Al Dakhiliyah Governorate Unveils ‘Afaq’ Strategy with 282 Development Projects Valued at Over RO 92 Million
MANAH – Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has launched its “Afaq” Strategy (2026-2030) during the Annual Media Forum 2026, introducing 282 development and investment projects with a total value exceeding RO 92 million. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the region’s institutional readiness and bolster its economic, investment, and tourism competitiveness, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Comprehensive Participatory Process
The development of the “Afaq” Strategy was informed by an extensive participatory process that engaged over 330 participants from 46 entities. This initiative included 32 interactive sessions, nine field visits, and more than 50 direct interviews with community members. The strategy is designed to create a development roadmap that reflects local priorities and aspirations for the future.
Key pillars of the strategy include institutional development, stimulation of the local economy, and the enhancement of Al Dakhiliyah’s identity, while maximizing the governorate’s tourism, cultural, and natural assets.
Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities
Shaikh Mahmoud bin Rashid al Saadi, Acting Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, emphasized the importance of collaboration among the governorate, government entities, the private sector, and the community. He described the “Afaq” Strategy as a roadmap for the next phase of development, translating community aspirations into actionable plans that align with Oman Vision 2040.
Dr. Mahmoud bin Humaid al Wahaibi, founder and CEO of Oman Think Urban, noted that the strategy represents an advanced approach to development planning rooted in data analysis and community engagement. He highlighted its potential to serve as a national model for developing governorates.
The forum showcased significant economic indicators, with the value added from non-oil activities surpassing RO 1.078 billion, accounting for nearly 8% of Oman’s total non-oil value added contribution. Foreign investment in the governorate exceeded RO 57 million, while investment returns increased by 40% and investment contracts rose by 52%, reflecting the region’s growing appeal as an investment destination.
Infrastructure and Urban Development Initiatives
The governorate has made strides in urban development and municipal services, implementing 36 projects that encompass public parks, markets, tourism initiatives, and service facilities, with a total investment of RO 23.56 million. Additionally, 53 internal road projects were executed, covering a combined length of 434.3 kilometers at a cost exceeding RO 43.1 million. The governorate also completed 21 street lighting projects, installing 907 lighting poles across various wilayats.
In the basic services sector, the Al Dakhiliyah Water Transmission Line Enhancement Project is currently underway, valued at RO 128 million. The governorate’s water infrastructure includes 131 reservoirs, 128 main pumping stations, and 12 wastewater treatment plants, with a total length of water distribution networks reaching 3,782 kilometers and a coverage rate of 72%.
Health, Education, and Heritage
In the municipal and regulatory sector, authorities issued 7,647 building permits, 3,613 building completion certificates, and 971 excavation permits. A total of 23,846 administrative procedures and 43,703 field inspection visits were conducted. Veterinary control efforts included inspecting 59,832 slaughtered animals, disposing of 16,339 kilograms of unfit meat, and testing 1,048 water samples and 843 food samples, reinforcing food safety and public health standards.
The governorate comprises 34 healthcare facilities, including six hospitals, 24 health centers, and four polyclinics, with outpatient visits exceeding 1.7 million in 2025. In education, Al Dakhiliyah hosts 168 schools serving over 116,000 students and employing more than 9,000 teachers.
In the heritage and tourism sector, 108 historical sites have been restored, and six heritage sites have been invested in by the end of 2025. Tourist attractions recorded over 510,000 visitors, while the number of hotel establishments rose to 214, with an additional 90 projects currently under development.
Agricultural Investments and Food Security
In the food security sector, agricultural investments reached approximately RO 154 million. The governorate is home to more than 1.17 million date palms, 387,000 livestock, and over 6 million poultry birds, alongside 75 agricultural investment opportunities currently available.
The media forum concluded that Al Dakhiliyah is entering a new phase of development driven by the “Afaq” Strategy, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for investment, tourism, and economic development.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-25 15:41:00 • By the Editorial Desk
