Muscat: The 21st edition of the Oman Real Estate, Design and Build Exhibition and Conference 2026 began today at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, running from 10 to 13 May. The event was inaugurated by Sultan Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance.
According to Oman News Agency, the conference is organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman Real Estate Association, and Connect Company. It has attracted a wide array of participants, including ministers, senior officials, real estate developers, investors, and experts from both local and international companies specializing in real estate development, urban planning, design, and construction.
The conference and exhibition aim to foster strategic partnerships, unlock broader investment opportunities, and reinforce Oman's position in the regional real estate and urban development landscape. It serves as a platform to showcase major urban projects and national initiatives, highlighting promising investment opportunities and strengthening public-private sector collaboration for sustainable urban development.
During the opening ceremony, several strategic agreements and projects were announced, including a partnership with Retal Urban Development Company from Saudi Arabia for residential neighborhoods in Sultan Haitham City. The project spans over 640,000 square meters with an investment value exceeding RO 320 million. Additional agreements were made for infrastructure works, landscaping, and consultancy services for the city's development.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with Artas Holding of Trkiye for the Al Khuwair Downtown Project, aiming to transform it into a modern economic and urban hub. Five agreements were signed for developing integrated residential neighborhoods across various governorates, with a total investment value exceeding RO 123 million. These projects are part of the 'Sorouh' Initiative, delivering 2,167 residential units.
The event also announced six new investment opportunities for developing integrated residential neighborhoods across four governorates, covering an area exceeding 1.4 million square meters.
In addition, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning signed a memorandum of understanding with Dar Al Atta'a Association for social housing projects, reflecting collaboration between government entities and community institutions.
The Oman Endowment Foundation launched waqf investment opportunities in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning through the 'Tatwir' Platform.
The 'Ruwad' Program continues its training activities, aiming to equip participants with real estate market skills, while the 'Itqan' Program for IT capacity building focuses on innovation and digital transformation.
The conference's knowledge program features over 50 panel discussions and working papers, with participation from over 95 local and international speakers. Sessions cover global and regional real estate trends, urban planning, investment, PropTech, and real estate technologies.