Sultan Haitham City – Oman’s Crown Jewel of Urban Living
The People’s City. The Future Vision. The Living Dream.
In the heart of Oman, nestled between tradition and transformation, a city is quietly redefining urban living in the Gulf region. Sultan Haitham City, the Sultanate’s most ambitious and people-centric urban development project, is no longer just a blueprint of the future — it’s rapidly taking shape. And with the announcement that its landscape and external space design has won the Best Landscape Architectural Design award for 2025-2026 at the prestigious Arabian Property Awards, the world is finally turning its attention to this iconic development.
But beyond the accolades, what truly makes Sultan Haitham City exceptional is its mission: to offer a dignified, sustainable, and futuristic lifestyle to Omani citizens and residents alike. It is more than just buildings, roads, and green spaces — it is a promise of hope, pride, and progress.
The Vision: People First
Launched in 2021 under the direct patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan Haitham City is a cornerstone of Oman Vision 2040, reflecting the nation’s forward-looking ethos. The masterplan, spread over a vast 15 million square meters, was developed with a singular focus — to create a livable, smart, inclusive, and resilient city for the people of Oman.
Unlike conventional real estate developments driven by profit margins and investor returns, Sultan Haitham City is primarily built as a gift to the Omani people. Housing over 100,000 residents when completed, the city will feature modern infrastructure, green neighborhoods, seamless mobility systems, and world-class public amenities.
What Sets It Apart?
1. Award-Winning Landscape Design
Winning the Arabian Property Award for Best Landscape Architectural Design is no small feat. The landscape vision of Sultan Haitham City is centered around human interaction with nature. Phase One, now underway, focuses on expansive public parks, shaded pedestrian corridors, community gardens, plazas, water features, and smart irrigation systems.
The design is inspired by Oman’s natural landscapes — from its rugged mountains and wadis to its coastal heritage. Native vegetation, shaded walkways, and eco-friendly materials are being used to ensure a minimal ecological footprint while maximizing urban comfort.
2. Green, Smart & Sustainable
Sustainability is at the heart of the city. The project aims to reduce Oman’s environmental footprint through renewable energy sources, efficient waste management systems, and eco-conscious building practices.
Smart infrastructure is also a key feature — from digital energy meters and high-speed internet grids to autonomous transport zones and smart lighting. Sultan Haitham City is poised to be Oman’s first truly smart city, aligning with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) benchmarks.
3. Affordable, Quality Housing
One of the city’s most applauded features is its focus on affordable housing. Over 20,000 residential units in the first phase are being constructed with varied typologies to suit different family sizes and income groups. The quality, however, remains uncompromised — with contemporary designs, energy-efficient appliances, and access to all city amenities.
This initiative bridges a critical gap in the region — dignified housing for the middle class — a demographic often underserved in many Gulf housing developments.
4. Integrated Urban Lifestyle
Sultan Haitham City is designed to be self-sufficient. The city will feature schools, hospitals, universities, mosques, libraries, shopping centers, sports facilities, entertainment hubs, and business parks — all within walking distance or a quick ride on the city’s eco-transport.
Additionally, wide pedestrian boulevards, cycling tracks, and interconnected greenways aim to reduce dependency on private vehicles, encouraging a healthier and cleaner lifestyle.
Project Highlights: Phase by Phase
Phase 1 (Underway – 2023 to 2027)
This initial phase includes:
- Over 5,000 housing units
- Central Park and water-themed recreational zones
- Two major public schools and one university campus
- Health center and sports complex
- Community mosques
- Transit nodes and cycling/pedestrian infrastructure
A significant part of Phase 1 has already been awarded to Omani and international contractors, ensuring job creation and local participation.
Phase 2 (2028–2032)
Expected to build upon the foundations of Phase 1, Phase 2 will bring:
- Luxury apartments and villas
- Mixed-use business districts
- Shopping boulevards and entertainment arcades
- A central cultural district with museums, theaters, and art galleries
- Advanced transportation hubs including e-bus terminals and smart parking systems
Final Phase (2033–2040)
This stage will bring to life:
- An international business and diplomatic enclave
- Hotels and serviced residences
- Eco-villages and vertical gardens
- Expansion of green mobility and underground service corridors
- Integration with Muscat’s metro and airport connectivity
A City That Belongs to Everyone
What makes Sultan Haitham City truly revolutionary is that it belongs to the people, not developers. It is government-funded, driven by national interest, and built with public welfare at its core.
There is no exclusive zone. No gated luxury that alienates the working class. The city is structured around inclusive living, where every individual — from teachers and doctors to entrepreneurs and retirees — finds a place and purpose.
Oman’s Strategic Urban Leap
The development of Sultan Haitham City is also a strategic move for Oman in positioning itself on the global urban innovation map. As countries across the GCC pour billions into futuristic cities — from NEOM in Saudi Arabia to Expo City Dubai — Oman’s people-first model is refreshing and unique.
Moreover, the city also serves as a magnet for talent, tourism, and investment. International interest is rising, especially among eco-conscious developers, wellness tourism companies, and digital nomads seeking peaceful, modern urban living.
Public Sentiment & Community Involvement
Sultan Haitham City is more than concrete and steel — it is a sentiment. Many Omanis see the city as a symbolic gesture of the Sultan’s genuine care for his people. The community involvement has been high — with design consultations, housing preference surveys, and youth-focused forums shaping many features of the city.
Residents have already begun registering interest to relocate, especially among young families who see this as a rare opportunity to own a home in a state-of-the-art cityscape.
Challenges Ahead?
Like all megaprojects, Sultan Haitham City will face challenges — from managing construction timelines and attracting qualified service providers to maintaining long-term operational sustainability. But with structured governance, transparent budgeting, and continuous feedback loops, the risks are being managed proactively.
The government has also emphasized that local contractors and SMEs will continue to play a pivotal role in building and maintaining the city — a move that fosters economic inclusion and local pride.
Final Word: A City for Generations
As the cranes rise and roads take shape, Sultan Haitham City is no longer a dream — it’s a living, growing reality. A testament to Oman’s balanced approach to modernization — respectful of its heritage, rooted in people’s needs, and inspired by the best of the world.
It is, in every sense, the People’s City. A place where families will build memories, communities will thrive, and Oman’s vision of a sustainable, inclusive future will come to life.
Welcome to Sultan Haitham City — where the future of Oman begins.