Al Khabourah: In a major move toward sustainable community growth in the Sultanate, Dar Al Atta'a Association officially opened the first phase of Hay Al Atta'a, Oman’s first solar-powered residential neighborhood, on June 11, 2025.
The initiative offers permanent housing for families who lost their homes during Cyclone Shaheen, which struck North Al Batinah in 2021.
The inauguration ceremony was hosted under the patronage of Eng. Khalfan bin Saeed Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, and Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development.
The new community in Wilayat Al Khabourah features 36 five-bedroom houses, each measuring around 272 m².
Dar Al Atta'a created the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah, and the Municipality of Al Khabourah, as well as with direct help from the local community.
Maryam bint Issa Al Zadjali, founder and Chairperson of Dar Al Atta'a, told the media that the concept for Hay Al Atta'a was conceived in the aftermath of Cyclone Shaheen.
"The concept for Hay Al Atta'a came in the aftermath of Cyclone Shaheen. In response, we started a fundraising campaign dubbed 'A Million from the People to the People. ' By God's grace, we gathered OMR 1 million. As an organization, we constantly seek to create joint ventures that are sustainable. Rather than giving short-term help such as food or furnishings, we envisioned a long-term solution: to construct permanent homes for families who were unable to rebuild on their own. ”
One of the project's most revolutionary features is its reliance on renewable energy, which is a first for housing initiatives of this sort in the region.
"Without a question, the most critical element is the use of green energy. It lowers residents' electricity expenses, and if they produce a surplus, they can sell it back to the government. "This technique has never been used here before — it’s an exciting innovation," Al Zadjali said.
Each residence has 48 rooftop solar panels, making the community completely energy-integrated and cost-effective for its inhabitants.
The residences are part of a larger ecointegrated community that includes a sustainable wastewater management system, which recycles water while minimizing waste.
When asked why Dar Al Atta'a chose an ecoconscious strategy, Al Zadjali stated that the vision went far beyond shelter. "As an Association, we strive to stay aware of current developments. " With this project, our objective was more than just sustainability; we wanted to create a lifestyle. “From the community center we're constructing to the urban planning, landscaping, and architectural design, every detail has been carefully considered. ”
Families are anticipated to move in shortly, as all residential units are ready for occupancy.
The second phase of Hay Al Atta'a is already in progress and will feature a community centre, retail shops, and a mosque. Completion is anticipated within two years.
Dar Al Atta'a is one of Oman's top charitable organizations, founded in 2002 and officially registered in 2006 by ministerial decision. No. 76/2006. Operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, the organisation aims to empower disadvantaged families throughout the Sultanate by providing sustainable and dignified assistance. In 2024 alone, Dar Al Atta'a provided more than OMR 4 million in assistance, which included OMR 1. 24 million for housing, more than OMR 1 million for debt relief, and support for education, family care, disaster response, and children's literacy initiatives such as Let's Read.
