Omran reveals phase 1 plan for of Muttrah development

Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has revealed details of the first phase of its 500 million rial (Dh4.77bn) development around the ancient port of Muttrah in Muscat.

The Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Phase One extends over 334,000 square metres on the Central Quay around Muscat’s old port. It will include a shopping mall, six hotels, housing, offices and docking facilities for cruise liners and yachts and a string of tourist attractions.

Muttrah is already one of city’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its traditional souq, ancient mosque and seaport.

A central element of the new project will be Souq Al Mina, a new market district next to the cruise ship harbour.

Omran, which will own 51 per cent of the 64-hectare mixed-use Port Sultan Qaboos waterfront project, said yesterday it had appointed HD23, a joint venture between Omani architect Nadia Al Lawati and Harper Downie, as lead consultants and master planners.

Omran also appointed Foster and Partners and Hoehler and Al Salmy as architectural consultants and Blizzard Brothers as construction manager. It is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of next year. The completed waterfront projects is expected to cover nearly half a million square metres.

The project was announced in January following the publication of the sultanate’s five-year plan, which highlighted an increased role for outside investment to help maintain development projects at a time of lower oil prices and squeezed state finances.

Omran plans to ensure that the project is paid for with private-sector cash. Earlier this year, it established an investment vehicle, the Waterfront Company, for private investors. Omran said that up to 49 per cent of shares would be made available to investors.

“This is a very exciting day for Muscat and for the expansion of Oman’s tourism infrastructure as an integral part of Oman Vision 2020,” said Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, the minister of transport and communications and an Omran board member. “Today’s launch is all about explaining how Phase One will set in place the regeneration of the historic former port area of this great city into a true tourism gateway for the country.”

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