Oman will construct a new smart city for 100,000 residents

In the vicinity of Muscat, Oman’s capital, “Sultan Haitham City” is set to emerge as a smart city accommodating up to 100,000 residents. Spanning an area of 14.8 km², with three designated for green spaces, the project is under development by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). The envisioned city will feature 20,000 residential and commercial units, schools, over 20 mosques, medical facilities, and a comprehensive network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways.

According to SOM architects, the project aims to create “a vibrant public space offering high-quality, affordable housing and a smart urban environment.” Anticipated “smart” infrastructure, integrating cameras, sensors, and more, will enable efficient management of urban processes, including traffic control and environmental monitoring. The project emphasises a commitment to powering the entire city through renewable, clean energy sources.

Scheduled to commence in 2024, the project’s completion is projected no earlier than 2045. It was previously disclosed that Oman plans to develop seven additional smart cities, allowing both citizens and foreigners to invest in real estate within these urban centres.