Oman tourism: Boost to tourism as waterfront project launched

Muscat: The Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project was officially launched yesterday with a ceremony on the waterfront.
Dazzling photos of Muttrah waterfront project launch
The $390 million integrated mixed-use waterfront project is expected to be completed by 2020 and will transform the current Port Sultan Qaboos area into a major tourism-based development spanning 64 hectares.
The Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront will include business and residential zones, a mall, six hotels, recreation amenities, tourist attractions, and docking facilities for cruise liners
and yachts.
It will also include a direct ferry link to Iran from the Muttrah Corniche via a multipurpose-built harbour that will be home to the country’s coastguard services and the Royal Oman Police.
The development will take place in four separate phases.
Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, minister of commerce and industry and chairman of Oman Tourism Development Company (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 activity, entertainment and experience, and is accessible to all.
“It will also provide a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle community that provides the people of Muscat with a true ‘downtown hub’ that serves as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of Muttrah and as an important platform for successful business enterprise and a stimulus for significant job creation.”
Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, minister of tourism and a board member of Omran, stated, “The Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront represents arguably the most exciting and high potential real estate project currently underway in the Sultanate of Oman. In this spectacular and historic setting, we are confident that it will soon establish itself as a premier destination in Oman, and one of the most high profile and celebrated tourism infrastructure projects across the GCC.
“Not only will it enrich the lives of the local community, it will also play a pivotal role in the growth of the national tourism industry over the next 20 years and beyond.”
“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. 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, providing sustainable economic development and job opportunities for many generations to come,” said Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, minister of transport and communications and a board member of Omran.