Zaha Hadid Architects Reveal Oman Mega-Project

The Omani government has revaled plans for a “visionary” 330ha waterfront precinct in the gulf nation’s port capital Muscat. 

The ministry of housing and urban planning unveiled the $1.3 billion precinct that would replace the existing administrative and industrial area while creating a net gain of 10 per cent biodiversity.

The transport-oriented development would be built around a light rail, bus and water taxi network, and would be called Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development.

British firm Zaha Hadid Architects designed the plans to house part of a predicted 2.7 million residents in the city by 2040—nearly double the 1.5 million residents living there today.

The district would have a marina, recreational waterfront lined with beaches and sports facility, cultural quarter, ministry campus and canal walkway.

The Oman plans would focus on Muscat’s tradition as a rich port city while addressing climate and coastal resilience designed by engineering practice Buro Happold. 

CBRE was also involved as the strategic partner focusing on the economic viability of the development.

▲ The new district in Muscat is a key part of the Oman Vision 2040.

This project is one of many planned as part of the country’s $33-billion pipeline to drive the Oman Vision 2040.

Early construction work is scheduled to start at the end of the year on the mixed-use urban development. 

Oman minister of housing and urban planning Khalfan Al Shuelli said it was a visionary project. 

“It will help shape the future of both Muscat and Oman more broadly, creating a new destination to welcome visitors across the globe to our capital city,” he said.

“We trust this project will serve as an exemplar of our ambition to improve human and environmental well-being and our commitment to collaborate with leading international partners during this period of unparalleled development and growth.”

▲ The new precinct in Muscat will have five distinct areas and embrace solar energy, recycled materials, retrofitted buildings and water harvesting.

Zaha Hadid Architects project director Paolo Zilli said it was a sustainable vision for the future that honoured heritage. 

“Al Khuwair will create a bridge between the coastal landscapes and the Arabian Sea and the Hajar Mountains that surround the city,” he said.

Last year plans for “Europe’s first smart-city” were outlined in Greece with 8000 homes, a marina and modern monument.

Closer to home, plans for a 350m beach and precinct were unveiled by a consortium of land owners on the Parramatta River with a projected $25 billion investment.