Oman, Türkiye sign MoU to boost housing and urban development cooperation

Oman and Türkiye have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in housing, urban planning, and real estate investment, as the sultanate seeks to attract international expertise and investment to support its urban development agenda.

The agreement was signed in Ankara by H.E. Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed Al Shuaili, Oman’s Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, and Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

The signing ceremony was attended by an Omani delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Khazaen Economic City, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and leading Omani real estate developers.

During bilateral discussions, the ministers explored opportunities to expand cooperation in housing, urban planning, and investment, reaffirming their commitment to advancing sustainable urban development in both countries.

Dr. Al Shuaili highlighted Oman’s National Urban Strategy, the Greater Muscat Master Plan, and investment opportunities associated with major projects, including Sultan Haitham City. He also emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration and stronger public-private partnerships.

Kurum welcomed closer cooperation with Oman in urban planning and city development, while praising the sultanate’s urban transformation initiatives, particularly Sultan Haitham City.

Under the agreement, the two countries will collaborate on sustainable urban planning, smart cities, green buildings, energy efficiency, spatial planning, coastal zone management, infrastructure development, real estate finance, and land registration.

The MoU also covers research, training, and capacity building, as well as the adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital twins, and smart building systems.

The partnership aims to strengthen private sector collaboration by encouraging developers and construction companies from both countries to participate in urban development projects. It also supports joint conferences, exhibitions, and business forums to promote investment and knowledge exchange.

During the visit, the Omani delegation met with Turkish real estate developers and construction companies to showcase investment opportunities in Oman and discuss potential cooperation in real estate development, infrastructure, modern construction technologies, and smart city initiatives.

Dr. Al Shuaili also invited Kurum and Turkish developers to participate in the October Urbanization Conference and Exhibition in Oman, where the sultanate will present its latest urban development projects and investment opportunities.