with its low buildings, long history, and large local population, Muscat has been described by some as the antithesis of Dubai. However, as Oman looks towards an economic future without oil, the country is striving to modernize its capital by investing billions of dollars into projects across the nation. One of these transformative projects is Sultan Heyam City, which presents a new paradigm for Middle Eastern development, diverging from the typical Dubai archetype. While other countries in the region grapple with executing ambitious visions, Sultan Heyam City aims to offer a more pragmatic model for a Middle Eastern city.
Situated between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains, Muscat is home to approximately one-third of the country's rapidly expanding population. With a current population of around 5.2 million people, Oman anticipates a 50% increase by 2040, reaching 7.7 million. To accommodate this growth, the country is investing in numerous projects, with Sultan Heyam City being one of the most significant undertakings. Envisioned to house 100,000 residents across more than a dozen neighborhoods, the city will also feature 25 mosques and 39 schools. Despite being a landmark project in a Middle Eastern capital, Sultan Heyam City's scale and budget are relatively modest compared to developments in neighboring countries.
For instance, the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia is expected to accommodate 200,000 residents with an estimated cost of $100 billion, while Egypt's controversial new administrative capital, designed for over 6 million people, is projected to cost around $58 billion. Oman's more modest ambitions stem from both financial constraints and a deliberate focus on preserving its unique local atmosphere, where native Omanis live and work within the city. In contrast, cities like Dubai have a smaller percentage of their population comprised of local citizens.
During a visit to Muscat, it became evident that the Omani hosts were resolute in their desire to differentiate their city from becoming another Dubai. The success of the new model embodied by Sultan Heyam City, set to be completed by 2045, hinges on convincing local residents to embrace this innovative urban concept. Despite Oman's high rate of home ownership, the government faces challenges in addressing major housing issues and transitioning people towards denser urban living to alleviate the sprawling nature of Muscat.
While many Middle Eastern countries have enriched their citizens through oil revenues, Oman must navigate a housing policy that balances development with sustainability. Sultan Heyam City aims to introduce denser neighborhoods while preserving the privacy of individual villas, alongside plans for a mass transit system to connect the new city with the existing metro lines in Muscat. Moreover, the city's housing initiatives cater not only to locals but also to expatriates and visitors, aligning with Oman's strategic focus on tourism and international investment.
Although Oman currently attracts fewer tourists compared to its neighbors, the country's picturesque landscapes and historical sites hold promise for drawing visitors seeking a safe and politically stable destination. Despite the allure of emulating neighboring metropolises like Dubai, Oman must tread carefully to maintain its local character amidst modernization efforts. Balancing grandeur with intimacy and human scale is a delicate task that Oman must undertake to ensure sustainable growth and social harmony in the long run.
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