The comprehensive strategy for economic development and integrated planning for Musandam Governorate 2040 focuses on diversifying income sources, improving living standards, and creating sustainable economic development across various sectors. It aims to preserve the cultural and natural assets of the governorate while enhancing infrastructure and public facilities. The strategy targets key economic sectors, including logistics, tourism, and fisheries, with the goal of boosting the local economy.
The logistics sector will be developed to improve transportation and trade efficiency, while the tourism sector aims to enhance local attractions and services. The fisheries sector will focus on fishing ports, value-added projects, and aquaculture. Additionally, the strategy emphasises trade and industry as essential drivers of sustainable development.
With the support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – may Allah protect him – many of these projects have been implemented, and work continues on several others, totalling 56 projects overseen by the Governor’s Office and various relevant agencies.
In the comprehensive development strategy for Musandam Governorate 2040, the largest share of projects directly impacting community life is allocated to municipal projects, accounting for 39% of the total. These include the development of waterfronts, public parks, and playgrounds, as well as road services, street lighting, and urban development in coastal towns and villages.
Following these are tourism projects, which make up 24% of the total. These projects include five-star resorts and hotels, daily tourism activities, and adventure tourism. Notably, the Oman Adventure Centre was inaugurated, featuring the world’s longest zip line over the sea, alongside various water-based and mountain sports activities, such as hiking and climbing.
Development projects represent 21% of the total and include government schools and hospitals, with prominent examples being Madha Hospital and Khasab Referral Hospital. Strategic projects account for 16% of the total, including the road linking Khasab and Dibba, Musandam Airport, the establishment of a branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Musandam, and port developments.
The Industrial City of Nahas represents a significant investment attraction, established under the auspices of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may Allah protect him. This initiative aims to accelerate economic and industrial development, attract both local and foreign investment, and create job opportunities while supporting local value addition and food security through competitive incentives and exemptions.
In terms of urban planning, key ongoing projects include the Downtown Centre in Khasab and various real estate development projects under the “Surooh” initiative. Additionally, three sites have been allocated for real estate development projects (Al Hiraf, Roubiya, and Fatt).
On the tourism front, a memorandum of cooperation has been signed between the Governor’s Office and Omran Group to establish tourism projects. Notably, the Adventure Centre, featuring the zip line project — one of the major tourism attractions — has been inaugurated. This centre also includes a paddle sports court and several newly launched water activities. Omran Group is working on several resorts and hotels in the governorate, with the “Aims Bay” project recognised as the best development proposal.
Furthermore, Royal Decree No. 54/2022 establishing the National Park Reserve in Musandam highlights the governorate’s rich geographic diversity and natural environment, making it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world.
The Environment Authority is currently working with the Governor’s Office to implement the Royal Decree, coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure optimal management of the reserve and the issuance of regulations as stipulated in the decree. According to surveys conducted by the Authority in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the reserve covers an area of 1,149.40 km², including nine maritime islands, coastlines, shallow waters away from the shore, and creeks and bays.
The islands in Musandam are among the most pristine and minimally impacted by human activity, holding national and regional significance. They serve as safe nesting sites for various species of marine and terrestrial birds and feature breathtaking natural landscapes, resembling a natural museum. The islands are characterised by rugged limestone cliffs, ancient coral reefs visible above the water, steep rocky slopes, and extensive sandy flats with prominent coral reefs. The area is also home to green turtles and hawksbill turtles for nesting and feeding, and it is crucial for wildlife protection due to the abundance of fish and diverse coral reefs. Diving and fishing are popular activities, requiring careful management to preserve their value for wildlife and recreation.
Marine mammals of various species can be observed in the governorate’s creeks, including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales.
According to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Khasab Port saw an increase in cargo throughput to 81,600 tonnes during the first half of 2023, a 48.5% rise. The number of ships received by the port also increased to 1,480, marking a 31.9% rise compared to the first half of 2022. The port also experienced growth in the number of cruise ships and yachts.
In Musandam Governorate, agricultural, fisheries, and water resources projects include several key initiatives:
Fishing Port Project in Daba: This project has an estimated cost of approximately OMR40 million and includes essential facilities to support the fisheries sector, as well as amenities for the tourism and commercial sectors.
Fish Market Construction Project in Khasab: Estimated to cost around OMR3 million, this project aims to develop a market for fish at the fishing port in Khasab.
Breakwater Construction Project in Bakh’a (Ghamadha and Al Jari): This project, with an estimated cost of OMR2.5 million, is designed to develop and establish facilities for fish landing operations for fishermen. The project is currently about 50% complete.