Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has launched its “Afaq” Strategy for 2026-2030, unveiling 282 development and investment projects valued at more than 92 million Omani rials (RO) during its Annual Media Forum held on June 24 in Manah. The strategy is designed to steer the governorate’s growth over the next five years by focusing on institutional readiness, economic diversification, investment promotion, and tourism enhancement, aligning with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The development plan was formulated through an inclusive process involving over 330 participants from 46 entities, incorporating 32 interactive sessions, nine field visits, and more than 50 interviews with community members to ensure that local priorities and long-term aspirations are reflected. Key pillars of the “Afaq” Strategy include institutional development, economic stimulation, consolidation of Al Dakhiliyah’s development identity, and maximising its cultural, natural, and tourism assets.

Shaikh Mahmoud bin Rashid al Saadi, Acting Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, emphasised the collaborative nature of current projects, noting the joint efforts between government bodies, the private sector, and the community. He described the strategy as a roadmap to translate sustainable development goals and community needs into actionable initiatives that support Oman Vision 2040.

Dr Mahmoud bin Humaid al Wahaibi, founder and CEO of Oman Think Urban, praised the strategy’s data-driven and participatory approach, suggesting it could serve as a national model for governorate-level development planning.

The forum also highlighted recent economic achievements in the governorate, with non-oil value added exceeding RO 1.078 billion—accounting for nearly 8 percent of Oman’s total non-oil sector contributions. Foreign investments surpassed RO 57 million, while returns on investment rose by 40 percent and investment contracts grew by 52 percent, underscoring Al Dakhiliyah’s expanding economic appeal.

Recent and ongoing initiatives encompass a broad range of sectors. Notable developments include the completion of the Nizwa Public Park, which has welcomed over 600,000 visitors, along with Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Public Park and other urban development projects across various wilayats. These initiatives aim to enhance quality of life, tourism infrastructure, and investment potential in the region.

Municipal services have seen significant investment, with 36 projects involving public parks, markets, tourism, and service facilities costing RO 23.56 million. Infrastructure improvements include 53 internal road projects extending 434.3 kilometres valued at over RO 43.1 million, and 21 street lighting projects installing 907 lighting poles across the governorate.

In the basic services sector, work continues on the RO 128 million Al Dakhiliyah Water Transmission Line Enhancement Project. The governorate manages a substantial water infrastructure network, comprising 131 reservoirs, 128 main pumping stations, and 12 wastewater treatment plants, with water distribution networks covering 3,782 kilometres and a coverage rate of 72 percent.

Regulatory activity remains robust, with authorities issuing 7,647 building permits, 3,613 building completion certificates, and 971 excavation permits, alongside nearly 24,000 administrative procedures and more than 43,700 field inspections.

Public health and safety efforts include veterinary inspections of close to 60,000 slaughtered animals, disposal of over 16 metric tonnes of unfit meat, and extensive testing of water and food samples, underscoring the governorate’s commitment to food safety and public health standards.