Oman to partner with ICC for new building codes
The regulations will reflect international best practice and promote uniform working standards
In a significant move aimed at enhancing building safety and construction standards in Oman, the International Code Council (ICC) has partnered with the nation’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to develop a series of six comprehensive building codes in the kingdom.
Leveraging ICC’s expertise in crafting and implementing building codes for jurisdictions around the world, the initiative aims to create a set of bespoke codes to suit local contexts, reflecting the nation’s priorities and aspirations.
The sultanate’s adoption of these 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.
Minister of Housing Dr Khalfan bin Said Al Shueili and ICC’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Solutions, Judy Zakreski, formalised the agreement at a ceremony held at the Royal Opera House in Muscat.
The project’s primary areas of focus include safety standards, sustainability and technology integration, with the entire project scheduled for completion by early 2026.
Dr. Hanan Al Jabri, the Director General of Urban Planning at the MoHUP said: “With rapid infrastructure growth and urban development happening in the country, the demand for robust building codes prioritising safety and resilience, has become increasingly important.”
“The strategic cooperation 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,” Al Jabri concluded.
