Following the success of the Muscat Structure Plan, Broadway Malyan has been commissioned by the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop a structure plan for Ibri that builds on its strategic location, heritage merit, and mountain landscape context.
Broadway Malyan has completed the Ibri Structure Plan, a strategic framework to guide the sustainable growth of this regional hub in Oman
Ibri is the principal city of Adh Dhahirah Governorate, located at the crossroads of routes to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Home to around 71,000 people as of 2024, its population is projected to almost double to 120,000 by 2040. Historic housing allocation policies have led to the city's outward expansion from its walled origins, sprawling nearly 30 km into its mountain and desert hinterland.
Ibri also faces socio-economic challenges, with a significant portion of the current workforce employed in lower-skilled roles — approximately 21,600 people — reflecting the city’s reliance on labour-intensive sectors such as construction and domestic work. This has driven a rapid influx of expatriates, while trained Omanis move away to better-paid jobs in Muscat, Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia, reducing the city’s economic potential and eroding its diversity and appeal.
The Ibri Structure Plan outlines a long-term vision for Ibri's transformation into a connected, resilient, and economically diverse city. It identifies clear priorities for future government investment across infrastructure, social amenities, and environmental enhancement, ensuring alignment with evolving local needs and Oman's Vision 2040.
Together, these strategies directly address the current challenges, such as urban sprawl, a car-dependent transport system, limited job diversification, climate change impacts, and traditional agricultural methods that are becoming increasingly unsustainable if not addressed promptly.
The plan proposes six key city moves: creation of a new transport loop to support a more human-centric urban structure, the regeneration of the historic city centre, protection of the natural skyline and mountain ridges, the establishment of a central green heart, and the integration of surrounding villages. In addition, a new urban boundary is proposed to consolidate growth and limit further sprawl.
“We led a team of specialists to develop an integrated plan that will unlock Ibri’s potential, transforming it into a centre for manufacturing, trade, logistics and agro-industries, while celebrating its unique heritage and dramatic natural setting to enhance its tourism appeal.”
Phil Bonds, Director of Masterplanning
Broadway Malyan
The plan is firmly grounded in extensive community and stakeholder engagement. Over 350 key stakeholders participated in ten workshop events held over nine months, ensuring the plan truly reflects local aspirations.
An exchange programme with Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MOHUP) brought planners to Broadway Malyan’s London studio, where they collaborated closely with the masterplanning and urban design teams to help shape the vision for the city’s future.
The new Ibri is envisioned as Oman’s western gateway and a key regional centre, transforming into a hub for manufacturing, logistics and agro‑industry. The structure plan establishes a clear programme of prioritised practical steps, policies, mechanisms and implementation tools to deliver sustainable, lasting impacts that provide clear returns on the government's investment.
Ibri Structure Plan Team:
Client: Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning
Urban Planning: Broadway Malyan
Contributor: Adh Dhahirah Governor Office
Project Management: F&M Middle East
Socio-Economics, Investment & Governance: Pegasys
Economy: PAL
Infrastructure, Environment, Sustainability & Smart City: Cundall
Transport and Mobility: Systematica
Heritage-Led Regeneration Expert: Chronicle Heritage
Stakeholder Engagement/Community Engagement: Oman Think Urban
Strategic Tourism Advice: SKIFT
Traffic Surveys & Assessments: TRM
Agronomy Food Security: Green Mawared
Cost Planning: DG Jones
