Oman’s $2.6B ‘Smart City’ Megaproject Is Disrupting the Dubai Archetype | WSJ Breaking Ground

Muscat, Oman, sometimes described as the anti-Dubai, is trying to modernize as it looks toward an economic future without oil. But can it create a new model of a Middle Eastern city or will it succumb to the glitzier approach of its neighbors like the Line in Saudi Arabia or Egypt’s new capital?

WSJ explores the new project aimed at modernizing Muscat and explains why it’s important to the country.

Chapters:
0:00 Muscat
0:51 The project and why it’s important
2:30 Dysfunctional housing policy
4:21 Tourism and international investment
6:40 What’s next?

Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground digs into megaprojects around the world, uncovering what these developments might mean for the surrounding region and the ultimate costs.

#Oman #Megaprojects #WSJ

[spooky.-]

The best middle eastern project I’ve seen so far. Nice to see some countries actually understand city planning

[Eoin-B]

20-year timespan and with a goal of having 100, 000 people move there by the end. They know how city planning works.

[ScottML]

Oman is one of the friendliest countries I've ever visited. If you want the 'true' Arabian experience, I'd highly recommend it!

[NotKimiRaikkonen]

Looks like the middle east too. Instead of all these cities trying to look like Blade Runner dystopias. Always thought it was such a missed opportunity that places like Dubai didnt lean into their culture and aesthetic, instead just building glass boxes and suburbs.

[bugsygoo]

If you see a driveless pod thingy in the promo video, be very suspicious.

[bb]

Oman is such a beautiful country. Please keep the human intimate aspect of this country. I rarely felt so welcomed as an outsider in a country with such strong unified cultural values.

[TonyStark-ylwv]

Sultan Haitham city is the only megaproject I’ve seen that actually embraces traditional architecture and doesn’t fight against it, unlike the flashy plastic behemoths of Dubai & Saudi Arabia. Hopefully Oman becomes the Wakanda of the Middle East.

[TAMIRQz]

As an Omani i would like to add that there are schemes already to help omanis live in the new Sultan Hitham city and many lower middle class families were contacted to benefit from those schemes . The new water front development will actually be in my neighbourhood and its far away ( 20Km ) from the old city. So far we have managed to build horizontally and we actually like it this way. We have big shopping malls, great restaurants and cafes, great infrastructure and are extremely welcoming to visitors.

[portcybertryx]

Now this is smart city planning and not focusing on flashy dubious white elephants. I just wish an alternate timeline when all the Middle East countries instead of trying to create weird dystopias leaned into their actual culture and revived the beautiful streets of Baghdad or recreate the wonderful wonders like those in Arabian nights like hanging gardens, rich geometric streetscpaes made of sand and stone lasting generations instead of just glass and concrete . So many missed opportunities there. Finally Oman is leaning into that direction.

[Opeth]

I lived in Muscat since 2001 to 2005; it had a peaceful vibe, beautiful landscape, you can see high rocky brown mountains while you're on your way to school on your right and on your left, and you can see the tiny homes built on top. I lived near the gulf you can drive by, take a seat and enjoy the beauty of the scenery.

In general whether you're dealing with Omanis, other Arabic nationalities, or other nationalities from Asia, people are mostly living in peace and harmony.

I hope it's still this way till today.

[faceofdead]

6 story buildings in the perfect height for a city... No megalomaniac skyscrapers and other non-sense. Bravo

[heerayni]

I am a Bahraini, but truly, Oman is love. Their national pride, their welcoming nature and their humble ambition is the best part about them.

[uutnfny]

Oman is a hidden gem, great place to work, it's really safe and good place to start a family. I love Oman.

[Wisdomseeker]

Please dont become like Dubai with tall souless glass buildings. Have your own Arabic personality and keep high density walkable cities while maintaining a peaceful and calm presence. Walkable cities are the best! Dont copy a lifeless car culture like America or Saudi.

[chatwithjat]

My family from Sri Lanka would travel to Oman back in the 50s/60s. I will make sure to visit Oman.

[mistermood]

YouTube really needs to start banning Bot comments

[ravenouself]

Finally, a sensible and reasonable project. Well done, Oman, well done indeed.

[amerhamad-zpge]

Omans secret is it's king. Probably the most beloved leader in the world. He has always put his people first and keeps his country away from all the instability in the middle east.

[SuperDudeWasTaken]

They should've got someone smarter to talk about this, Oman probably has the lowest wealth disparity in the middle east. Oman doesn't need to follow the UAE either, they've bet on being more lowkey and true to the their society and nature and it's paid off, it's growing as a tourist destination and is attracting good talent as an excellent place to raise a family and live

[daddyraffles]

oman needs to build an international-class higher education city, which is able to attract experts in various fields to settle in oman ❤
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