Muriya’s twin projects unveiled
Muriya Tourism Development Company (MTDC)’s new projects will add at least eight more hotels in Oman

Dignitaries looking at the design model

Two more prestigious projects, ‘Jebel Sifah’ in the capital governorate and ‘Salalah Beach’ in the southern Dhofar region, are expected to add more lustre to Oman’s burgeoning tourism and real estate sectors. The two integrated tourism complexes, which will comprise a total of 550 villas and 1,200 apartments when the first phase is completed in five years, are taking shape as a result of a public-private sector initiative. Muriya Tourism Development Company (MTDC), the promoters, is 30 per cent owned by the government of the Sultanate and 70 per cent by Egypt’s Orascom Hotels and Development.

The projects, with a combined land bank of over 21 million sq. m. and estimated to cost around US$400 million, have evinced considerable local and foreign investor interest because of their special emphasis on the environment and the success of a similar scheme by Orascom in Egypt, named ‘El Gouna’. Besides villas and apartments, the projects will boast of over four hotels each, world-class marinas and marina towns, 18-hole PGA golf courses, restaurants, and international retail outlets.

The projects were unveiled in November at the elegantly decorated Midan Amphitheatre of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa at a function presided over by National Economy Minister Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki. Dignitaries present on the occasion included royal family members, ministers and a large gathering of prospective buyers from Oman and abroad. Live performances by Arab singing sensation Elissa and the Eftikasat jazz band added a festive note to the occasion.

“The launch takes place when Oman is celebrating its 37th National Day... We are confident the new projects will become major attractions for tourists and investors,” Dr Rajiha bint Abdulameer bin Ali, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Oman Tourism Development Company, said.

Work is already underway in Salalah, while at Sifah, some 60 km south of Muscat, it is due to start at the end of next month. “The properties will provide diversity in architectural style while fully integrating with the Omani culture and adhering to local tastes and traditions,” emphasised Cyril Piaia, CEO of Muriya. “We want to create a real town with community, preserving the Omani heritage. We are not here for a short term.”

He also noted that the company would employ some 1,000 people in Salalah during the construction stage and buy equipment from local contractors. Piaia said Muriya was also finalising plans for two other ‘ambitious projects’ – one a City Complex in Muscat and an ‘Al Sodah Island’, adding that the total initial investment on the four schemes would exceed US$850 million.