Senior leaders from the Sultanate of Oman and the Liverpool City Region have advanced their developing partnership during high-level engagements at the MIPIM, focusing on regeneration, innovation and international collaboration.
HE Dr Khalfan Al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP), held strategic talks with Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, as both sides explored opportunities for closer cooperation.
The Liverpool City Region is recognised internationally for its transformation over the past two decades, driven by investment in culture, tourism, sport and innovation. The region was European Capital of Culture 2008, participated in World Expo 2010 Shanghai, and hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. It is also home to the Grand National, two Premier League football clubs, and England’s Golf Coast with multiple Open Championship venues.
Liverpool is widely known as a global music hub and is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the World Capital of Pop, home to The Beatles, reinforcing its position as a major international cultural and visitor destination.
Talks focused on shared priorities including urban regeneration, waterfront development, cultural exchange, innovation and international trade. Omani officials highlighted opportunities emerging under Oman Vision 2040, spanning new cities, eco-tourism, housing, healthcare, education, rail connectivity and major infrastructure projects.
Both sides explored pathways for structured cooperation, knowledge exchange, reciprocal visits and long-term partnerships between civic and ministerial leadership.
As part of its engagement at MIPIM, Oman secured international recognition with Greater Muscat joining the Global Business Districts Innovation Club, alongside Paris La Défense, Chicago Loop, Toronto Waterfront, Liverpool BID Company and AUDA (Casa Anfa), boosting its global visibility and access to leading business district networks.
Liverpool City Region’s MIPIM program also enabled Oman to join The Global City Advantage session, offering insights into attracting investment and enhancing competitiveness. A separate working session between Monica Bik, Planning Advisor to MoHUP, and Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, explored next steps for a structured partnership between Muscat and Liverpool’s commercial district, building on ongoing engagement with Liverpool City Council.
