US-headquartered architect Sasaki has won a contract to masterplan “New City Salalah” in Oman, a mixed-use project in Dhofar province with a 6km-long public beach and residential units for 60,000 people.
The client is Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. The aim is to help to grow the tourism sector to 10% of GDP, a goal of the country’s Vision 2040 plan.
The masterplan includes commercial, cultural and transportation services, a new wetland park, and strengthening sea defences during the region’s monsoon season.
“Salalah is blessed with incredible natural features and a deep history,” said Romil Sheth, Sasaki’s principal designer.
As well as sandy beaches, he said the area had lush wadis and local agriculture embedded in the city.
He said the masterplan would “challenge status-quo urbanism” and be a “living laboratory for urban innovation”.
Phase one of New City Salalah is due to begin later this year.
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