Welcome to the Future: Sohar Smart City Master Plan
Exciting news for Oman as a master plan for the establishment of Sohar Smart City has been unveiled by the global architecture and design studio, Hassell. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning appointed Hassell to design a master plan that will transform Sohar into a hub of trade, commerce, and innovation by 2040.
Part of the broader Sohar Master Plan, this new city will take advantage of the economic growth spurred by the free port and the upcoming international rail link to Abu Dhabi. With over 19,000 new homes, 520,000sqm of office space, schools, mosques, hospitals, and a new commuter railway station, Sohar Smart City aims to create a vibrant and sustainable community.
One of the key focuses of the master plan is on creating thriving local neighborhoods that prioritize the well-being of residents. The city will feature public parks, open land, and a green network of car-free nature corridors to promote biodiversity and a sense of community within Sohar.
To address the challenge of vehicle reliance in the desert climate, Hassell has introduced a ‘five-minute city’ principle to encourage micro-mobility in residential areas. Neighborhood centers within a five-minute walking distance will offer community services, shops, and restaurants, fostering a sense of connection and reducing the need for short journeys by car.
The new city will also feature car-free nature corridors that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, creating pathways for wildlife and biodiversity to thrive. Embracing over 700 hectares of former agricultural land, Sohar Smart City is poised to accommodate future population growth and establish itself as an international gateway.
Anticipating future trends in trade, commerce, and innovation, the master plan envisions Sohar as a strategic player in the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. With a focus on sustainability and responsive design to shifting climates and socio-economic parameters, Sohar Smart City aims to blend traditional values with contemporary lifestyle choices.
With construction planned over the next two decades, Sohar Smart City is set to redefine urban living by 2040. Stay tuned as this innovative project unfolds and transforms the landscape of Oman’s urban development.