MUSCAT – The Governorate continues to receive the special attention of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik who has allocated focused planning efforts to enable Musandam to achieve a qualitative leap in performance as an administratively and financially independent entity, actively participating in planning and driving economic and social development.

His Excellency Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, said in a statement to the Oman News Agency that the economic and social development strategy for the governorate, launched under the Ninth Five-Year Development Plan (2015–2020) and continued through the Tenth Plan (2021–2025), has prioritized key sectors including logistics, health, education, environment, and tourism — a major pillar of Musandam’s economy.

He added that a large number of approved projects have been completed, while others will be finalised during the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030). The next phase, he said, will focus on completing infrastructure and enhancing investment opportunities, especially in the logistics and tourism sectors.

His Excellency highlighted that RO 40 million has been invested in the Port of Dibba, which has reached 95 percent completion and is expected to open by the end of this year. The port integrates several sectors, including transport, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and security, creating a comprehensive development system for the state of Dibba and the wider governorate.

He further noted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Musandam’s port infrastructure, including maintenance of existing ports and proposals to develop Khasab Port into a commercial hub. Fishermen’s harbours have been added in Bukha, and waterfront developments are underway across the main population centres.

On land connectivity, His Excellency said the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road, linking Dibba and Khasab via Lima, has achieved 56 percent completion, six percent ahead of schedule, at a cost of RO 152 million. He also confirmed that plans are in place to upgrade the Khasab–Bukha road and explore improved links to remote coastal villages such as Khor Sham, Ghub Ali, and Kumzar.

More than 120 kilometres of internal roads are being paved within residential neighbourhoods, along with the development of parks, waterfronts, and opportunities for SME participation.

He also emphasised the importance of strengthening land ports, particularly the opening of the Dibba land port connecting Oman with the United Arab Emirates, which will facilitate the movement of goods, citizens, and visitors.

Regarding air transport, His Excellency stated that planning is underway for the new Khasab Airport project, which will enhance air connectivity and support the logistics sector in the governorate.
His Excellency noted that the ‘Musandam Winter’ season, held annually from November to April, has significantly boosted tourism and local economic activity through a series of cultural and recreational events organized in cooperation with the private sector and civil society.

He added that Musandam’s hotel capacity currently meets demand, with new facilities under construction — including three new hotels in Khasab and Dibba — and several tourist plots offered for investment in Madha and Khasab. The governorate is working to expand luxury and mid-range tourism offerings, with one new project expected to open next year.

Marine tourism remains the most prominent in Musandam, with local investors developing vessels for sightseeing, diving, and other eco-tourism activities. Additionally, initiatives are underway to promote agricultural and rural tourism, encouraging citizens to invest in farm-based hospitality projects and community-driven recreational experiences.

In the education sector, new schools have been established, and classroom expansions are ongoing in densely populated areas. His Excellency expects the enhancement of educational infrastructure to be completed by the 2026/2027 academic year.

At the higher education level, enrolment at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Musandam continues to grow. The university’s main campus project is in the final tendering phase for implementation.

In the health sector, the Khasab Referral Hospital is set to open early next year, alongside new facilities in Kumzar and Madha, and the maintenance of existing healthcare centers across the governorate.
His Excellency revealed that the Musandam Construction Company, a local developer, will lead new real estate development projects aimed at introducing modern housing concepts.

He underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing local added value, noting that SMEs are benefiting from ongoing development projects, while industrial growth is being supported through the Mahas Industrial Area and a new industrial zone in Madha.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is also advancing projects to rehabilitate ports, preserve agricultural lands, and expand fish farming. A private company has already begun production, with two additional sites allocated for aquaculture investment. Plans are also in place to construct a flood protection dam in Lima.

His Excellency also announced that the Musandam branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is planning to establish an Exhibition and Conference Centre in Khasab, which will help attract cultural and commercial events in the coming years.