The city’s linear sprawl continues to extend westward, driven by the low cost of car ownership and petrol, more affordable land outside the city centre and citizens redeeming their entitlement to birthright land plots. This extensive development often occurs on land vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, emphasising the need for effective governance and resilient solutions.

As part of Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning commissioned Broadway Malyan to develop the Muscat Structure Plan. The plan focuses on strengthening governance, guiding future growth and creating resilient, liveable neighbourhoods that align with Oman’s national goal of achieving a net-zero economy by 2050.

In Muscat’s predominantly dry climate, sudden heavy rainfall often causes intensive run-off from the mountains, and storm surges. To mitigate this, the plan focuses on remediating and enhancing the wadis that flow between the uplands and the sea. Restoring habitats along these river courses and recognising their dual role in flood mitigation and as valued public amenities is a key aspect of the broader long-term structural plan.

A six-month programme of city-wide consultations has enabled the emerging plan to incorporate the aspirations and views of 4,500 plus residents and stakeholders. This extensive engagement process has ensured that the plan reflects the community's needs and concerns, while also helping to raise its profile and build momentum as the work progresses.