Muscat: The first batch of Omani women earned residential plots of land in a draw on Monday at the Minsitry of Housing.
Two years ago the Omani leader, Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed, had issued a Royal Decree, directing the Housing Ministry to include women in the draw for government land to be allocated to citizen for residential purpose.
Said Bin Rashid Al Habsi, Director General of the Ministry of Land Housing, who presided over the draw, in a statement issued to the local Arabic dailies, said that names were drawn for 100 pieces of land in the Muscat area with majority going to Omani women.
He said that the government land allotted free to citizens is non-transferable for two years.
Fatima Bint Masoud, who was given land, said that she was overwhelmed by the Sultan’s decision to give land to women also.
"The draw new system gives us women an opportunity to own residential land in our own names and place of residence," she enthused.
“I am happy to have to have access to a piece of my own residential land after a long wait,” she said.
“Now we can stand side by side with men and build our own house,” said beaming Khadija Bint Abdullah Balushi, who was also allotted land in Muscat.
"Now to own a house in Muscat would be like a dream come true,” Khadija said, expressing gratitude for the quantum leap for women in the country.
