The Governorate of Al Batinah North holds strategic importance locally due to its location overlooking the Sea of Oman, its status as the governorate with the largest number of Omani residents, and the second-largest overall population after Muscat Governorate. The governorate’s economic diversity plays a crucial role in the development process both locally and across the Sultanate of Oman.
Al Batinah North is investing approximately OMR 14 million in “Humanising Cities” projects and urban renewal initiatives across its districts. This includes developing waterfronts, parks, gardens, and improving the entrances to the wilayats.
Several development and service projects are being implemented in the governorate as part of the Governorates Development Programme. In the Wilayat of Shinas, projects include the redevelopment of the city centre and coastal tourism development. This plan involves urban renewal of the city centre and the establishment of a recreational and environmental park based on mangrove trees, with the central feature being the “Mangrove Park,” connected to the surrounding areas.
In the Wilayat of Liwa, the “City of Al Tayeb” project involves creating a longitudinal park extending five kilometres along the northern edge of the city. This project aims to provide an exceptional destination for a sustainable, healthy lifestyle through sports, recreational, and cultural activities. The park will end at an elevated area with a panoramic view, making it a comprehensive urban destination with modern services and facilities for contemporary living.
In the Wilayat of Sohar, the Environmental Development Project for the Ain Sahban area will be implemented, preparing it for eco-tourism to support sustainable development principles. Additionally, the project to develop the Suq Wadi Haibi area aims to improve commercial outlets and enhance their efficiency. Other initiatives include establishing a school bus station, constructing the Wilayat of Sohar office building, and developing the castle square. An advisory study project will also be conducted to develop the waterfront in the coastal area between Mughsayl Al Kubra and Al Owainat, which will include hotels, a commercial complex, cafés, a maritime sports club, and water-based leisure facilities.
In the Wilayat of Saham, the development of Saham Public Park will reconfigure it to include a variety of recreational activities that cater to all community groups and attract new investment. In the Wilayat of Al Khaburah, beautification works will be carried out at the entrance to the wilayat, and a sustainable pathway will be created, extending from Al Khaburah Roundabout westward for 3.8 kilometres to Al Khaburah Club on both sides of the road. Additionally, a project will be implemented to develop the banks of the creek between Qasbiya Al Za’ab and Qasbiya Al Hawassina. In Al Suwaiq, the old Suwaiq market will be redeveloped, including urban renewal works for the centre of the wilayat, incorporating Suwaiq Fort and its surroundings.
Protective and groundwater recharge dams are among the most prominent development projects in the governorate due to their role in protecting against climatic impacts and enhancing groundwater reserves. The governorate has ten dams distributed across the Wilayats of Saham, Sohar, and Al Khaburah. Currently, the construction of Wadi Al Zuheimi Dam in Liwa is underway, following Royal Decree No. 22/2023, which designates the project as a public utility. Additionally, the governorate, in partnership with the local community, is working on establishing several small-scale dams.
Regarding corporate social responsibility projects in Al Batinah North, the “Jusoor” Foundation has signed several agreements totalling OMR 3.26 million. These include the construction of a dialysis unit at Sohar Health Complex, the creation of Al Suwaiq Park, and the establishment of the Liwa Fish, Vegetables, and Fruit Market on an area of 4,303 square metres at a cost of OMR 1 million. The market consists of two buildings: one for the fish market and another for vegetables and fruit, with 46 stalls for selling fruit, vegetables, and meat. The agreements also cover the construction of an investment building for the Al Suwaiq Sports Club at a cost of OMR 200,000 and an area of 1,092 square metres, as well as the “San’a” programme, a specialised training initiative for 3D design and animation.
Al Batinah North Governorate also places significant emphasis on education. Six new schools are under construction across the governorate for various educational stages, with a total cost of OMR 11.3 million. These schools are designed with comprehensive facilities to support the educational process, with some projects more than 90% complete.
In the healthcare sector, the Al Suwaiq Hospital project has achieved 100% completion of the structural works and more than 50% completion overall. Once operational, the hospital will serve as a healthcare hub offering a range of medical specialities, including adult intensive care, neonatal intensive care, premature infant care, dialysis, rehabilitation, dentistry, and cardiology, in addition to clinics and supporting facilities. The Ministry of Health has also expanded Sohar Referral Hospital at a total cost of OMR 28 million, increasing its capacity to over 636 beds, an addition of 270 beds. A financing agreement has also been signed with a private sector institution to fund the construction of a training centre at Sohar Hospital and purchase ultrasound equipment for the hospital and the Falaj Al Qaba’il Health Centre. Furthermore, a dialysis unit is being established at a health complex in Al Khaburah.
The existing road network in the six wilayats of Al Batinah North—Sohar, Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khaburah, and Al Suwaiq—connects the governorate with other parts of Oman via the Batinah Expressway. The Batinah Coastal Road project, stretching from Barka to Khatmat Malaha in Shinas with a total length of 244 kilometres, is currently under construction. This project is expected to enhance tourism and transportation within the governorate. In September 2023, the Tender Board assigned the remaining parts of the first phase of the Batinah Coastal Road project for completion.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology continues to work on the dualisation of the Liwa Link Road in Al Batinah North, from Liwa Roundabout on the Batinah Road to the intersection with the Batinah Expressway, with a length of 5.5 kilometres and approximately 55% completion. The dualisation of Shinas Link Road, connecting the Batinah Main Road and the Batinah Expressway, with a length of 5.8 kilometres, is also underway, with 30% completion. Additionally, work has begun on road links to connect four villages in Shinas to the Batinah Expressway, with a total length of more than 15 kilometres. The Ministry is also implementing the dualisation of Al Khaburah Link Road, from the intersection with the Batinah Expressway to Al Khaburah Roundabout on the Batinah Main Road, with a length of 14.5 kilometres and 50% completion.