Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) has revealed plans for an ambitious high-altitude mixed-used development project called Omani Mountain Destination (OMD) on Jabal al Akhdar.

Situated 2,400m above sea level and 95 miles from Oman’s capital of Muscat, the US$4.2 billion project will contribute to the nation’s projected pipeline of planned projects worth more than US$33 billion.

Masterplanned by AtkinsRéalis and designed in consultation with local communities, OMD has been designed as a high-altitude haven comprising 2,527 residences, 2,000 hospitality rooms within upscale hotels and a bespoke health and wellness enclave dubbed The Vessel.

Central to OMD's ethos is its commitment to social and environmental sustainability, featuring a biodiversity hub for both local and international research, dedicated wellness zones, a high-altitude sports hub, amphitheatres, a museum and sprawling green spaces.

Davide Minniti, associate director of planning/urban design at AtkinsRéalis, said: "The OMD will be a place for play, adventure and discovery.

“It balances three fundamental values: nature, culture and future. The masterplan recognises nature's intrinsic value in everybody's quality of life and wellbeing by blending its rugged landscape into each aspect of the project.

“Culture makes the OMD unique; the masterplan invites the global community to enjoy Oman's calm way of life on the Jabal, its communities and the awe-inspiring landscapes.

“The OMD is a beacon of innovation – it looks to the future through smart solutions, an urban lifestyle centred around people, walkability and community spaces and through the understated elegance of subtle design solutions along the wadis and escarpment. This project is the result of a collective effort across the visionary MoHUP, our design teams and the Jabal Al Akhdar communities."

Forecasts predict OMD will welcome a residential community exceeding 8,000 inhabitants, alongside an average of 2,350 overnight guests and 2,000 daily visitors.

Creating a better future

OMD is a cornerstone of Oman Vision 2040, envisioning a developed, diversified and sustainable economy with equitable development and environmental stewardship at its core.

Oman aims to attract US$51 billion in tourism investments by 2040, building upon the success of a US$7.8 billion investment from 2021 to 2023.

Pioneering a cluster-based tourism strategy, Oman seeks to amplify its tourism sector's contribution to GDP, aiming for 5 per cent by 2030 and 10 per cent by 2040.

SustanaiblityTo safeguard the region's ecology, OMD incorporates an escarpment walk within a protected National Scenic Reserve, ensuring minimal light pollution to preserve the Dark Sky Zone.

Additionally, the development features the Wadi Al Harbi Park, promoting agritourism, family recreation and adventure sports while championing sustainability through Atkins Réalis' 'Seed' approach, targeting Net Zero Carbon operations, renewable energy and biodiversity preservation.

Transportation and community engagement

A new cable car and enhanced transport infrastructure, including a new access road, will facilitate access to OMD, benefitting nearby communities.

MoHUP's commitment to community engagement ensures local voices shaped the project, fostering inclusivity and equitable economic opportunities for residents, including the creation of 5,000 new jobs.