Oman’s development plans link local governance with sustainable cities

Greater local decision-making, improved transport links and investment in smart cities are central to Oman Vision 2040’s plans to spread economic opportunities and public services across its governorates.

The strategy seeks balanced development in urban and rural areas, with local authorities taking a larger role in identifying community needs, managing resources and attracting investment.

It combines decentralisation, sustainable land use and the development of selected urban hubs to improve living standards and strengthen regional contributions to the national economy.

Local governance and regional growth

Each governorate’s economic, geographical, cultural and environmental advantages would guide investment and support for local industries.

Coordinated development of infrastructure, public utilities and government services is intended to ensure that communities across the Sultanate benefit from national development.

Integrated economic and infrastructure networks would connect governorates, improve access and productivity, and support cooperation between regional economies.

Administrative and economic decentralisation would allow local authorities and communities to identify their social, economic and environmental priorities while keeping development plans aligned with national objectives.

Qualified local leaders would have greater responsibility for planning, resource management, investment and programs responding to community needs. Administrative structures would also support innovation, employment creation and effective public services.

Smart cities and urban planning

The vision calls for urban centres with modern infrastructure, technology and quality services, offering attractive places to live, work and spend leisure time.

City development would bring together urban, social and economic planning, balancing business activity and investment with community well-being.

Private companies would contribute to infrastructure development and community opportunities. Technology and coordinated planning would help cities respond to future economic, environmental and social pressures.

Residential districts, commercial centres, public spaces and transport networks would be developed together to improve the functioning of urban areas and accommodate population growth.

Transport and settlement planning

Accessible, varied transport options are intended to improve movement between governorates and within cities.

Better connections would facilitate the movement of people and goods, support economic cooperation and improve access to jobs and essential services.

The strategy also calls for an organised settlement hierarchy, with communities planned according to their size, functions and service requirements.

This approach would guide the distribution of infrastructure, utilities and public services, helping settlements accommodate growth without placing uneven pressure on existing facilities.

Climate resilience and heritage

Urban and rural development would incorporate protection against climate-related risks, alongside sustainable land use and responsible management of natural resources.

Planning would account for changing environmental conditions while protecting cultural landmarks, natural heritage and other environmental assets.

Preserving these places would help maintain the identity of individual governorates and support tourism and sustainable local economic activity.

The aim is to balance development with environmental protection and keep communities safe and liveable for future generations.

Investment and local employment

Oman seeks to develop cities and governorates capable of attracting domestic and international investment.

Well-managed urban areas would support productivity, innovation and connections between businesses and industrial clusters.

Regulations would encourage private participation in infrastructure, services and local industries. Regional plans would also make better use of existing resources and public facilities while identifying additional economic opportunities.

These measures are intended to create jobs, support entrepreneurship and diversify sources of growth across the Sultanate.

Implementation and progress measures

The original strategy identified 2022 as the intended year for implementing decentralisation and an organised settlement hierarchy. The supplied material does not assess whether those objectives were achieved.

These priorities concern strengthening local governance, accommodating population growth and improving the distribution of services and utilities.

The vision also seeks Oman’s inclusion in the “Most Liveable Countries” measure linked to the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index. No baseline or numerical goals for 2030 and 2040 are provided in the supplied material.

Progress is therefore described through institutional implementation and developing indicators, rather than an extensive set of international ranking goals.

The long-term objective is balanced growth across governorates, with stronger local economies, accessible services and resilient communities supported by local authorities, private investment and sustainable resource management.