Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Continues Road Construction and Maintenance Projects in Dhofar Governorate in Preparation for the Khareef Tourist Season
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, represented by the Directorate General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate, continues its development efforts to enhance, develop, and maintain the road network in the governorate in preparation for the Khareef tourist season. These efforts aim to facilitate tourism and economic movement.
Eng. Said bin Mohammed Tabouk, Director General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the Ministry has commenced construction works for the dualization of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Parts 3, 4, and 5), with a total length of approximately 400 km and a total cost exceeding OMR 258 million. The Ministry has also recently inaugurated the Arjoot–Sarfait Road, a new mountainous road of 13.5 km located in the Wilayats of Rakhyout and Dhalkut, which eases access to the center of Dhalkut and the Sarfait border crossing with the Republic of Yemen.
Ongoing Road Network Projects
Eng. Tabouk confirmed that road network projects in Dhofar Governorate are progressing at a rapid pace. The completion rate of the Ateen Tunnel Project has reached around 93%, exceeding the planned schedule by 23%. The total road length in the project exceeds 9 km. The tunnel is expected to reduce traffic congestion during the Khareef season and improve road safety.
He added that the dualization project of Sultan Taimur Street in the Saadah area (6.8 km in length) has reached approximately 40% completion, ahead of schedule by 7%. Construction also continues on the dualization of Al-Farooq Street (7.6 km), with about 45% completed, ahead of schedule by 5%. The Harweeb–Mazyounah–Meeten Road project in the Wilayat of Mazyounah has reached about 65% completion. This project spans a total of 210 km and is divided into four main sections: Harweeb–Andat (45 km), Andat–Towsnat (26 km), Towsnat–Mazyounah (39 km), and Mazyounah–Meeten (90 km), in addition to paving the Andat–Habrout Road (10 km). This road enhances connectivity between towns and wilayat centers and supports economic, tourism, and commercial development.
Asphalt Road Network Project in Maqshin
The Director General noted that the asphalt road network project in the Wilayat of Maqshin has reached 58% completion, with a total length of 170 km. The project consists of four parts: the first part involves the construction of Marsoudad–Manadir Road (43 km), the second part is Manadir–Mandar Al-Dhubyan Road (16 km), the third part is Maqshin–Manadir Road (44 km), and the fourth part includes the Marsoudad–Manadir intersection to Al-Mashash Road (67 km). The project is expected to be completed in June 2026.
Mughsayl Road and Bridge Project
Eng. Tabouk added that the Ministry is also progressing with the Mughsayl Road and Bridge Project in the Wilayat of Salalah, which has reached 20% completion. The project includes the construction of a concrete bridge supported by 19 columns and two end abutments, each 12 meters high. The bridge will feature six decorative arches, roadside parking areas, a smooth pedestrian walkway with lighting, and an underground crossing to facilitate access to other tourist sites.
The Ministry has also started the dualization of the Raysut–Mughsayl Road, approximately 33 km long. This project includes six underpasses and overpasses, animal crossings, and two roundabouts. It connects Raysut with Mughsayl and also includes the connection of the 18th November Road with the dual carriageway, spanning 5.5 km. The project will help reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and support economic, tourism, and commercial growth.
Al-Khairat–Ashar Road Project
Eng. Said bin Mohammed Tabouk emphasized the continued construction of the Al-Khairat–Ashar Road project in the Wilayat of Thumrait, in cooperation with the Office for the Development of the Najd Agricultural Area. The road is significant as it passes through agricultural and food security zones. The project is 46 km long and starts from the intersection of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road near Saih Al-Khairat (Oman Oil Station in Hail Al-Rakah) and ends at the Ashar area. The road cross-section includes two lanes (3.5 meters wide each) with one-meter shoulders on both sides. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-October 2026.
Additionally, the tender has been awarded for the Shuwaymiyah Mountain Pass Improvement Project on the Shaleem–Shuwaymiyah Road in the Wilayat of Shaleem and the Al-Hallaniyat Islands. The project involves rerouting approximately 2.5 km of the road. The new asphalt section will be 7 meters wide (3.5 meters per lane), with 1-meter-wide shoulders. It will be equipped with concrete-lined drainage channels on both sides, as well as concrete and steel safety barriers and directional and warning signs.
Road Maintenance
The Director General also explained that the Ministry is actively maintaining concrete and steel barriers and road markings along Sultan Said bin Taimur Road. It is also repairing damages and potholes along the road. A team and equipment are stationed between Qatbit, Maqshin, and Al-Ghaftain to remove drifting sands that accumulate on the road. The Ministry is committed to ensuring the availability of directional and warning signs and maintaining the road network in Dhofar Governorate.