The Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content, in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, has completed the procedures related to awarding the Muscat Expressway expansion project from the Qurum Natural Park Interchange to the Halban Interchange, as well as the Ibra Road dualization project (Al-Yahmadi–Al-Qafisi), in implementation of the decisions of the Tenders Council taken at its meeting No. 1/2026, held on 1st Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to 19 February 2026. This comes as part of efforts to enhance the efficiency of the road network and improve traffic flow.

His Excellency Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al-Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, affirmed that awarding the Muscat Expressway expansion and Ibra Road dualization projects represents a strategic step within the Ministry's plans to enhance the efficiency of the main road network, keep pace with rapid urban and population growth, strengthen connectivity between governorates, and provide a safe transport environment.

His Excellency Eng. Badr bin Salem Al-Maamari, Chairman of the Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content, noted that the two projects reflect the government's strong commitment to developing the road sector as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development. The total value of both projects exceeds OMR 186.3 million, with the Muscat Expressway expansion project costing more than OMR 157.2 million, and the Ibra Road dualization project costing OMR 29.1 million.

The Muscat Expressway expansion project includes a package of development works, most notably upgrading the Qurum Natural Park Roundabout and Seih Al-Maleh Roundabout into signalized intersections. It also includes upgrading and expanding the road from Seih Al-Maleh Roundabout to Halban Interchange and linking it with Al Batinah Expressway. Additionally, most existing bridge entrances and exits will be improved by adding an extra lane to become two lanes in each direction, along with the construction of a direct exit on Al Rusayl Bridge for vehicles coming from Muscat toward Burj Al Sahwa Roundabout.

The project also involves constructing independent two-lane flyovers for traffic coming from Ruwi toward the Muscat Expressway, at Al Khoudh Sixth traffic signals for vehicles heading from the Muscat Expressway to Al Kitab Roundabout, and for vehicles coming from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate toward Sohar without intersecting with traffic heading from the Muscat Expressway to Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

Furthermore, the project includes improvements in several areas along the service road (CD-Road) from Al Ghubrah to Al Maabela to facilitate smoother traffic movement when entering or exiting bridges onto the main road.

The Muscat Expressway expansion project is expected to increase vehicle capacity, address traffic congestion during peak hours, enhance road safety levels, and reduce travel time. Meanwhile, awarding the Ibra Road dualization project from Al-Yahmadi to Al-Qafisi will improve the efficiency of the existing road, facilitate smoother traffic flow, and strengthen connectivity between areas within the wilayat and neighboring wilayats.