International Code Council Continues Engagement in Oman with Workshops to Review Draft Oman Building Code

The International Code Council and the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) recently completed a series of workshops in Muscat, marking a significant advancement in the development of Oman’s building codes. Held from September 9-12, 2024, these workshops were designed to gather crucial feedback about the draft Oman Building Code from a diverse range of stakeholders.

Separate workshops were held about the Nonstructural Provisions and the Structural Provisions of the draft Oman Building Code. The first segment addressed fire safety, accessibility, and health and safety requirements, while the second segment concentrated on structural design, materials and foundational elements.

Because the workshops were designed to facilitate comprehensive feedback and foster a collaborative environment, capacity was limited to 50 participants, ensuring focused and in-depth discussions. Attendees represented a wide array of stakeholders, including designers, engineers, municipal officials and regulatory staff, all of whom contributed valuable insights into the current scope of the code and considerations for the ability of local authorities to implement and enforce it, based on current construction and regulatory practices.

Speaking at the event, an official spokesperson of MoHUP emphasized the significance of the workshops, stating, “These workshops represent not only a key step in developing the Oman Building Code but also an ongoing opportunity to seek improvements and build upon current practices. The expertise shared and the feedback received are helping us elevate safety, sustainability and innovation in Oman’s buildings and construction sector.”

Hamid Naderi, the Intentional Code Council’s Senior Vice President of Product Development, stated, “We are pleased to see the continued progression with MoHUP on this transformative project. The engagement and feedback from Omani stakeholders are vital to ensuring the draft code sets new benchmarks for safety and resilience while meeting the unique needs of the Sultanate of Oman.”

The workshops were led by industry experts Jay Elbettar, P.E., CBO, LEED-AP, CASP, and Satyendra K. Ghosh, Ph.D., who brought extensive experience and insights to the discussions, contributing to the refinement of the draft code. Mr. Elbettar provided expertise on nonstructural aspects, while Dr. Ghosh focused on structural provisions.

The feedback gathered will be instrumental in finalizing the full suite of Oman building codes, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2025, with support materials to follow in the ensuing months.

The collaboration between the International Code Council and MoHUP underscores a shared commitment to advancing building standards and ensuring the new code addresses both current and future needs. The successful completion of these workshops stands as a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of all involved, paving the way for enhanced building safety and construction practices in Oman.

To learn more about the Code Council’s support and resources offered in the MENA region, visit the webpage here.