Wednesday 15 / January / 2025
Muscat: The first neighbourhood, Wadi Zaha, of Alahly Sabbour Development Project in Oman, in Sultan Haitham City, which is the first integrated smart city in Oman, was inaugurated yesterday evening at the Royal Opera House Muscat. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Khalfan bin Said bin Mubarak Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, in the presence of Engineer Ahmed Sabbour, Chairman and Managing Director of Alahly Sabbour Company, along with a number of ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, businessmen and investors.
Strategic Partnership
The ceremony began with a welcoming speech by Engineer Ahmed Sabbour, Chairman and Managing Director of Alahly Sabbour Company, in which he explained that the project is a result of cooperation and strategic partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman, benefiting from the wise policy pursued by the Sultanate and its distinguished relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt and all countries of the world. “This policy has made Oman an important focal point for global peace and stability and a safe and attractive destination for businessmen and investors thanks to its promising future in this field.” He pointed out that the decision to expand to Oman reflects Alahly Sabbour’s belief in the great value and promising opportunities offered by the Omani real estate market, especially with the continuous development witnessed by this sector. Sultan Haitham City stands out as a strategic location that enables the development of value-added projects for the community and investors.
“It is fortunate that our celebration today of the launch of the first neighbourhood of our project (Wadi Zaha) in Sultan Haitham City coincides with Oman’s celebrations of the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik assuming the reins of power. We are pleased to participate in this precious national occasion and celebrate the launch of a project that contributes to enhancing the concept of modern life in line with Oman’s vision and authentic values,” he said.
He pointed out that the design of Wadi Zaha, prepared by SOM, combines a modern character with the ancient Omani identity, while preserving the authentic heritage. “Thus, we seek to provide a qualitative addition that contributes to supporting the development of the real estate market in Oman and raising the standards of innovation and sustainability in it,” he added.
Second largest land area in Sultan Haitham City
Eng. Ahmed Sabbour explained that the project consists of three main neighbourhoods, namely Wadi Zaha, Wadi Tala and Wadi Safa, with a total area of about 100 acres (420,000 square meters). These neighbourhoods have the largest view of the central park. Thus, Al-Ahly Sabbour Company is considered one of the most prominent investment companies that owns the second largest land area in Sultan Haitham City.
He explained that the first neighbourhood, Wadi Zaha, extends over an area of 23 acres with a total construction area of 158,000 square metres. It includes about 760 residential units for a total investment of OMR90 million. The project aims to enhance social development by providing a modern lifestyle and an integrated residential experience that meets the needs of different segments of society with a focus on innovation, quality and harmony with local values.
“Today is a turning point and a special moment for Alahly Sabbour, a memory that we will celebrate every year. When we decided to expand under the name of Alahlyv Sabbour to a new country outside Egypt, it was necessary to choose a country with a rich heritage and a history full of continuous successes. Today, we are grateful and happy to see this dream come true in a country that shares the same values and principles of security, peace, development and prosperity, which is the Sultanate of Oman,” Eng. Ahmed Sabbour said.
Sultan Haitham City … an Ideal Destination
“In line with Oman Vision 2040, Sultan Haitham City has been chosen as the destination for our first project in Oman, as it is the first integrated smart city in Oman and has great potential to be a leading urban center in the region. The Company is currently focusing on implementing this vital project with the possibility of future expansion as needed. The Company also aspires to implement other projects in Oman that will have a wide positive impact. We believe that Alahly Sabbour’s project in Sultan Haitham City is not just a new expansion, but a step towards achieving our shared vision with Oman for a more advanced future. Just as the Company contributed to building the future of coming generations in Egypt, it now seeks to transfer this experience to Oman to create a vibrant community that meets the ambitions of today and tomorrow,” Eng. Ahmed Sabbour said.
Local Companies
Eng. Ahmed Sabbour pointed out that a clear plan and strategy have been developed for the project focusing on giving priority to local Omani companies. These companies will play a major and effective role in implementing the project, which will contribute to strengthening its economy and benefiting the local sector. He also stressed that experienced and efficient Omani companies will participate with full commitment to completing the work on time and with the highest standards of accuracy.
Jobs and Omanisation
“There is no doubt that the Company keeps in mind the government’s orientations regarding Omanisation and creating job opportunities for the Omani citizens. We at Alahly Sabbour will assist in this process in various ways. The Company will provide several job opportunities with the start of the full operation of the project. The Omanisation percentage has been taken into consideration according to the requirements of the Sultanate in this regard,” Eng. Ahmed Sabbour said.
30 Years of Experience
Eng. Ahmed Sabbour said that since its establishment in 1994 in strategic partnership with the National Bank of Egypt, the Company has established itself as one of the pioneers of the real estate development sector in Egypt. “Over the course of 30 years, Alahly Sabbour has created a boom in this sector through a land portfolio of up to 4,000 acres distributed over 65 diverse real estate projects including residential, commercial, touristic, administrative, sports and social clubs projects, in addition to its spread in distinguished locations from East to West Cairo, reaching the Red Sea and the North Coast. Today, more than 40,000 happy families live in the Company’s various projects. Alahly Sabbour has also expanded to include 22 subsidiaries offering a comprehensive range of products and services. The Company has been able to leave a clear mark in the Egyptian market by building communities that meet the needs of all generations. Today, with our expansion in the Sultanate of Oman, we are keen to transfer this deep expertise to the Omani market, and contribute to the development of innovative projects in line with Oman Vision 2040 while maintaining the distinction that our projects have enjoyed in Egypt,” he added.
“I would like to point out that the Omani Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, headed by His Excellency the Minister Dr. Khalfan bin Said bin Mubarak Al-Shuaili, is our strategic partner in this project. The Ministry has made and continues to make great efforts to overcome any obstacles and encouraged us to invest in Oman. I would also like to thank His Excellency the Minister for his generous patronage of our ceremony. I also extend my thanks to the ministers, ambassadors, all officials and attendees for honoring us. I would also like to thank all those in charge of the ceremony, which came out in an honorable manner and was a good opportunity to communicate with our brothers and sisters in Oman,” Eng. Ahmed Sabbour concluded.
Milestone
After Eng. Ahmed Sabbour finished his speech, Mr. Jamal bin Nasser Al Hadi, Media Advisor to the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, delivered the Ministry’s speech in which he said: “Today, we announce the launch of Wadi Zaha neighborhood in Sultan Haitham City as a milestone on the road to building an urban future that reflects Oman’s aspirations and ambitious vision. This project is not just a real estate investment, but rather an intellectual and strategic step that redefines the standards of urban development and opens new horizons for a sustainable environment and integrated communities. Our cooperation with Alahly Sabbour, which has a pioneering experience spanning more than three decades, is a natural reflection of the integration of visions and the convergence of established expertise and promising opportunities in the Omani real estate market. This project highlights the power of qualitative partnerships that contribute to achieving a sustainable impact that extends to future generations.”
“The close historical relations between Oman and Egypt are characterized by distinguished cooperation that extends over centuries. These ties have contributed to enhancing economic and knowledge cooperation, which enriches this partnership today. Here, ambitious visions and deep experiences meet to build a future that reflects high values and evokes the shared cultural heritage to reach together new horizons of progress and prosperity,” Mr. Jamal Al Hadi added.
Vision and Creativity
“The project is advancing confidently and racing against time, putting people at the heart of planning. It blends urban innovation and economic opportunities to present the Wadi Zaha neighborhood as an inspiring urban environment that shines from the heart of the City. In this project, investment opportunities meet with a vision that reflects brilliance and prosperity, a platform that inspires creativity, embraces ideas, and opens up broad horizons for the local and global market,” Mr. Jamal Al Hadi said.
“This moment is not just the launch of a new project, but rather an announcement of a broader vision for Sultan Haitham City as an urban icon that attracts investments and embodies the aspirations of generations. What we are establishing today is a legacy for the future and a new pillar that reflects our firm commitment to pioneering urban development and creating environments that support sustainability and prosperity. In the Sultanate of Oman, we see this project as the beginning of a path that paves the way for renewed chapters of achievements, and we value our effective partnerships that contribute to achieving this vision,” he added.
“What we have witnessed since the launch of the Sultan Haitham City project is an accelerated movement that reflects a well-thought-out vision, ideal cooperation and precise implementation. Today, we are completing this momentum by launching the Wadi Zaha neighborhood as a new step that strengthens the path towards qualitative investments and urban leadership that inspires generations,” he concluded.
Then, Mr. Thomas Beer, Managing Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) began his speech saying: “We share with Alahly Sabbour an ambitious vision to build sustainable and integrated communities that meet the aspirations of future generations. Accordingly, in Wadi Zaha, we are working to achieve this vision by designing an innovative, smart and multi-use project that combines the new trends of modern life with the authentic Omani identity.”
Design and Masterplan
“We have designed the urban planning of Sultan Haitham City as an urban oasis that blends the beauty of nature with modern life. Our design for Wadi Zaha reflects this vision, as the neighborhood represents a community that provides a home for every generation at all stages, where every individual finds something to express their lifestyle and aspirations, to be a source of inspiration for future generations. As architects of this project, SOM has placed sustainability at the heart of the design, prioritizing environmentally friendly architectural practices, the use of renewable energy solutions, and the allocation of large green spaces in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to preserve the environment,” Mr. Thomas Beer said.
Project Location
“The location played a vital role in designing the master plan for the project. The project is located in the heart of Sultan Haitham City, giving it unique advantages, most notably that the three neighborhoods enjoy a wide view of the central park, in addition to the tranquil landscape offered by the Wadi. These views give the project a vibrant spirit that reflects an ideal balance between nature and urban life. The strategic location of the neighborhood enhances the comfort and well-being of residents, making it an ideal place to live,” Mr. Thomas Beer added.
Types of residential units
SOM pointed out that Wadi Zaha neighborhood includes approximately 760 diverse residential units, including small studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to duplexes with gardens, duplexes with upper floors and terraces, penthouses, independent villas and townhouses. These options offer a variety of housing solutions that meet the different needs of individuals, allowing everyone to find a place that expresses their lifestyle and aspirations.
Importance of the project
Mr. Thomas Beer said that this project is expected to contribute to providing an innovative and advanced living experience that meets the needs of modern Omani families. It will also be a starting point to encourage major investments and attract businessmen from inside and outside the Sultanate to invest in similar projects. Wadi Zaha neighborhood will not be limited to housing only, as the plan supports the establishment of an integrated community that reflects diversity and communication and keeps pace with the different needs of all individuals from different generations.
Start of work
The Wadi Zaha neighborhood will consist of three phases and the construction process will start in 2025 and end in 2029. It is known that large projects such as this one require a comprehensive preparation period that includes mobilizing the necessary equipment and building materials and hiring specialized workers in addition to many other details that ensure the smooth and efficient running of work.
