Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman has revealed an exciting masterplan for the Salalah waterfront development. This significant project is an essential part of Oman Vision 2040, aiming to transform Salalah into a vibrant and sustainable urban center. The waterfront development will not only provide residential units but also boost the city’s commercial and tourism potential.
The Salalah waterfront development will cover 7.3 square kilometers. It will include over 12,000 residential units, providing homes for 60,000 people. The design, created by Sasaki, a renowned international design studio, divides the area into four walkable neighborhoods. This layout ensures that residents will have easy access to amenities and green spaces.
The project places strong emphasis on mixed-use spaces and prioritizes sustainability. It will feature 3.5 million square meters of open spaces and parks. Additionally, it will offer 200,000 square meters of retail and hospitality spaces. Cultural amenities will occupy another 100,000 square meters. Furthermore, the development will include two new hospitals to support the growing population.
The development plan also includes a pedestrianized marina, featuring retail, tourism, and hospitality options. This will create a new attraction for both locals and international visitors. Salalah, located just a two-hour flight from Dubai and a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat, already attracts tourists for its natural beauty and temperate climate. In 2024, over one million visitors came to Salalah, enjoying its unique landscape.
The new waterfront will enhance Salalah’s status as a year-round destination for both sun and sea. A 6km-long public beach will be introduced, giving visitors more space to enjoy the coastline. Salalah’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa makes it an ideal spot for international tourism.
In terms of climate resilience, the Salalah waterfront development will take significant measures to withstand rising sea levels and flooding, particularly during the khareef monsoon season. The plan includes a wetland park and natural infrastructure strategies, such as revetments, which will mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.
This waterfront development is a crucial part of the Greater Salalah Structural Plan. The plan focuses on enhancing infrastructure, mobility, and spatial planning to cater to the growing population of Salalah, which is projected to reach 674,000 by 2040. Phase 1 of the project will begin later this year, with 5,827 residential units slated for delivery.
The Salalah waterfront development is in line with Oman Vision 2040’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable growth. By 2040, Oman plans to attract OMR51 billion in tourism investments. The country also aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP, reaching 10% by 2040.
Dr. Khalfan Al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, expressed his excitement about the project. He stated that the development will showcase Oman’s strengths and ensure Salalah’s long-term prosperity. The project will bring together international partners, investors, and developers to create a sustainable and thriving community.
Romil Sheth, Principal Designer at Sasaki Associates, highlighted the development’s innovative urban design. The Salalah waterfront development will combine modern urban planning with the city’s natural beauty. It will serve as a model for sustainable urbanism in Oman and the broader region.
