Political Analysis and Global Affairs

  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 Cit...