A new district is set to be built in Muscat, which will include a marina, recreational waterfront, canal walkway, cultural quarter, and Ministry campus. Al Khuwair waterfront development will feature residential areas, mixed-use developments, arts, culture, and leisure spaces and will be environmentally resilient and sustainable with a 24-hour community. Onsite renewable energy with solar energy will be maximized, and it is targeting a biodiversity net gain of 10%. Works are due to commence on-site at the end of 2024.
Dr. Khalfan Al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, said: “This visionary project will bring us another step closer to realising the Oman Vision 2040 and delivering a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Oman. It will help shape the future of both Muscat and Oman more broadly, creating a new destination to welcome visitors from across the globe to our capital city. We trust this project will serve as an exemplar of our ambition to improve human and environmental well-being and our commitment to collaborate with leading international partners during this period of unparalleled development and growth for our nation.”
MoHUP and ZHA partnered with Buro Happold to develop a materials strategy that focuses on climate and coastal resilience. The strategy includes measures to address the urban heat island effect, stormwater management, and breakwaters.
Paolo Zilli, Project Director and Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, said: “Seamlessly integrated within the urban fabric of Muscat, Al Khuwair will create a bridge between the coastal landscapes of the Arabian Sea and the Hajar Mountains that surround the city. The project is designed to connect local and international communities while embracing a sustainable vision for the future that honours the Muscat’s heritage.”
Federico Cassani, Partner and Global Director Of Transport & Mobility at Buro Happold said: “Al Khuwair masterplan is an extraordinary example of multidisciplinary engineering excellence at a district scale level. Placing the well-being of the local community and ecology at the center of our work, we’re proud to have delivered sophisticated and innovative solutions for this project, spanning sustainable mobility, renewable energy, microclimate, and marine engineering. It’s an exciting moment for Oman and we’re delighted to play a key role in bringing this ambitious plan to life.”
Carlos Castelló, Head of Strategic Consulting at CBRE, said: “We are honored to be part of this unique consortium in a once-in-a-lifetime flagship project that will transform Muscat, and position it as an international reference and a place to live, work and visit. Our key role in aligning the masterplan design, experiential elements, and economic productivity from the outset is crucial for the success of this transformative project. We’re excited to play a part in its realization, ensuring the cultural heritage projected in the future for the Omani people and the entire world.
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