New Building Code Spurs Action on Capacity Building in the Sultanate of Oman

In January 2025, a team from the International Code Council traveled to Muscat to support the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in a series of engagements with stakeholders related to the introduction of Oman’s first building code.

The Oman Building Code (OBC) is based on the 2021 International Building Code® (IBC) with substantial customizations to tailor its application to the unique needs of the Sultanate, as well as to align it with other building codes based on the International Codes® (I-Codes) used in the Gulf Region, including the Saudi Building Code and the Gulf Building Code.

Oman Building Code Development and Delivery

The development of the OBC was led by a team from the International Code Council, which worked closely with a team from MoHUP and an Expert Advisory Council comprised of key stakeholders in the Sultanate of Oman to achieve the proper level of customization. In addition to conversion of all measurements to SI units, the OBC incorporates references to key regulations, such as the Oman Electrical Standards and the Oman Civil Defense fire regulations. It also enables the use of European and other standards that are commonly used in Oman, to enable the smooth transition to implementation of the new code.

The OBC aligns with MoHUP’s broader efforts, which represent a paradigm shift in the country’s urban development. This transformation has driven the launch of key programs, including the Oman National Spatial Strategy, the New Future Cities Projects and the Real Estate Development Plan. These initiatives collectively support urban transformation, investment and sustainable development.

The delivery of the OBC was the result of a year’s worth of research, workshops, ongoing consultation, as well as comprehensive reviews and evaluations of comments on the first draft from dozens of key stakeholders throughout the Sultanate.

While MoHUP recognizes the significant milestone represented by the finalization of the OBC, they acknowledge that this is only the first step towards achieving a safer built environment into the future. In all of the recent meetings and workshops held, MoHUP addressed the importance of a phased implementation plan and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the capacity exists to enable effective compliance.

In reviewing the final version of the OBC, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Dr. Khalfan Said al Shueili, said “The Sultanate has been endeavoring for many years to develop an appropriate building code that will preserve the traditional construction of Oman yet bring us into the future, aligned with His Majesty The Sultan’s Vision 2040. Today we have taken the first step, however at the same time we recognize that the work is just beginning, and our commitment extends to building the capacity for the construction industry and citizens of Oman to gain the full benefits of compliance with the new code.”

Implementing the Oman Building Code

MoHUP’s holistic approach to its building code project should serve as an example to jurisdictions around the world. The official launch of the building code – following approval by the Council of Ministers – will be immediately followed by the rollout of virtual and in-person training, as well as credentialing on general code knowledge.

A second phase of more in-depth training and train-the-trainer programs to develop a cadre of local trainers is also being planned. MoHUP is carefully considering the best way to roll out the implementation of the code to ensure that there is enough knowledge and personnel in every municipality throughout the Sultanate to provide the necessary compliance at each stage.

This includes the possible expansion of oversight functions like plan review, permitting and inspections, as well as understanding how enforcement of the new building code will need to align with other local regulations such as zoning codes and height restrictions that may be imposed by entities like the Civil Aviation Administration. As in the United States and other parts of the world, enforcement of building codes often requires coordination between several different entities and easing the process for builders and owners’ thorough education, inter-governmental collaboration and streamlining is critically important to enable compliance.

To this end, MoHUP is also planning public awareness campaigns about the new building code and is studying best practices and relevant examples from other countries that have recently introduced new or substantially revised building codes.

Another area of focus for MoHUP as they consider code implementation and compliance is the possible integration of digital solutions like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and BIM to enhance code enforcement, streamline compliance and support decision making for the regulatory authorities, developers, contractors and consultants operating throughout the multiple municipalities within the Sultanate.

These initiatives are part of a broader transformation strategy, as articulated in His Majesty The Sultan’s Vision 2040, which includes the goal of ensuring a smart and resilient built environment throughout the Sultanate.

Next Steps for the Sultanate of Oman

In addition to the OBC, MoHUP and International Code Council, along with the Expert Advisory Council and key stakeholders, are working on finalizing five additional specialty codes for the Sultanate of Oman:

1. Oman Existing and Historical Building Code 
2. Oman Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Code 
3. Oman Mechanical Code 
4. Oman Plumbing Code 
5. Oman Private Sewage Disposal Code

These codes will be finalized before the end of 2025, with MoHUP engaged in similar efforts to ensure that the capacity will exist for their effective implementation.

The Sultanate of Oman, led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, is demonstrating the long-term vision and commitment needed to achieve a safer, more sustainable and resilient built environment. This will in turn help to enable the country to achieve long-term, transformative goals.

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