Tuesday 12 / May / 2026
Salalah: The Governorate of Dhofar is on the verge of a qualitative leap in its infrastructure system. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is set to receive new road projects across various wilayats of the governorate during 2026, adding a total of 424 kilometres to the existing network. This significant addition will enhance mobility and inter-connectivity between wilayats.
The actual completion rate of these projects, scheduled for handover this year, has exceeded 83%, as part of continuous efforts to improve road network efficiency and facilitate tourist, economic, and social transport within the governorate.
These single-carriageway roads—totalling 510 kilometres—are expected to be fully completed by the end of this year, with 424 kilometres to be handed over in 2026. Concurrently, six dual-carriageway projects are under implementation, covering a total length of 450 kilometres, which will strengthen connectivity between the governorate’s wilayats and enhance transport network efficiency. The combined cost of both single and dual carriageway projects exceeds OMR370 million.
Eng. Said Mohammed Tabook, Director General of the Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the Ministry has already handed over three road projects in Salalah this year. These include Ateen Tunnel Project (total length 9 km) and the dualization projects of Sultan Taimour Street and Al Farooq Street (combined length 14 km). He noted that these projects will help reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow within the city, especially during Khareef Dhofar “monsoon season”.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he added that the Ministry is currently implementing the Al Mughsail Road and Bridge Project in Salalah, which has achieved a completion rate of 81.6%, with the bridge road expected to be open to traffic by the beginning of Khareef Dhofar season 2026.
He explained that the project includes a concrete bridge 12 metres high, car parks, a lighted walkway, and aesthetic works, in addition to an underpass serving the Al Mughsail waterfront and the famous natural fountains of Al Marnif Cave.
Henoted that the dualization project of Raysut–Al Mughsail Road (33 km long) has reached 36.6% completion according to schedule, with parts expected to open by the beginning of the Khareef season. The project includes 8 underpasses, one overpass, roundabouts, animal crossings, and a 5.5 km link connecting the dual carriageway to 18th November Street.
In Al Mazyouna, he explained that the Harweeb–Al Mazyouna–Maytan Road (210 km long) is ahead of schedule, with a completion rate exceeding 90%. Traffic movement will open in July 2026. The road is divided into four main sections, alongside the Andat–Habrut Road (10 km long). Full handover is expected in October 2026.
In Maqshin, the asphalt network project (170 km long) has achieved approximately 95% completion. The network consists of four road corridors connecting the sub-centres of Marsud, Mander Al Dhabian, Al Mashash, and Al Manadir to the centre. Completion is scheduled for the end of June 2026.
He also noted that the Ministry continues work on the Sayh Al Khairat–Al Shasr Road in Thumrait, which has reached 75% completion over a length of 46 km. Implemented in cooperation with the Al Najd Agricultural Area Development Office due to its importance in serving vital agricultural areas, it is scheduled for completion in October 2026.
Regarding major projects, he announced that the Ministry has commenced construction works for the dualization of Sultan Said bin Taimour Road (parts three, four, and five), starting from Haima in Al Wusta Governorate, passing through Maqshin, and ending at Thumrait in Dhofar Governorate. The total length is approximately 400 km, with current completion rates ranging between 17% and 22% for these sections, following a steady implementation pace in line with the scheduled timeline.
As for future projects, the Director General of the Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate revealed a package of strategic projects planned by the Ministry. These include paving the coastal road linking Rakhyut and Dhalkut, constructing a mountain road linking the centre of Rakhyut to the Safqut area and then to Al Hawta area (6 km long), constructing and paving the Rakhyut–Ashqul Road, and completing the paving of the (Aidam–Hoorat–Mudayy) corridor, with an estimated length of 90 km.
He emphasised the importance of these future projects in enhancing logistical interconnectivity between the western region, Thumrait, and its free zone. They will also provide a modern, well-prepared road for access to the Port of Dalkut, suitable for truck and heavy transport requirements, thereby enhancing the economic utilization of the port and boosting its logistical competitiveness.
Eng. Tabook confirmed that the Ministry is currently in the tendering phase for the construction of the Al Rabat Bridge Interchange (intersection of Al Rabat Street and Al Nahda Street) in Salalah city. This vital addition will improve connectivity between the eastern and western parts of the city and ease traffic pressure at one of its busiest intersections.
These projects are part of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s broader drive to develop the road network across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. This enhances infrastructure quality, meets sustainable development requirements, and contributes to regional connectivity, facilitating transport, trade, and freight movement in support of comprehensive development.
