Muscat, Oman – In a significant move aimed at enhancing building safety and construction standards in the Sultanate of Oman, the International Code Council (ICC) has signed a contract with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) to develop a series of six comprehensive building codes.

Leveraging ICC’s renowned expertise in crafting and implementing building codes for jurisdictions around the world, the initiative aims to tailor these codes to suit local contexts, reflecting the nation’s priorities and aspirations. This endeavor exemplifies ICC’s extensive experience in executing similar projects, underscoring its commitment to fostering safe, affordable, and sustainable communities worldwide.

The Minister of Housing, His Excellency Dr. Khalfan bin Said Al Shueili, and ICC’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Solutions, Judy Zakreski, joined forces to formalize the agreement. A ceremonial signing event took place on 14 February 2024 at the Royal Opera House in Muscat.

Collaboratively, ICC and MoHUP are dedicated to setting new benchmarks in building safety and construction practices in the country. The project’s primary areas of focus include safety standards, sustainability, and technology integration, with the entire endeavor slated for finalization by early 2026.

The Sultanate’s adoption of building codes based on the 2021 and 2024 International Codes (I-Codes) will serve as a catalyst for raising standards and promoting best practices nationwide. By embracing advanced building regulations that also align with regional standards, the country not only ensures the safety and well-being of its citizens but also positions itself as a leader in fostering safety and sustainability in construction.

Director General of Urban Planning at the MoHUP, Dr. Hanan Al Jabri, said: “With rapid infrastructure growth and urban development happening in the country, the demand for robust building codes prioritizing safety and resilience, has become increasingly important. The strategic cooperation between MoHUP and the ICC underscores a shared responsibility to advancing safety, sustainability, and innovation in the Sultanate’s construction industry and represents a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.”

ICC’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Solutions, Judy Zakreski said: “We are honored to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning on this exciting and important project. The Oman Building Codes will serve as a blueprint for safe, sustainable, and resilient construction practices in the country and align Oman’s building safety regulations with others in the MENA region.”

Throughout the project duration, ICC and MoHUP will be working closely with designated Omani authorities, design professionals, and other stakeholders. This inclusive approach, adopted by the ICC on every project, ensures consistency, harmonization, and support which will benefit Oman’s construction industry and its citizens.

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

Washington, D.C.– The International Code Council is participating in the 2024 Buildings and Climate Global Forum in Paris, France, between March 7 and 8, 2024. This event is the first of its kind and will build upon the progress made at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and ongoing needs to deliver sustainable and resilient buildings around the world.  

The Buildings and Climate Global Forum will bring focus to the impact of the buildings and construction sector on the environment and its significant role in achieving climate goals. Cooperation and partnerships among high-level representatives from international organizations and building ministers will also be facilitated to accelerate the transition to near-zero emissions and resilient buildings.

The French Government and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) are hosting the forum through the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). The International Code Council is co-leading two sessions during the forum: Achieving Climate-Resilient Buildings and Harmonizing Policies for Whole Life Carbon and Resilient Building Goals. Sustainable design practices, technological innovations and solutions in the sector will also be explored during approximately 20 thematic sessions.

Achieving Climate-Resilient Buildings will examine the current approaches to integrating resilience into building design, including resilience to future climate-driven hazards. It will identify current gaps in tools and deployment drivers and determine the actions necessary to make climate resilient buildings the new normal. Harmonizing Policies for Whole Life Carbon and Resilient Building Goals will highlight the importance and current state of building codes, standards, assessment frameworks and certification schemes in delivering global climate goals and the need to harmonize around common principles.  

International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO is scheduled to speak at a CEO roundtable. Sims and Board President Stuart Tom will participate at ministerial roundtables alongside international building ministers on March 8. The International Code Council has also been a lead collaborator in shaping the development of numerous other thematic sessions, along with calls-to-action and commitments resulting from the forum.

“Tackling a changing climate requires multi-level international collaboration,” said Sims. “Being a part of global events like this and collaborating with governments, companies, and NGOs to address the climate-related challenges before us is an integral part of our mission to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. We look forward to highlighting the role building codes, standards and building safety solutions play in achieving international climate goals.”

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.