On August 29th 2024 in Salalah, Oman, Dar presented to His Highness Sayyid Marwan Bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, H.E Dr. Khalfan Bin Said Al Shuhail, Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning and HE Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, sharing progress made over the last four months in developing the Al Najd Agricultural City Detailed Masterplan. 

During this meeting, Dar unveiled planning concepts and site analyses illustrating how factors such as economic development trends, agriculture trade opportunities, sustainable water consumption, renewable energy potential, geological conditions and social and community development needs would shape the project program, size and location. 

The Al Najd Agricultural City is a unique initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between expansion of urban and agricultural land, testing how these traditionally competing land uses can be integrated by employing smart and more sustainable agriculture practices, that allow for co-location of attractive and unique living and working opportunities. 

Dar’s proposed masterplan will build on Dhofar’s long heritage in traditional farming, offering a pathway to build the capacity of Oman’s agriculture sector through use of cutting-edge technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics, supported by AI-driven solutions. The masterplan will take care to prioritise recommendations for sustainable water management and integration of land dedicated to diverse agriculture-based economies such as post-harvest processing, agricultural education and agri-tourism. 

Ultimately the Al Najd Agricultural City will serve as a hub for advancement of agriculture research and innovation, economic diversification of the agriculture sector and increased 

production of crops that will improve Oman’s food security and reduce reliance on agriculture imports. 

The Agricultural City supports Oman’s Vision 2040 by improving the balance between urban and rural growth in Oman through development of sustainable and fully serviced communities which create new and more advanced jobs, and improve living standards. 

Dar takes great pride in leading this transformative initiative in Oman, working in partnership with Foster & Partners, Sidara’s Portland Design and an experienced team of Omani agriculture and water experts.