Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Sultanate of Oman is actively participating in the Second Gulf Housing Conference and Construction Exhibition, which is being held until 6 September 2025. This important event brings together Gulf countries to discuss how housing and construction can better serve society. The theme of the conference is “Sustainable Housing”, focusing on long-term solutions to housing challenges across the region.
Focus Of The Conference
The conference highlights many key areas such as residential care, real estate development, financing, public-private partnerships, and the role of technology in building modern homes and cities. These topics are central to ensuring that future housing projects are both sustainable and able to meet the growing demands of the population.
Oman’s Commitment To Housing
By taking part in this event, Oman shows its strong commitment to sharing successful experiences in housing and urban planning. The country is working on projects that promote sustainable urban growth and development, all aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. Oman’s participation also demonstrates its readiness to exchange knowledge with other GCC countries and to work together on solving shared housing challenges.
Exhibition Highlights From Oman
At the exhibition that accompanies the conference, Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has set up a pavilion that showcases its most important projects. These include future city developments, integrated residential neighborhoods, and housing schemes designed to meet the needs of citizens. The ministry is also presenting the range of housing services it provides, which are designed to ensure balanced urban growth while preparing for the aspirations of future generations.
A Platform For Knowledge Sharing
The conference serves as an important platform for exchanging expertise. By bringing together experts, leaders, and stakeholders from across the Gulf region, it allows countries to share their experiences and learn from each other. This collaboration helps strengthen regional integration and ensures that Gulf nations move forward together in tackling modern housing and urban planning issues.
Panels And Discussions
As part of the program, the conference hosts discussion panels on some of the most pressing housing issues in the region. Among the main topics are how to improve housing services for citizens, the use of smart solutions in infrastructure, and the development of modern cities. These sessions highlight the need for sustainability and innovation, ensuring that housing projects are built to last and meet future demands.
Role Of Digital Transformation
Another important focus of the discussions is the role of digital transformation in the real estate and construction industries. Experts explained how modern technology is now central to improving the efficiency of urban projects. Smart systems, data-driven planning, and innovative construction methods are helping governments and developers deliver housing more quickly and at lower costs, while ensuring high quality.
Oman’s Contribution To The Conference
Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning presented a paper titled “Integrated Residential Neighborhoods and Schemes – The Sorouh Experience in the Sultanate of Oman.” This paper gave detailed insights into Oman's unique housing model, which has become a success story in the Gulf region.
The Sorouh Experience
The Sorouh projects are designed to develop sustainable urban communities in line with Oman Vision 2040. This long-term vision seeks to balance growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. The paper explained how Sorouh projects tackle major challenges such as population growth, unplanned urban expansion, and rising infrastructure costs.
Innovative Urban Solutions
The Sorouh projects are considered innovative because they provide integrated residential neighborhoods. This means that housing developments are not built in isolation but come with essential services, infrastructure, and social spaces. This approach has allowed Oman to cut infrastructure costs by more than 50% while still delivering high-quality housing.
Benefits For Citizens
One of the major benefits of the Sorouh projects is that they increase population density in planned areas, which reduces urban sprawl and prevents the waste of land and resources. The projects also strengthen family stability and social cohesion by creating communities where citizens live close to schools, healthcare, parks, and workplaces. This integrated model improves the quality of life while making housing more accessible.
Economic And Investment Opportunities
In addition to serving citizens, Sorouh projects also create new opportunities for investment. By involving both the public and private sectors, these projects stimulate the local economy and generate jobs in construction, real estate, and supporting industries. This approach ensures that housing projects are not only socially beneficial but also contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Future Expansion Plans
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning also revealed plans to expand the Sorouh model across Oman. The goal is to implement 60 new projects by 2030, ensuring that sustainable housing becomes the foundation of Oman's urban development strategy. These projects will help meet the growing demand for housing while ensuring that urban expansion remains balanced and environmentally sustainable.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Through its participation in the Gulf Housing Conference, Oman is also contributing to regional cooperation. By sharing its experiences and listening to those of other GCC countries, Oman is helping build a collective approach to addressing housing challenges. This cooperation is vital for the region, where countries share common goals of sustainability, smart urban planning, and social development.
Linking Housing To Oman Vision 2040
The presentation of the Sorouh projects clearly linked Oman’s housing strategy to Oman Vision 2040, the country’s roadmap for the future. By focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, and social well-being, Oman is showing that housing is not just about buildings but also about building communities, opportunities, and a better quality of life for its people.
The Sultanate of Oman’s active role in the Second Gulf Housing Conference and Exhibition highlights its serious commitment to sustainable housing and urban development. By showcasing the Sorouh projects and its future housing vision, Oman is demonstrating leadership in sustainable urban planning and regional cooperation. The country’s focus on reducing costs, supporting families, and creating smart, integrated communities shows how housing can drive both social stability and economic growth. As Oman looks toward 2030, the expansion of these projects promises a stronger, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for its people.
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