DUBAI, UAE, 6 March 2024: The International Code Council (ICC) announced that it signed a contract with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP), Sultanate of Oman, to develop a series of six comprehensive building codes. Making the announcement through a Press release, ICC said, it is in line with a significant move aimed at enhancing building safety and construction standards in Oman.

ICC said leveraging its expertise in crafting and implementing building codes for jurisdictions around the world, it aims to tailor these codes to suit local contexts, reflecting Oman’s priorities and aspirations. This endeavour, ICC added, exemplifies its extensive experience in executing similar projects, underscoring its commitment to fostering safe, affordable, and sustainable communities, worldwide. 

ICC said that H.E. Dr Khalfan bin Said Al Shueili, Minister, Housing and Urban Planning and Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Solutions, ICC, formalised the agreement during a signing event that took place on February 14 at the Royal Opera House in Muscat. 

ICC said the Council and MoHUP are dedicated to setting new benchmarks in building safety and construction practices in the country, and added that the project’s primary areas of focus include safety standards, sustainability, and technology integration, with the entire endeavour slated for finalisation by early 2026. 

ICC said that Oman’s adoption of 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. By embracing advanced building regulations that align with regional standards, ICC said, the country ensures the safety and wellbeing of its citizens and positions itself as a leader in fostering safety and sustainability in construction. 

Dr Hanan Al Jabri, Director General, Urban Planning, 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 between MoHUP and the ICC underscores a shared responsibility to advance safety, sustainability, and innovation in Oman’s construction industry and represents a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.” 

Zakreski said: “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning on this exciting and important project. The Oman Building Codes will serve as a blueprint for safe, sustainable, and resilient construction practices in the country and align Oman’s building safety regulations with others in the MENA region.” 

ICC said that throughout the project duration, ICC and MoHUP will be working closely with designated Omani authorities, design professionals, and other stakeholders. ICC added that this inclusive approach, adopted by the ICC on every project, ensures consistency, harmonisation, and support, which will benefit Oman’s construction industry and its citizens.