Members
The GBD Innovation Club members are the global business districts, its managing companies, urban authorities and high level experts working in related fields
Key Figures
- Total area: 160 ha
- Square meters of offices: 320,000 m2
- Number of towers: approx. 30
- Number of employees: 18,000
Global Business District Overview
Al Khuwair Downtown is a flagship urban regeneration project designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, strategically located at the geographic heart of Muscat. Positioned between the city’s historic core, its coastline, and key national infrastructure, the site presents a rare opportunity to introduce density, activate commercial and civic life, and unlock meaningful waterfront access within a largely underdeveloped yet highly central district.
Oman is among the most liveable countries globally, ranking 4th in the 2025 Numbeo Quality of Life Index and consistently placed among the world’s safest nations. Access to more than 105 international trade agreements connects investors to a market of over 500 million consumers, reinforcing Oman’s position as a strategic base for regional commercial headquarters.
A landmark, city-shaping development with a substantial footprint and a balanced mix of office, residential, hospitality, retail, and community uses, Al Khuwair Downtown is one of three designated areas in Muscat identified for tall buildings, a TOD development enabling a new vertical dimension within the city. The masterplan introduces a distinctive skyline of prominent towers alongside a major waterfront canal that anchors the district’s spatial and visual identity. Together, the scale, density, and architectural expression establish a clear and recognisable urban presence, positioning the development as a new focal point in Muscat’s evolving skyline.
As a key component of the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, the master plan reflects Oman’s ambition to deliver resilient, climate-responsive urban environments that support long-term economic and social transformation. It defines a compact, mixed-use district that prioritises walkability, public life, and connectivity—addressing historic car dependency while strengthening accessibility at a metropolitan scale. Conceived to evolve over time, the project establishes lasting urban value and a national legacy, while offering investors clarity, scale, and long-term alignment with the Sultanate’s strategic development vision.
Managing Authority Overview
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is a proactive government entity leading the regeneration and redevelopment of this key brownfield site in the heart of Muscat. A dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to deliver and operate Al Khuwair Downtown, ensuring a coordinated approach to implementation, governance, long-term asset management and promotion.