Official Visit of Russian Delegation to Oman: New Horizons for Urban Planning and Digital Transformation
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman – November 12, 2025
The ongoing development of Russian-Omani relations has taken on a new, practical dimension in the fields of construction and urban development, as evidenced by the recent visit of a Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Shakirzyanovich Khusnullin.
The delegation, which included the Chairman of the International Association for Territorial Development, Vasil Mazitov as a representative, engaged in high-level discussions to advance cooperation between the two countries.
Official Reception and Informal Dialogue
The visit commenced with an official reception hosted by the Government of Oman, during which a gala dinner was held. The cordial atmosphere fostered an environment conducive to fruitful dialogue. During the dinner, discussions centered on mutual challenges, including the management of urban growth and the creation of sustainable living environments. Vasil Mazitov highlighted the effectiveness of informal settings in identifying common interests and understanding partner needs.
Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry: Russian Expertise for Omani Reforms
A key highlight of the visit was a meeting between Vasil Mazitov and Maqbool Al Balushi, Head of the Digitalization Department at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman. The discussion focused on the modernization of Oman’s construction sector through the implementation of digital technologies. Mazitov presented a comprehensive portfolio of Russian solutions and methodologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, digital twinning of urban districts, and smart utility management platforms.
Omani specialists demonstrated keen interest in these technologies, prompting detailed inquiries about their implementation. As a result of the discussions, it was agreed that a team of IATD experts would visit Muscat in December 2025 for a specialized mission. The purpose of this visit is to assess Oman’s current IT requirements and capabilities, with the aim of transferring specific technical skills and expertise to enable the Department of Digitalization to independently develop and implement these technologies.
Cooperation Agreement: Roadmap for Future Projects
The visit concluded with the formalization of verbal agreements through the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between the International Association for the Development of Territories and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning of Oman.
Unlike typical framework agreements, this document is highly specific in content, encompassing intellectual property protection and serving as a detailed roadmap for joint projects over the next several years.
The signing of this agreement signifies a transition to a new phase of cooperation, where in Russian non-governmental organizations are recognized as credible and sought-after providers of high-tech solutions and expert services for Oman’s public sector.