Oman is building an ambitious new mega-city that will provide homes for 100,000 people at a cost of £2 billion. Sultan Haitham City is set to be a model for sustainable city living, offering modern infrastructure while preserving the country’s cultural identity. The city, which is being designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) – a globally renowned architecture and urban planning firm – will cover nearly 15 million square metres.
It is one of Oman’s most significant urban development projects and aims to ease pressure on the capital city of Muscat while boosting tourism and investment. But unlike neighbouring Dubai, which is known for its towering skyscrapers and luxury developments, Sultan Haitham City has been designed with a more traditional, community-focused approach. Oman’s government has emphasised that the city will reflect local architectural styles and encourage Omanis to settle there, rather than attracting an overwhelming number of foreign residents.
The first phase of the city’s construction began last year and is expected to last until 2030.
This initial phase will cover around five million square metres and accommodate 35,000 residents. It will include 6,743 residential units, eight mosques, a private hospital, four schools, a central park, and commercial office space.
Future phases will expand the city further, with the final stage expected to be completed by 2045.
By then, Sultan Haitham City is expected to have 20,000 residential units, 29 mosques, 39 schools, and extensive green spaces, totalling 2.9 million square metres.
A major focus of the project is sustainability. The city will feature smart transport systems, including pedestrian-friendly boulevards, cycling paths, and a proposed light rail system to connect it with Muscat.
Solar energy and green building technologies will also be integrated into its design, ensuring the city is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Unlike other large-scale developments in the region, Oman has taken a measured approach to urban expansion.
Authorities hope the city will provide a solution to overcrowding in Muscat, where many residents currently live in low-density housing.
The country has one of the highest homeownership rates in the world, with 89% of Omanis owning their homes, but securing land and property has become increasingly challenging.
Sultan Haitham City is also expected to play a key role in Oman’s economic strategy.
The government is looking to reduce its reliance on oil revenue and expand its tourism sector.
While Oman has yet to match the tourism success of neighbouring Gulf countries, the new city could help attract more visitors by offering modern amenities, cultural attractions, and improved infrastructure.
However, some experts have raised concerns about whether Omanis will be willing to move to a denser, planned city after decades of preferring standalone houses on larger plots of land.
There are also questions about affordability and whether rising costs could impact the government’s long-term vision.