Lofty vision to enhance governorates drives Oman’s sustainable development

MUSCAT : This vision, prioritizing ‘developing governorates and sustainable cities,’ empowers local communities to effectively utilize their resources.

In his speech during the first annual meeting of the eighth session of the Council of Oman in 2023, His Majesty Sultan Haitham highlighted the importance of developing the governorates and strengthening the principle of decentralization. The Sultan emphasized that the issuance of the Governorates System and the Municipal Councils Law marked the foundation of a new approach to local governance, enabling communities to manage their affairs and contribute actively to national development.

Royal Decree No. 36/2022 on the Governorates System has been a pivotal step in enhancing decentralization, making the governorates administratively and financially independent. This decree grants governors greater autonomy, empowering them to manage local resources, stimulate investment, and foster economic development.

The government’s efforts are further reinforced by the Royal directives to increase financial allocations for the Governorates Development Programme. Starting in 2021, each governorate received RO 10 million annually, a sum which was increased to RO 20 million in 2022. These funds are dedicated to strategic projects aimed at achieving sustainable development across Oman’s regions. The total expenditure on governorate development between 2021 and 2024 exceeded RO 81 million, with an additional RO 44 million allocated for 2025.

Among the important projects funded by this initiative are the development of seafronts, the paving of internal roads, the improvement of public parks, and the implementation of winning development proposals such as the Ibri View in Al Dhahirah Governorate, the Grand Canyon in Al Dakhiliyah, and the development of the historical center in North Al Batinah Governorate.

Eng. Mohammed bin Saif Al Amri, Director General of Governorate Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, emphasized that decentralization has empowered the governorates to function as independent units with decision-making authority, supporting economic development, investment, and local governance. The current strategies for governorate development align with the national priorities of Oman Vision 2040, including sector-specific strategies, national programs, and the strategic initiatives outlined in the five-year plans.

The Ministry of Economy’s efforts to support governorate development are reflected in the significant investments made into projects that leverage each governorate’s unique comparative advantages. As of 2024, approximately 848 projects were implemented across the governorates, including key infrastructure improvements and investments aimed at boosting the local economy and job creation.

Sheikh Saeed bin Rashid Al Qatabi, Director General of Social Sectors at the Ministry of Economy, highlighted that the “Oman 2040” vision prioritizes the development of governorates and sustainable cities. This includes strategic programs that enable the optimal utilization of natural and human resources while promoting investment, economic diversification, and infrastructure development.

The governorates’ competitive advantages have been assessed through the newly launched Governorates Competitiveness Index, which identifies development gaps and directs resources to areas that need improvement. This index is essential in ensuring that projects are aligned with the needs of each governorate and contribute effectively to Oman Vision 2040.

Dr. Rajab bin Ali Al-Awaisi, an expert in social and educational studies, noted that the decentralization policy, initiated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham, has reshaped the administrative landscape of Oman, placing greater responsibility on local authorities to manage resources and foster sustainable growth. The Royal Decree establishing the Governorates System has further strengthened this shift, offering a clearer structure for local administration.

A key component of this vision includes smart city projects like Sultan Haitham City and Al Tayeb City in North Al Batinah, which represent integrated models for sustainable urban development. It covers an area of approximately 12 million square meters and is located near the Al Batinah Expressway.

It accommodates approximately 30,000 people and provides all public services and facilities. It includes 1,300 single and double residential units. The city is planned to accommodate 3,400 residential units and approximately 50,000 residents and visitors in the future.

As Oman continues to implement its decentralization strategy, the role of municipal councils, local governments, and community leaders will be critical in driving forward the nation’s goals for balanced, sustainable development. With increased financial resources and greater autonomy, Oman’s governorates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long-term success.