Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 100 | Page 14

NEWS

Oman awards $ 2.58 billion deals for Sultan Haitham City project , across 35 partnerships

Spanning across 5 million square meters , phase one of the Sultan Haitham City project will become a vibrant hub accommodating over 39,000 residents . With more than 7,000 residential units , the city promises a modern and sustainable living environment .
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has forged 35 strategic partnerships with players in the engineering , consulting services , and real estate development sectors to ensure the successful execution of phase one of Sultan Haitham City .

Oman ’ s Ministry of Housing and Urban

Planning has launched phase one of the Sultan Haitham City project in Muscat
and awarded OMR1 billion , $ 2.58 billion for its development . This ambitious project aims to redefine urban living while addressing the growing demand for residential infrastructure .
The project encompasses a diverse range of facilities catering to various aspects of community life . Some of the features include a central park , healthcare facilities , and educational institutions . Moreover , the establishment of a government university and the College of Advanced Technology underscores the project ’ s commitment to fostering academic excellence .
Sultan Haitham City will include a 20,000 sqm youth centre , a rehabilitation center for people with special needs , and a complex of government schools , accommodating 6,900 students . It will also include an international private school , four health centres , a police station , and a civil defence center .
Moreover , Oman engaged with international consultants to bring world-class expertise in urban planning and design to Sultan Haitham City . Agreements with renowned firms such as Kohler Architects , SOM Consultants , Panter Hudspith Architects , and Altivia Consultants signify a commitment to excellence in architectural and engineering standards .
Phase one of Sultan Haitham City is scheduled for completion by 2030 . It aligns with Oman ’ s broader vision for sustainable urban development and economic diversification . As construction progresses , the project will emerge as a beacon of progress , innovation , and inclusive growth in Oman .

Ministry of Energy and Minerals signs MoU to accelerate collaboration for carbon capture , use , storage

Oman ’ s Ministry of Energy and Minerals signed a memorandum of cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman , Shell Oman , OQ Gas Networks , OQGN , and Occidental Petroleum . The purpose of this agreement is to foster collaboration in the areas of carbon capture , use , storage , and blue hydrogen development in the Sultanate . These entities will work together to establish a centre of expertise to aid in the development of regulatory and strategic frameworks for these initiatives .

The signing of the MoU is part of the government ’ s efforts to utilise carbon capture and blue hydrogen production technologies in alignment with the objectives of Oman ’ s National Energy Strategy . It also reflects the country ’ s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 .
The Sultanate of Oman ’ s National Strategy for an Orderly Transition to Net Zero , developed by the Carbon Management Lab in October 2022 , outlined that CCUS would play a significant role , accounting for approximately 15 % of the overall reduction in domestic emissions . This contribution is crucial in achieving carbon neutrality in the Sultanate by 2050 .
Carbon capture , utilisation , and storage , technology holds promise as a solution to reduce carbon emissions and achieve zero carbon neutrality , particularly in sectors such as oil and gas production , industrial processes , and fossil fuel-based power generation . By capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions , CCUS technology offers a pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of these sectors and contribute to a more sustainable future .
This agreement aligns with ongoing endeavours to identify tangible measures for carbon emissions reduction . It aims to facilitate future initiatives and ventures in carbon capture and blue hydrogen production by establishing a dedicated centre of expertise to conduct comprehensive techno-economic assessments in Oman . Additionally , it seeks to support the development of regulatory frameworks and strategies to promote growth in this sector .
14 INTELLIGENTCIO MIDDLE EAST www . intelligentcio . com