Muscat: The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) launched the first phase of the Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project at an official ceremony at the Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront in Muscat on Wednesday.
Phase one of the integrated mixed-use waterfront destination is projected to be completed by 2020, and will transform the current commercial Port Sultan Qaboos area into a major tourism-based development, spanning 64-hectares area. The Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront will include business and residential zones, destination mall, six hotels (including three-, four- and five-stars), recreation amenities, tourist attractions as well as docking facilities for cruiseliners and yachts.
The development will take place over four separate phases. The master development plan was conceptualised in 2015, with significant inputs received from private sector investors, who are keen to capitalise on the tourism and hospitality opportunities presented by the grand Waterfront scheme.
Ali Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Board Chairman of Omran, said: “Our Vision for the Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront is to create a world-class waterfront development of outstanding beauty and interest that celebrates the maritime history of Muscat and showcases the very best of Omani culture, heritage and innovation to a global audience. Upon completion it will provide an extraordinary year round tourism hub that is rich in activities, entertainment and experiences, and is accessible to all.
“It will also provide a pedestrian friendly lifestyle community that provides the people of Muscat a true ‘downtown hub’ and that serves as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of Muttrah, and serve as an important platform for successful business enterprise and a stimulus for significant job creation.”
The Souq Al Mina, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2017, will be situated alongside a still functioning harbour for cruise ships and yachts, which will celebrate Oman’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Over 150 cruise ships are set to dock in Muscat in the next cruise ship season, as they come to experience a true jewel of Arabia. It will cover a number of verticals, such as catering, retail, fashion, accessories, entertainment, decorative arts, crafts, textiles, design, furniture, jewellery, gifts, organic products — to offer unique products and services for locals, residents and tourists.
The National Strategy for Tourism 2040, aims to increase by 6 per cent the contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product.
It also aims to attract five million visitors by 2040, nearly double than the current average.
It also aims to bring private sector investment in the sector to 88 per cent and bring down government investment to 12 per cent.
