Oman working on $3bn road network expansion

Oman is reportedly working to expand its road network through projects exceeding OMR1.2 billion ($3.1 billion), aimed at improving national connectivity.

The highway sector is witnessing several high-quality developments, the Oman Observer newspaper reported, quoting transport minister Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali.

These include building new roads, upgrading and rehabilitating existing roads and routine maintenance. 

Strategic projects under the 11th five-year plan for highways include expanding the Muscat Expressway to ease congestion. 

Additionally, a dual-carriageway project for the Ibra Road (Al-Yahmedi-Al-Qafisi), southeast of Muscat, is under construction at a cost of OMR186 million. 

Oman’s state budget for 2026 has allocated OMR900 million for development, including roads.

The Gulf nation plans to raise OMR850 million this year from bonds and sukuk to help cover the financial arrears in its 2026 fiscal budget, which forecasts a deficit of OMR530 million, 14.5 percent lower than that of the 2025 budget.

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