Al Wusta Governorate is distinguished by its far-reaching strategic location between the Arabian Sea and the Rub’ al Khali Desert. Its extensive coastline serves as a key source of tourism appeal, an attractive investment environment, and a global economic gateway.
Building on this strategic positioning, the governorate serves as a key regional hub for maritime logistics and a promising environment for investment in clean energy projects and integrated industrial zones. These sectors constitute a fundamental pillar in advancing the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, aimed at enhancing economic diversification and leveraging available investment advantages and opportunities. This approach aligns with national efforts to empower governorates, strengthen decentralisation, and enable local institutions and civil society to lead development initiatives, thereby contributing to sustainable, community-driven development.
Across its four wilayats—Haima, Duqm, Mahout and Al Jazir—the governorate is witnessing extensive development and economic activity through the implementation of integrated development packages. These projects focus on improving quality of life, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing economic and tourism assets, thereby supporting community development and raising service standards. Currently, more than 22 development and infrastructure projects are being implemented across the governorate at a total cost exceeding 25 million Omani rials.
In line with its development trajectory, Al Wusta Governorate offers a promising environment for investment in clean energy. It hosts 5 out of 8 national projects across the Sultanate of Oman, with a total investment value of 18.8 billion Omani rials in green hydrogen, solar and wind energy, as well as related sectors. The governorate is also advancing high-impact blue carbon initiatives, leveraging its wetlands through the development of artificial lagoons suitable for mangrove cultivation. These projects aim to generate environmental and economic returns through investments estimated at 38.5 million Omani rials, covering 20,000 hectares and accommodating more than 100 million mangrove trees.
As part of efforts to strengthen food security and diversify income sources in the Sultanate of Oman, work continues on the Al Jazir shrimp aquaculture project with an investment value of 462 million Omani rials. This is complemented by fisheries and food industries projects valued at 105 million Omani rials, as well as fishing port projects in the wilayats of Duqm, Mahout and Al Jazir at a total cost of 102 million Omani rials. Additional initiatives include the development of fish markets and fishermen’s villages in Duqm and Al Jazir.
In Haima, the administrative centre of the governorate, seven key development projects are currently underway. These include the Knowledge Park and Exhibition Square projects aimed at improving the urban landscape and promoting domestic tourism, as well as the camel racing platform project to preserve cultural heritage and stimulate traditional events. Additional initiatives include the development of the Haima residential master plan, the paving of 30 kilometres of internal roads, the establishment of an integrated agricultural nursery, the beautification of Abu Madhabi and Al Aja’iz villages, and the creation of new public parks across various locations.
In the Wilayat of Mahout, several development projects are being implemented, including the central market project to provide a suitable commercial environment, the development of the wilayat centre waterfront, and the camel racing track and platform. Additional works include the design and paving of 30 kilometres of internal roads, the development of the Al Jouba commercial area, the installation of 350 lighting poles across villages, and the construction of parks and beach shelters in Wadi Al Sail, Al Khalouf, Sarab and Al Ghadun.
In the Wilayat of Duqm, six development and infrastructure projects are currently under implementation. These include the second phase of the Ras Madrakah waterfront development project aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of coastal villages, the development of the waterfronts of Dahr and Ras Madrakah villages, the construction of a public park in Dahr, and the first phase of Wadi Dharf development to promote eco-tourism.
As part of infrastructure development in Duqm, the Hitam–Al Barr road is being designed and paved over a length of 17 kilometres, in addition to the implementation of 30 kilometres of internal roads and the construction of a football field in the village of Hitam. The Wilayat of Al Jazir is also witnessing the implementation of several development projects, including the Ras Suqrah waterfront project. This project represents a key development and tourism initiative in Al Wusta Governorate, designed according to an integrated vision that combines aesthetic, service and environmental aspects in line with the governorate’s development direction.
In the tourism sector, the governorate has successfully established a strong presence on the tourism map, owing to its geographical diversity and rich natural and cultural assets. These features have attracted a wide range of tourism segments, supported by its pristine sandy beaches rich in birdlife, expansive plains covered with acacia trees, and natural reserves that host rare wildlife species.
Furthermore, the governorate places strong emphasis on empowering youth and women through the development of sports facilities and the implementation of specialised programmes. These efforts are complemented by support for women’s associations and charitable teams, the follow-up of social development initiatives, the implementation of sustainable family support programmes, and the organisation of direct engagement meetings with youth and local communities to identify their needs and enhance their participation in development.