KHASAB : Oman’s Musandam Municipal Council has requested exemptions and other measures to support tourism businesses affected by regional conditions, while a proposal for an integrated tourism port in Khasab remains under study, officials said.

The council is seeking measures to help affected operators continue trading, protect their investments and sustain tourism activity in the governorate, Saif bin Ahmed Al Dhuhouri, director of the council affairs department, told the Oman News Agency.

He did not specify the exemptions sought or provide details of the regional conditions affecting businesses.

The proposed tourism port could expand Khasab’s capacity to accommodate visitors and provide specialised services for tourists, strengthening its position as a marine tourism destination, Al Dhuhouri said. The proposal has not yet moved beyond the study stage.

The initiatives form part of a broader development programme covering public services, infrastructure, food security and renewable energy.

Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Kamzari, deputy chairman of the municipal council, said members discussed 67 development and service-related topics and proposals during seven meetings held through the end of September.

Of those, 14 had received approval from the relevant authorities and entered implementation, he said.

Al Kamzari said the council acts as a link between local communities and government bodies, assessing proposals according to development priorities and working with the authorities to address residents’ needs.

Initiatives being pursued include the “Develop Your Neighbourhood” programme, allocating a site for a solar power plant in Madha, and setting aside land for two model farms for cattle and poultry.

Other measures include allocating land for future food security investments and an urban renewal initiative in Lima, part of Khasab wilayat.

Al Kamzari called for closer coordination with the relevant authorities and more intensive follow-up on recommendations to accelerate delivery and improve services.

Al Dhuhouri said the council monitors decisions and recommendations through scheduled communication with the bodies responsible, allowing it to track progress and the action taken on proposals.

Separately, concerns over erosion at Bassa Beach in Khasab have been referred to the relevant authority for assessment and possible coastal protection measures, he said. Tidal movements and marine currents were among the main factors contributing to the erosion.

Hamad bin Ibrahim Al Shehhi, director of Khasab Municipality and spokesperson for Musandam Governorate, said municipal projects were aimed at improving infrastructure and public facilities to meet the needs of expanding residential areas.

The governorate’s municipality is studying additional service projects, including lighting in residential neighbourhoods, children’s playgrounds, a public park, and waterfront and urban improvements, he said.

Officials said the council would continue working with communities and government agencies to set development priorities and pursue projects that improve services while making better use of Musandam’s economic and tourism resources.

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