The Governorate of Al Sharqia South has defined its vision by adopting an approach focused on continuous development and achieving sustainable growth through optimising resource use. Its mission is to meet community needs and enhance well-being by providing integrated and distinguished services using modern technology and applying the highest quality standards, with a strong emphasis on broad community participation. The development strategy and plans in the governorate are derived from the priority of developing sustainable governorates and cities within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.
In 2023, the Governorate of Al Sharqia South witnessed the implementation of a series of projects to enhance existing achievements and meet the community’s needs and aspirations by providing various services according to available resources.
The cost of development projects in the governorate amounted to approximately OMR 17.7 million. The total expenditure on development projects in the Governorate of Al Sharqia South during 2021 and 2022 reached around OMR 13.336 million.
The governorate has made efforts to implement a number of development projects in its districts, including the most notable ones such as the beautification project for the commercial market area in Sur – Downtown (Phase 1), where the contract for design and oversight services was signed. Other significant projects include the construction of the waterfront in the Al Huda area, which is approximately 10% complete, the development of the beach park in Ras Al Hadd, and the supply and installation of beach umbrellas at various locations, with a completion rate of 10%.
In 2022, the added value of non-oil activities in the Governorate of Al Sharqia South grew by 15.6% to reach OMR 1.998 billion, representing 7.3% of the total added value of all non-oil activities in Oman.
The governorate, in collaboration with private sector companies, is currently implementing several development projects across its districts. Work has progressed significantly at varying rates, with notable projects including consultancy services for supervising the establishment of the public park in Sur, consultancy services for designing the green belt and public facilities, and consultancy studies for the stormwater drainage project in the governorate’s districts. Other projects include the development of the Al Tina area in Jebel Eid in Sur, the construction of internal roads in Sur, and the addition of service facilities to develop the public park in Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi. Additional projects include vital facilities for Wadi Tuy Park in Ras Al Hadd, projects for mountainous village areas such as creating a health trail in Wadi Al Sihiya village, and implementing concrete walls and slabs for roads in Tiwi and Wadi Al Mengal in Sur, as well as completing the maintenance of damaged lighting on the dual carriageway main roads in Sur and Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi.
In the context of enhancing infrastructure and supporting the smooth flow of commercial and economic activities, the governorate has implemented several projects to upgrade and pave roads in its districts. The total length of these roads exceeds 46 kilometres of internal roads, approximately 15 kilometres of industrial roads, and around 10 kilometres of commercial roads.
For the approved projects for the governorate in 2024, Al Sharqia South will continue to execute projects according to the strategic plans set for this year. Key projects include upgrading and developing service facilities at Rasagh Park in Sur, establishing Hujair Park to serve the mountainous areas in Sur, developing the tourist road in Tiwi, creating a local market in Al Kamil Wa Al Wafi, beautifying the Al Hisn area in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, and establishing service and commercial facilities at the Al Ruis Municipal Park. Additionally, the governorate will continue working on internal road rehabilitation, park development, and completing road lighting networks.
Al Sharqia South is distinguished by its numerous tourism assets, making it an exceptional destination for adventure and exploration enthusiasts. Its beaches are ideal for water sports, camping, fishing, turtle watching, windsurfing, and visiting traditional boat-building workshops. Additionally, visitors can enjoy hiking in stunning natural settings and other activities. The governorate is also known for its historical and archaeological sites, including several historic forts that attracted around 10,270 visitors in 2022.
Key indicators of the investment initiative in the heritage and tourism sectors in Al Sharqia South, up to the end of December 2022, show that the total confirmed and planned investment value until 2025 amounts to OMR 90.51 million, with OMR 28.25 million representing the total investment value for completed projects.
The governorate is focused on implementing the priority of developing sustainable provinces and cities according to the framework of Oman Vision 2040 and the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – may Allah protect him. The Al Sharqia South branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has adopted a work plan based on a clear vision that includes several directives, most notably the themes of Oman Vision 2040, the general guidelines of the Ministry of Economy, urban strategy, and the governorate’s priorities for economically relevant services.
The approach followed in executing developmental projects in Al Sharqia South leverages the region’s relative advantage of pursuing a sustainable blue economy. Therefore, the primary focus will be on activities related to the fisheries sector, including its various industries and activities, enhancing fishermen’s activities, increasing the sector’s contribution to the local economy, and fostering collaboration with the private sector, manufacturers, and aquaculture projects.