Required certification · Oman
Oman Building Code (MoHUP)
Oman's unified building code, optional now and mandatory by 2030
Market position
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning unveiled a unified Oman building code in October 2025, developed with the International Code Council under a March 2024 agreement that covered six codes. According to Muscat Daily, use is optional in 2026 and 2027, enforcement starts in Muscat governorate in 2028 and reaches all governorates by 2030. It applies to new buildings, and to existing ones only on major renovation or expansion.
Oman-specific note
The unified building code is being phased in: optional in 2026 and 2027, enforced in Muscat from 2028 and nationwide by 2030, for new construction. Projects designed now for completion after 2028 in Muscat should be checked against it.
Pros
- + One national code in place of differing local rules
- + Two optional years (2026-2027) to train and adapt
- + Existing buildings exempt unless majorly renovated or expanded
- + Separate guide for work on historic buildings
Cons
- − Mandatory for new Muscat projects from 2028
- − Mandatory nationwide by 2030
- − Design and site teams must learn the new code
- − Enforcement dates differ by governorate until 2030
Typical Oman pricing
No official fees found in the sources checked.
Why this matters for Oman trades
The Oman Tax Authority administers 5% VAT (registration mandatory above OMR 38,500 of annual supplies) and Fawtara e-invoicing, a 5-corner model in which OTA-accredited service providers exchange invoices and report tax data; other sources give different phase dates, so check your own start date with the Authority. Since 1 August 2025 the Ministry of Labour requires OSE accreditation before an engineer’s work permit is issued or renewed. The Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content (Royal Decree 57/2025) registers and classifies suppliers, contractors and consulting offices on Esnad for government work. Under Ministerial Decision 602/2025, firms meeting Omanisation targets get 30% off visa and licensing fees and firms falling short pay double, according to Muscat Daily. Muscat Municipality issues building permits in Muscat governorate; the unified building code from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is optional in 2026 and 2027, enforced in Muscat from 2028 and nationwide by 2030, according to Muscat Daily; and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) sets building fire-safety conditions and studies construction plans.
Oman construction software selection is shaped by the Oman Tax Authority’s phased Fawtara e-invoicing rollout through accredited service providers (the Authority’s FAQ says implementation begins in August 2026 for 100 large VAT-registered companies, in February 2027 for all large VAT-registered companies and in August 2027 for all remaining VAT-registered taxpayers), alongside 5% VAT, OSE engineer accreditation (required for work permits since 1 August 2025), registration and classification on the Esnad portal of the Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content, Omanisation categories that raise or lower work permit fees, building permits through Muscat Municipality’s e-services, the unified Oman Building Code, and CDAA fire-safety requirements.
Frequently asked
Is Oman Building Code (MoHUP) a good fit for Oman trades?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning unveiled a unified Oman building code in October 2025, developed with the International Code Council under a March 2024 agreement that covered six codes. According to Muscat Daily, use is optional in 2026 and 2027, enforcement starts in Muscat governorate in 2028 and reaches all governorates by 2030. It applies to new buildings, and to existing ones only on major renovation or expansion. The unified building code is being phased in: optional in 2026 and 2027, enforced in Muscat from 2028 and nationwide by 2030, for new construction. Projects designed now for completion after 2028 in Muscat should be checked against it.
What does Oman Building Code (MoHUP) cost in Oman?
No official fees found in the sources checked. Pricing and availability can change by region; confirm current Oman pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Other Oman vendors
Oman Tax Authority (VAT & e-invoicing)
Required certification
Oman Society of Engineers (OSE)
Required certification
Authority for Projects, Tenders & Local Content
Required certification
Ministry of Labour / Omanisation
Required certification
Muscat Municipality (Building Permits)
Required certification
Civil Defence & Ambulance Authority (CDAA)
Required certification