03 | THE DELIVERY – TRANSPORT
TRANSPORT
Connecting people and places in Oman
Roads are as much about access as asphalt — because they help people reach schools, shops and hospitals, especially in remote and mountainous areas. In 2024, the OPEC Fund provided US$370 million to the transport and storage sector in partner countries worldwide.
ABDULHAMID ALKHALIFA President, OPEC Fund
“We are pleased to deepen our cooper- ation with the Sultanate of Oman with these agreements, which align with our shared goals of promoting sustainable development and enhancing regional connectivity. The Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road Project is a vital investment in the future of the country, while creating the opportunity to support the private sector will boost our activities for the benefit of the local economy.”
Over the last half century, Oman's road network has grown from barely 10 km of paved roads into a network of primary and secondary highways spanning more than 32,000 km. Yet the Gulf Sultanate, with its complex topography of mountains, deserts and valleys, still has many areas that are hard to reach. Take for example Musandam Governorate, an exclave surrounded by the United Arab Emirates, on the fjordlike northeast tip of the Arabian Peninsula. To ensure safer transport of people and goods through Musandam, a 72 km two-lane asphalt road is being constructed between the cities of Daba and Khasab, including a further link to the city of Lima. The OPEC Fund is financing the project through a US$180 million loan provided as the first tranche of a total US$392 million loan. The project, supported through a US$40,000 grant approved in April 2024, involves a complex array of earthworks, rock cutting, retaining walls, pavements and road safety components. Given the increased pressures of climate change, the project features storm water drainage, concrete culverts and road protec- tion works — especially at the confluence of wadi valleys. There will also be pedestrian crossings with signs and markings, as well as common facilities such as viewpoints, parking areas and tourist resorts. Overall the project will drive development across Musandam, creating economic opportunities and stimulating commercial activ- ities, especially in the tourism and logistics sectors. Once complete, the new road will ensure direct access to the Port of Khasab, a strategic hub for cargo ships to Iran, Pakistan and India. It will also provide a link to Khasab New Hospital, with a capacity of 164 beds, including a specialized burns and diagnostic center.
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