Muscat: Held under the patronage of HE Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, the new campus represents a qualitative addition to Oman’s higher education sector and aligns with national strategic directions aimed at strengthening education and supporting a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
Spanning a total land area of 31,890 square metres, with a built-up area of 31,200 square metres, the project will have the capacity to accommodate 2,435 students. It will house the Colleges of Advanced Technology and Engineering, along with integrated academic, administrative and research facilities designed to support future academic expansion.
The university building features a modern architectural design that blends Omani authenticity with contemporary global trends, reflecting the institution’s vision of academic leadership and institutional excellence while providing advanced educational infrastructure.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. P. Mohammed Ali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National University of Science and Technology, said the project marks a pivotal moment in the university’s journey. He noted that the new campus underscores the university’s commitment to investing in smart infrastructure and offering advanced academic programmes that prepare national competencies capable of competing at local, regional and global levels.
Dr. Ali bin Saud Al-Bimani, President of the university, described the project as a strategic step that aligns with Oman’s direction towards building smart cities. He said the new campus will deliver high-quality education in cooperation with prestigious international universities, while hosting specialised research centres and innovation and entrepreneurship incubators to better link educational outcomes with labour market needs.
Following the speeches, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning laid the foundation stone and unveiled a three-dimensional model of the project, along with a commemorative plaque, officially signalling the start of construction. The ceremony also included the opening of an exhibition showcasing the project’s development phases and future facilities.
In a statement to the Oman News Agency, Dr. Salem bin Khamis Al-Araimi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, said the campus will be a smart, integrated building that provides a modern and stimulating learning environment, supports creativity and scientific research, and helps prepare national cadres with future-ready skills.
Engineer Nasser bin Sulaiman Al-Hadhrami, Executive Director of the Executive Office for Future Cities Projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, said the project is the first university development to enter the implementation phase in Sultan Haitham City. He added that infrastructure works across the city are progressing rapidly, with eight infrastructure tenders currently under execution at an estimated value of RO 205 million.
The project places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, incorporating renewable energy sources, efficient energy and water use, sustainable mobility solutions and advanced waste management systems. These measures support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the Sultanate’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Implementation will take place in several phases, beginning with the construction of the administrative building and essential academic and service facilities, followed by learning and research facilities, and culminating in future expansion phases to meet growing academic demand in the years ahead.
