Surouh Housing Complexes: A model for building modern urban communities in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning continues to implement the Surouh initiative, aimed at developing integrated residential neighborhoods with comprehensive services.

Several projects under the initiative have already achieved high sales rates in their early phases, exceeding 80%, reflecting strong public and investor confidence in this holistic housing model.

The Surouh initiative includes 18 integrated residential projects across Oman’s governorates, covering over 6 million square meters and comprising more than 9,950 housing units, with an estimated investment value exceeding RO 500 million.

The ministry highlighted that the initiative has engaged over 360 Omani employees in its execution while benefiting 145 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in construction works—reinforcing local economic empowerment. Additionally, integrated planning and service coordination have reduced infrastructure costs by more than 45%.

Key ongoing projects include the following:

-Al-Naseem Neighborhood (Barka, South Al Batinah): Spanning 355,000 sqm, it offers 1,051 diverse housing units, with 60% sales recorded and investments worth RO 80 million.

- Al Laban Neighborhood (Nakhal): Features 1,442 units across 646,000 sqm, with RO 111 million investment and 26% sales to date.

- Hisn Al Zain (Bidbid, A’Dakhiliyah): A standout project with 75% sales, comprising 639 units on 286,000 sqm and RO 30 million investment.

- Majd Neighborhood (Sohar): Attracting significant interest, with 77% of its 1,057 units sold across 370,000 sqm (RO 50 million investment).

- Al Shurooq (Salalah, Dhofar): A modern model with 558 units on 324,000 sqm (RO 35 million investment) and a 79% sales rate.

The Ministry highlighted that in Musandam Governorate, the "Talal Al-Nakheel" (Palm Hills) project in Khasab stands out, comprising 650 residential units including detached and semi-detached villas, townhouses, and apartments across a 635,000 square meter area, complete with public facilities and commercial zones. Meanwhile, in Muscat Governorate, "Al Ahd Neighborhood" in Al Amerat features 965 residential units with modern architectural specifications and integrated amenities spanning 445,000 square meters.

The private sector plays a pivotal role, with several projects developed in collaboration with local firms, including:

- Nusmat Zain (Sur): 407 units on 268,000 sqm.

- Al-Mazun (Sumail): 194 units.

- Al-Nama (Izki): 182 units.

- Al-Salam (Al Buraimi): 521 units on 78,000 sqm.

In a strategic move, the ministry recently signed 24 agreements to expedite infrastructure development—including water, sewage, electricity, and telecom networks—for eight Surouh projects. These partnerships with Nama Water Services, Nama Electricity Distribution, and Oman Broadband Company enhance the readiness of these communities for residents, ensuring carefully planned, service-integrated environments.

The Surouh initiative embodies Oman’s vision for modern urban communities that prioritize citizen well-being, stable living conditions, and flexible planning models. By fostering public-private partnerships, it advances housing ownership opportunities, elevates quality of life, and aligns with the goals of Oman 2040.