A mission rooted in listening and action

On a purpose-filled day, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s tour through the governorates of Dhofar and Al Wusta underscored a governance approach
that blends infrastructure progress with active citizen engagement. As the royal entourage wound through wiyalits and towns, residents greeted
their leader with prayers, expressions of loyalty, and a vision of shared prosperity.

The visit was framed not merely as ceremony but as a two-way conversation between leadership and communities: development projects — rural
electrification, roads, schools, clinics, and water systems — were highlighted, but emphasis remained on listening to local needs.

Development on the ground

Officials flagged a slate of ongoing and planned projects aimed at diversifying the economy and improving quality of life. Key focus areas included:

• Rural electrification — expanding reliable power to support households, agriculture, and small business activity.
• Road improvements — enhancing connectivity between towns and markets to reduce travel time and open economic opportunity.
• Education and health investments — upgrading schools and clinics to raise standards of service and access.
• Water infrastructure — targeting storage, distribution, and resilience measures to address water security and climate variability.

Engagement that informs policy

Beyond project briefs, the tour featured both formal and informal forums where local councils, development agencies, and community groups
shared priorities and challenges. Topics covered included economic diversification, job creation, education and health outcomes, and sustainable development.

The feedback gathered on the ground is expected to shape upcoming policies and project implementations, providing leaders with on-the-ground
perspectives to refine priorities and allocation.

A message of unity and resilience

Public demonstrations of loyalty—chants and prayers that accompanied the sultan’s passage—reflected a strong bond between citizens and leadership.
The tour reinforced a shared narrative of resilience, unity, and steady progress, with both governorates presented as integral to Oman’s national development arc.

Progress, challenges, and the road ahead

While officials highlighted tangible progress in infrastructure and social services, they also acknowledged the ongoing challenges common to large-scale development programs.
The overarching tone emphasized accountability and transparency, with commitments to monitor outcomes, report results, and adjust strategies in response to community feedback.

The tour’s findings are expected to guide future investments and implementation timelines across Dhofar and Al Wusta.