adheres to international standards with a contemporary, integrated design.

Facilities will include outpatient clinics, advanced accident and emergency services, radiology, daycare, endoscopy, obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, neonatal care, physiotherapy, kidney medicine, intensive care, surgical wards, burns unit, cardiac care, five operating rooms, dental and psychiatric clinics, medical labs, sterilization units, pharmacies, staff facilities, and support infrastructure like a water treatment plant, helipad, and backup generators.
With approximately 170 beds, the hospital will significantly enhance healthcare services for Al Dakhiliyah and neighbouring governorates.

Agricultural and Livestock Development
Engineer Tamim bin Hamad Al-Haddabi, Director of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Samayil, highlighted ongoing agricultural and livestock projects reflecting the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources’ focus on food security and economic development.
Samayil hosts over 270,000 palm trees and 2,394 agricultural holdings, producing about 3.5 tons of agricultural goods. The Wilayat has four date processing and packaging factories and model fruit fields spanning six acres.

Wheat cultivation expanded in 2023/2024 with 5.5 tons produced over 5.4 acres, aided by improved seeds and technical support. Modern agriculture through greenhouse technology now covers 73 greenhouses, supported by seven private nurseries and six agricultural supply shops, promoting water efficiency and productivity.

The Ministry implements integrated pest management projects against red palm weevil and dubas palm weevil, vital for date production.
Livestock includes over 34,000 goats, nearly 8,000 sheep, 2,414 cows, as well as camels and horses. Government veterinary clinics provide vaccination and treatment as part of national disease control programs.

Efforts are ongoing to regulate animal husbandry through collective farm plans providing legal frameworks and essential services, aiding preservation and development of local breeds.
Water resources, including 228 aflaj and over 7,300 registered wells, form a foundation of agriculture in Samayil. The Ministry undertakes maintenance of damaged aflaj and dam construction to improve water resource management and supply stability.