Saturday 18 / July / 2026
Muscat: Oman is accelerating the implementation of its road infrastructure programme under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan, with 61 road projects currently under execution across the Sultanate to strengthen connectivity, improve transport efficiency and support economic, tourism and logistics growth in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Dr. Saif bin Said Al Sinani, Director General of Planning at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the projects include the construction of new roads, rehabilitation of existing routes and completion of major strategic corridors. He noted that 22 projects had surpassed 70 percent completion by mid-2026.
He described 2026 as an exceptional year for road infrastructure, with several major projects already completed or opened during the first half of the year. These include the dualisation of Sultan Taimur Street, Al Farouq Street, the Itin Tunnel intersection, road paving in Muqshin, rehabilitation of the Tawi Atir–Wadi Rakah–Jabjat road, the Al Aflaj road in Al Mudhaibi, as well as road repairs in areas affected by recent tropical weather.
The ministry expects several more strategic projects to be completed before the end of the year, including the Turki bin Saeed Road linking Al Kamil and Sur, rehabilitation of Sultan Thuwaini bin Saeed Road between Bidbid and Nizwa, the Harweeb–Al Mazyouna–Mitan Road, Al Mughsail Bridge, Saih Al Khairat–Shisr Road, Al Maamoura–Taqah Road, and the coastal road connecting Rakhyut and Dhalkut in Dhofar.
Parts of several ongoing projects are also scheduled to open during the second half of 2026, including sections of the Sohar Free Zone Link, the road serving Al Namaa Poultry Company in Dhank, parts of the Al Hazm–Al Rustaq Road, the Gas Company Roundabout–Bilad Sur dual carriageway, Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Road, the Izki–Nizwa dual carriageway, and the Al Abila–Al Fayyad Road.
Looking ahead, the ministry is preparing to launch a number of new projects under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. These include the first phase of the Empty Quarter dual carriageway in Al Dhahirah, completion of the Sant–Wadi Al A'la Road, road rehabilitation and flood protection works in Jabal Al Akhdar, and paving roads serving villages in North Al Sharqiyah.
Dr. Saif bin Said Al Sinani said tendering procedures are also nearing completion for the 132-kilometre Sinaw–Mahout–Duqm Road connecting Mahout to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, as well as the expansion of the Muscat Expressway, with construction expected to begin before the end of the year.
Among the flagship projects is the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road in Musandam, linking Dibba, Lima and Khasab, which has exceeded 73 percent completion. The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and support tourism and economic activity in the governorate.
Work is also progressing on the 400-kilometre Sultan Said bin Taimur Road between Haima and Thumrait. Parts of the highway are expected to open in the first half of 2027, while full completion is targeted for the second half of 2028.
The ministry is also implementing major road projects across Dhofar, North and South Al Sharqiyah, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah and the Al Batinah governorates, alongside upgrades in Muscat, including the redevelopment of Al Mouj Street and 18 November Street, where roads will be widened and roundabouts converted into signal-controlled intersections to improve traffic flow.
Dr. Al Sinani added that road maintenance remains a key priority, with more than OMR 230 million allocated for periodic maintenance contracts, repairs and rehabilitation of roads damaged by adverse weather, ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Oman’s expanding road network.
