MUSCAT – The Sultanate of Oman will celebrate National Day on November 20, commemorating the Founding Day of the Al Busaidi Dynasty — a cherished national occasion that symbolises the depth of Omani history, the authenticity of national values, and the nation’s continued progress towards a prosperous future under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The occasion highlights Oman’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and national advancement in line with Oman Vision 2040.

His Excellency Najib bin Ali Al Rawas, Governor of Al Dhahirah, affirmed that the governorate is witnessing rapid development across its three wilayats — Ibri, Yanqul, and Dhank — through the implementation of high-quality projects that enhance the quality of life and contribute to Oman Vision 2040’s goals.
He noted that during the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), 183 projects were implemented or are under implementation in the governorate at a total cost exceeding 39 million Omani rials, covering infrastructure, public services, parks, and community facilities.

Among these, 22 projects focused on establishing and upgrading public parks and health walkways at a cost exceeding 9 million rials, including the Ibri Square, Hamra Al-Duru’a, Al-Aqaba, and Al-Nahda walkways in Ibri, as well as new projects in Yanqul and Dhank. Work continues on the Ibri Public Park and the Yanqul and Dhank Overlook Projects, each covering 65,000 square metres at a combined cost of 4 million rials.

Infrastructure projects accounted for more than 23 million rials, including the paving of 94 km of roads in Ibri, 41.5 km in Yanqul, and 43.2 km in Dhank, alongside the maintenance of internal roads and the installation of over 1,000 new lighting poles and 3,000 energy-efficient lamp heads.
In the services sector, 72 projects worth more than 1.5 million rials are improving public amenities, markets, and drainage systems. Major projects include the development of the Friday Market in Yanqul and the Events Square in Ibri.

Other projects currently under design or tender include the Ibri Central Slaughterhouse, Ibri View Project, Science and Innovation Centre, and Ibri Youth Centre.

His Excellency Al Rawas emphasised that Al Dhahirah places great importance on organising cultural, tourism, and sporting events that stimulate local economies. With a total budget exceeding RO 3.5 million, initiatives include the Al Dhahirah Tourism Festival, Camel and Heritage Festivals, Al Dhahirah Film Festival, Al Dhahirah Marathon, and participation in COMEX 2025 and the Muscat International Book Fair.
In alignment with Oman Vision 2040’s digital government goals, the governorate has implemented several smart systems and digital platforms, including a municipal AI inspection system, an e-portal, a digital twin of the governorate, and mobile applications to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Dr Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Kalbani, Director General of Health Services in Al Dhahirah, stated that the health sector is expanding to meet the needs of citizens and enhance service quality. Notable projects in 2025 include the kidney dialysis unit at Dhank Health Centre and the Al Dariz Health Centre in Ibri.
By September 2025, the dialysis unit was 50 percent complete, and an agreement was signed in May 2025 to expand the emergency unit at Ibri Referral Hospital in partnership with PDO and Daleel Investment Company.

New medical services introduced this year include AI-assisted retinal screening for diabetic patients, advanced Life Support Programme for stroke treatment, plasma injection therapy for muscle and joint injuries, extended 24-hour services at Ibri Health Complex, and the launch of a PUVA dermatology machine and blood transfusion unit at Yanqul Hospital.

The Directorate’s Pharmacy Department also won first place at the national level for its Electronic Inventory Management System, recognised as the best initiative in digital transformation.
Zuwayna bint Saif Al Mazroui, Director General of Education in Al Dhahirah, reported that the governorate’s 84 schools serve nearly 48,000 students and employ over 4,300 teachers. Recent projects include the opening of Tijaan Al-Ilm School in Al Araqi and new facilities at Al Dariz School.
Tenders were issued for maintenance works, laboratory refurbishments, and the construction of sports fields with canopies in Ibri, Dhank, and Yanqul schools.

Saif bin Saeed Al Badi, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in Al Dhahirah, highlighted the Chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship and innovation. The Al Dhahirah Chamber Award was launched to recognise excellence in private-sector performance.

The Al Dhahirah Innovation Forum, held under the slogan “Al Dhahirah Innovates”, gathered over 50 innovators to promote creative solutions aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

The Chamber also organised trade delegations, business networking meetings, and a Dates and Honey Exhibition to boost food security and promote SMEs.

Fadel bin Abdullah Al-Shizawi, Director General of Social Development, confirmed the implementation of 91 awareness and training programmes and several community initiatives, including the distribution of smart watches to elderly and disabled citizens and the opening of a hydrotherapy unit at the Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centre in Ibri.

These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s commitment to digital transformation, efficiency, and community welfare in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Engineer Ali bin Sulaiman Al-Manthari, Director General of Agricultural and Water Resources, reported that the governorate distributed thousands of seedlings and achieved second place nationally in wheat production in 2024, producing 1,118 tonnes.

The Directorate continues to enhance food security through 29 investment projects worth over 43 million rials across the agricultural and livestock sectors.

In 2025, 39 aflaj were maintained and 12 dams completed. Over 1,100 water licences were issued, and 54 inspection campaigns were conducted to ensure compliance with agricultural and water regulations.
Engineer Mahmoud bin Saif Al Riyami, Director of Roads, confirmed progress on key infrastructure projects, including the Ibri–Yanqul road, which is 77 percent complete, and the Al-Hajar–Bilad Al-Shuhoum road valued at RO 1.72 million.

Walid bin Hamad Al-Ghafri, Director of Heritage and Tourism, noted that the number of licensed accommodation facilities has risen by 23 percent, reaching 59 establishments by Q3 2025. Archaeological excavations in Al Subaikhi uncovered 25 Bronze Age tombs, highlighting the governorate’s rich heritage.

On the environmental front, Hassan bin Ali Qatan, Director of the Environment Authority, announced the planting of over two million wild seeds and the installation of wildlife monitoring cameras in the Al Dhahirah Nature Reserve, as part of efforts to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainability.