Salalah, Oman’s second-largest city, is on the cusp of a striking transformation. As part of Oman Vision 2040—a long-term strategy centered on economic diversification and sustainability—global design firm Sasaki Associates, in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, has unveiled an ambitious master plan to reimagine the city’s waterfront.

At its heart, the plan seeks to harmonize urban expansion with environmental resilience, ensuring that Salalah’s waterfront is not just a development but an organic extension of the city’s identity. By integrating coastal protection, pedestrian-friendly design, and mixed-use spaces, the project aligns with Oman’s vision for a future-proofed, sustainable urban environment.

Spanning 7.3 square kilometers, the master plan is structured around the concept of “ten-minute neighborhoods,” where daily essentials, green spaces, and cultural hubs are all within a short walk or bike ride. This model fosters a self-sustaining, community-driven urban fabric—reducing reliance on cars and enhancing the quality of life through human-scaled design.

Interwoven within the city’s structured grid are 12,000 residential units, set to accommodate 60,000 residents. Despite the density, the master plan prioritizes open space, allocating 3.5 million square meters to parks and landscaped areas. These aren’t mere green accents—they serve as climate-responsive interventions, mitigating rising temperatures, providing much-needed shade, and ensuring outdoor spaces remain livable year-round.

Beyond housing, the plan envisions 200,000 square meters of retail space, two hospitals, and an infrastructure designed to function as a self-contained ecosystem. By decentralizing essential services, the development reconfigures Salalah’s spatial logic—reducing dependency on distant commercial and healthcare hubs and fostering a more connected, accessible city.

Crucially, the waterfront’s transformation extends beyond human habitation. A wetland park will form a natural defense against flooding and extreme weather, reinforcing Salalah’s environmental resilience. Meanwhile, a six-kilometer-long public beach ensures that the coastline remains accessible and inclusive, positioning the waterfront as a year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.

This ambitious redevelopment is part of the Greater Salalah Structural Plan, a broader strategy addressing spatial, mobility, and infrastructure challenges. With Wilayat Salalah’s population projected to reach 674,000 by 2040, the initiative adopts a phased approach—beginning later this year with the delivery of 5,827 residential units in its first stage.

Photography Credit: Sasaki Associates