Muscat: The 21st edition of Oman Real Estate, Design & Build Exhibition and Conference 2026 commenced on Sunday at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), taking place from 10 to 13 May. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sultan Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance. The event is organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman Real Estate Association, and Connect Company. The event saw broad participation from ministers, senior officials, real estate developers, investors, experts, and leading local and international companies specialising in real estate development, urban planning, design, and construction. As Oman’s real estate and urban development sectors are witnessing accelerated momentum and transformative growth aligned with national objectives, the conference and exhibition serves as a key gathering point for industry stakeholders, fostering strategic partnerships, unlocking broader investment opportunities, and reinforcing Oman’s growing position on the regional real estate and urban development landscape. The conference provides a strategic platform to showcase major urban projects and national initiatives related to future cities and integrated communities, while highlighting promising investment opportunities and strengthening public-private sector collaboration to support business growth and sustainable urban development. Meanwhile, the accompanying exhibition offers visitors and prospective buyers the opportunity to explore a diverse portfolio of real estate projects and residential developments presented by leading developers, alongside comprehensive insights into project details, services, and financing solutions. The opening ceremony witnessed the announcement of a package of strategic agreements and projects linked to Oman’s future cities, led by Sultan Haitham City. The Ministry signed a partnership and development agreement for residential neighbourhoods (3, 15, and 17) with Retal Urban Development Company from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project spans more than 640,000 square metres, with an investment value