The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in Oman has announced a $1.3 billion project known as the Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development. The development, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), will be situated on a vast 3.3 million square meter plot of land. The project aims to transform the capital city, Muscat, and enhance its overall appearance.
The design, driven by sustainability principles, places a strong emphasis on the well-being of both residents and visitors. It seeks to redefine urban living in Oman, particularly in light of Muscat’s projected population growth. By 2040, the city’s population is expected to nearly double from 1.5 million to 2.7 million. In response to this rapid expansion, ZHA’s design will convert the existing administrative and industrial area of Muscat into a dynamic new urban district with an anticipated population of 64,500.
Five main components
The district will consist of five main components: a marina, a recreational waterfront featuring beaches and sports facilities, a canal walkway, a cultural quarter, and a Ministry campus. The development will incorporate various residential areas and extensive mixed-use buildings catering to government and commercial entities. It will also include spaces dedicated to arts, culture, and leisure activities. The vision for the district is to create a vibrant, environmentally resilient, and sustainable community that thrives 24 hours a day.
Source: economymiddleeast.com
