North Batinah governorate is progressing a series of waterfront, tourism and urban development projects designed to strengthen its role as one of Oman’s leading economic and lifestyle destinations.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the programme focuses on public realm upgrades, historic centre renewal, investment-ready sites and improved visitor infrastructure across Suwaiq, Khabourah, Saham, Liwa, Shinas, and Suhar. The projects are being delivered through public-private partnerships, with an emphasis on tourism, recreation, hospitality, retail and community use.
The scale of the opportunity is significant. North Batinah’s population reached 940,464 by March 2026, making it the governorate with the second largest population in Oman after Muscat. With 17.5% of the sultanate’s population, the region offers a growing base for destination development, leisure services and long-term commercial activity.
Waterfront Projects Supporting Destination Growth
One of the main schemes is the Shinas Waterfront development, which will see a modern seaside promenade to redevelop the wilayat’s historic centre. The project is expected to support tourism activity while opening opportunities for hospitality, retail and entertainment investment.
In Suhar, feasibility studies for the Wadi Salan banks development are nearing completion. Extending from areas west of Sultan Qaboos Street to the coastline, the project is planned as an integrated tourism, recreation and investment destination. Its location gives it the potential to link public space, water access and commercial development within a broader urban setting.
Progress is also being made on a project near Sohar Freezone, the Majis Waterfront. The RO1.75 million development covers around 9,000sqm and is being delivered through a partnership between OQ Group and the Office of the Governor of North Batinah. Construction began in April 2025, with completion planned by the end of this year.
Public Realm And Mobility Upgrades
In Liwa, the entrance development project has reached 50% completion. The RO2.1 million scheme extends over 4km and includes road widening, redesigned intersections, green areas and public parks. Core infrastructure works, including culvert construction and road paving, have been completed, while lighting systems, pedestrian routes and cycling tracks are still being installed.
Preparations are also under way for a project in Liwa, the Al Tayeb City Walkway. This scheme will include walking and cycling paths, recreational facilities, commercial outlets, children’s play areas and open-air theatres. For developers and attraction planners, the project reflects the increasing role of active mobility, leisure programming and family-focused spaces in regional urban development.
Engineering studies have also been completed for the Saham Corniche project, which will include cycling and pedestrian tracks, leisure facilities and commercial spaces.
Investment, Heritage And Regional Positioning
Further studies are being made for the Al Durrah and Al Qasabiyah projects in Khabourah, alongside redevelopment plans for Suwaiq’s old market area being reviewed. These projects point to a balanced approach, pairing new commercial opportunity with the preservation of heritage assets and local identity.
North Batinah’s development plan for 2026 to 2030 places sustainable growth, urban expansion and improved public services at the centre of regional planning. For the visitor experience and destination development sectors, the governorate’s programme presents a clear example of how waterfront renewal, transport upgrades, public space design and private investment can be coordinated to support long-term place-making.
