Haima master plan
Project facts
- Client
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning
- Location
- Haima, Oman
- Date
- 2023-2024
- Challenge
- Haima faced limited infrastructure, fragmented growth, and needed an integrated strategy for development
- Solution
- Haima: a compact, connected, vibrant city with walkable access, multimodal transport, and lively communities.
Growing a thriving community in the desert
Haima, administrative capital of Al Wusta Governorate, faces development challenges common to emerging desert towns: inadequate infrastructure; a fragmented spatial structure; and the absence of a growth strategy which aligns with national and regional spatial visions. To address these issues, existing data, policies, and ongoing projects must be consolidated into a coherent framework that advances Haima’s social, environmental, and economic aspirations.
Planning for People, Planet, Profit
The master plan aims to transform Haima into a thriving and resilient community by balancing social well-being, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality, in line with Oman’s Triple Bottom Line framework which focuses on People, Planet, Profit.
- People: Ensuring a high quality of life through the provision of suitable housing, essential services and utilities, and attractive green and public spaces that support healthy, inclusive living.
- Planet: Enhancing environmental sustainability and strengthening resilience to climate change through compact development, strategic greenery, and climate-responsive planning.
- Profit: Supporting local economic growth and diversification, while reinforcing Haima’s role as a regional government capital and service hub.
Building on national and regional spatial strategies, the project translates long-term policy ambitions into a clear and implementable spatial vision for Haima’s growth up to 2040 and beyond.
Developing the concept master plan
To address these challenges, a concept master plan (CMP) was developed following a structured, data-driven, and participatory approach:
1. Data analysis & stakeholder engagement
Comprehensive data collection and analysis were conducted, integrating forecasts, spatial data, and policies from government agencies. This stakeholder engagement helped identify Haima’s core issues, opportunities, and constraints, forming the foundation for the development program and spatial options.
2. Optioneering process
Three initial spatial options were created to encourage dialogue and identify stakeholder preferences. The two preferred options were refined through a multi-criteria analysis, which led to the development of a hybrid option combining the most effective elements.
3. Concept master plan development
Building on the hybrid option, the CMP integrates transportation modelling, environmental assessment, and strategic phasing to guide sustainable urban growth.
It includes:
- Land use plan and district characteristics
- Urban design and neighbourhood principles
- Transportation and infrastructure strategy
- Strategic environmental assessment
- Phasing and implementation guidelines
- Updated urban change plan
Haima: Compact, Connected, Vibrant
- Compact: A “five-minute city” structure with accessible public services and green spaces that promote walkability and community cohesion.
- Connected: Integrated, multimodal transport linking districts and promoting active mobility such as cycling and e-scooters.
- Vibrant: Mixed-use districts and lively commercial centres that create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Working with Haskoning ensured a structured and coordinated planning process. Their multidisciplinary expertise resulted in a robust concept master plan that aligned with local conditions and future development aspirations.
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