Monday 16 / June / 2025
Al Khabourah: In a significant step for sustainable community development in the Sultanate, Dar Al Atta’a Association officially inaugurated the first phase of Hay Al Atta’a, Oman’s first solar-powered residential neighbourhood, on June 11, 2025.
The project provides permanent housing for families who lost their homes during Cyclone Shaheen, which made landfall in North Al Batinah in 2021.
The inauguration ceremony was held 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.
Located in San’aa Bani Ghafir, in Wilayat Al Khabourah, the new neighbourhood includes 36 five-bedroom homes, each spanning approximately 272 m².
The project was developed by Dar Al Atta’a in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah, the Municipality of Al Khabourah, and with direct support from the local community.
Speaking to the media, Maryam bint Issa Al Zadjali, founder and Chairperson of Dar Al Atta’a, shared that the idea for Hay Al Atta’a was born in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Shaheen.
“The idea for Hay Al Atta’a emerged in the wake of Cyclone Shaheen. In response, we launched a fundraising campaign — ‘A Million from the People to the People.’ By the grace of God, we raised OMR1 million. As an organisation, we always strive to develop sustainable projects. Rather than providing short-term aid like food or furnishings, we envisioned a long-lasting solution — to build permanent homes for families who had no means to rebuild on their own.”
"One of the most transformative aspects of the project is its reliance on green energy, a first for housing initiatives of this kind in the area.
“Without a doubt, the most significant element is the use of green energy. It reduces residents’ electricity costs, and if they generate a surplus, they can sell it back to the government. This approach hasn’t been implemented here before — it’s an exciting innovation,” said Al Zadjali.
Each home is equipped with 48 rooftop solar panels, making the neighbourhood fully energy-integrated and cost-efficient for its residents.
The homes are part of a broader eco-integrated neighbourhood that also includes a sustainable wastewater management system, aimed at recycling water and reducing waste.
When asked why Dar Al Atta’a opted for an eco-conscious approach, Al Zadjali explained the vision extended far beyond shelter: “As an Association, we try to remain attuned to current developments. With this project, our goal wasn’t just sustainability — it was to create a lifestyle. From the community centre we’re building, to the urban planning, landscaping, and architectural design, every detail was carefully thought out.”
Families are expected to move in soon, with all residential units ready for occupancy.
The second phase of Hay Al Atta’a is already under development and will include a community centre, commercial outlets, and a mosque. Completion is expected within two years.
Dar Al Atta’a is one of Oman’s leading charitable associations, established in 2002 and officially registered in 2006 under Ministerial Decision No. 76/2006. Operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, the organisation is dedicated to empowering underprivileged families across the Sultanate through sustainable and dignified support. In 2024 alone, Dar Al Atta’a disbursed over OMR 4 million in aid, including OMR 1.24 million for housing, over OMR 1 million in debt relief, and support across education, family care, disaster response, and children’s literacy programmes such as Let’s Read.
