Dhofar’s Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands set for makeover
The Governorate of Dhofar has unveiled a sweeping development plan for the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands, aiming to revitalise the region through private sector engagement, tourism promotion, and infrastructure upgrades.
The plan — spanning the agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and mining sectors — prioritises attracting private investment, fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities in Shaleem and the islands. As part of the plan, around 179 acres of land in Rakhyab have been allocated for expanded frankincense cultivation, with a further 1,000 acres dedicated across the wilayat for broader agricultural production.
In a boost for tourism infrastructure, an eco-friendly resort powered by solar energy is proposed to be built on a 155,000 m2 plot in Shorbthat, alongside serviced apartments in the wilayat centre.
Further, to strengthen local infrastructure, the development plan sets out initiatives for a 500-metre waterfront project in Shuwaimiyah, construction of 10 kilometres of internal roads, establishment of a slaughterhouse, and improvement of the Shuwaimiyah escarpment.
Given the wilayat’s promising mining potential, the strategic exploration and development of a mining site within the wilayat is also included in the plan.
Over the past year, several key projects have been completed across the wilayat. The list includes the construction of an administrative building and service facilities at the fishing port, a new health centre, 20 new residences alongside the refurbishment of 32 existing ones, and the development of a park and football pitch in the Al Halaniyat Islands.
Other projects lined for implementation this year are: An 11 kv overhead power line to Shuwaimiyah, connection of Shorbthat and Wadi Rakhyab to high-voltage power lines, maintenance works at the administrative centre, and a new multi-purpose building housing the Omani Women’s Association, the Department of Social Development, and the Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities. An expansion of the Dhofar wind power station in the wilayat is also envisioned.
In recent years, the wilayat has witnessed the addition of a desalination plant, sports complex, fish collection centre in Shuwaimiyah, camel racetrack, passenger ferry terminal in the Hallaniyat Islands, and 28 kilometres of internal roads on the islands.
Ongoing projects include the maintenance of Abu Firas Al-hamdani Primary School, construction of a multipurpose building and a 2-kilometre health walkway in the wilayat centre, and the development of the wilayat sports centre.
Also envisioned for implementation is a wholesale market in Shuwaimiyah, and a fish collection project in Shorbthat Importantly, a tourism festival is planned to showcase the cultural gems of the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands.
This comprehensive development plan, encompassing various sectors, is expected to significantly transform the economic and social landscape of Shaleem and the Al Halaniyat Islands, positioning them as attractive destinations for investment and tourism.