Oman continues to push forward with the Salalah Smart City project as officials review consultancy bids for the major development. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning expects to award the design consultancy contract during the third quarter of 2026. The ambitious project aims to reshape urban living in Salalah through modern infrastructure and smart technologies.
Authorities launched the tender process in October 2025. Companies submitted bids before the February 2026 deadline. Officials now continue technical and financial evaluations before selecting the winning consultancy firm. Sources familiar with the process expect the final award in July 2026.
The Salalah Smart City project will cover more than 10 million square metres. Developers plan the city east of the Al-Dahareez area in central Salalah. The project will include nearly 12,000 residential units. In addition, planners expect the development to support around 60,000 residents.
The master plan focuses heavily on sustainability and smart mobility solutions. Designers aim to create pedestrian-friendly streets and modern transport systems. The project will also feature public parks, beaches, and waterfront promenades. Officials want the city to provide a balanced urban lifestyle while protecting surrounding natural areas.
Furthermore, the development will include hospitality destinations and integrated tourism complexes. Urban planners also intend to introduce climate-resilient infrastructure across the city. These measures aim to improve environmental performance and long-term sustainability.
Road connections remain another important part of the project. The city will connect with Greater Salalah through Highway 49 and nearby secondary roads. At the same time, planners seek to protect environmentally sensitive khors located near the development zone.
Several regional and international engineering firms submitted financial bids for the consultancy contract. UAE-based Scientific Ink Engineering Consultants offered the lowest bid at nearly 1.48 million Omani rials. Meanwhile, most competing bids ranged between 3 million and 3.7 million Omani rials.
Other major bidders included Dar Al Handasah, Khatib and Alami, WSP International, and DAR SSH International Engineering Consultants. In total, 26 companies purchased tender documents during the bidding process.
Officials expect the chosen consultancy firm to oversee detailed engineering designs for the project. Work will likely continue until the final completion stage in late 2030. The long timeline reflects the scale and complexity of the coastal development.
The Salalah Smart City project also targets local and international investors. Officials hope the development will attract Gulf investors alongside foreign investment groups. The project could strengthen tourism, real estate, and infrastructure sectors across Oman.
Moreover, the project aligns with Oman’s wider urban development goals. Authorities continue investing in smart infrastructure and sustainable communities across the country. As a result, Salalah Smart City could become one of the region’s leading coastal urban projects.
The upcoming consultancy award marks another major milestone for the ambitious development. Industry observers now await the ministry’s final decision later this year.
