Future Oman

DIVERSIFICATION DRIVE
With oil being an exhaustible resource, every country in the region is looking at alternative revenue streams for the future. As countries struggle to find elusive answers to the million dollar question - what after oil? Oman seems to have found its way to the future in tourism. Oman 2020 Vision aims to attract a billion tourists every year by 2020.


THE BLUE CITY
The year saw one of the biggest economic initiatives in the Middle East - the Al Madina Al Zarqa or The Blue City being launched in Oman. Spread over 35 sq. km. near Barka, the Blue City will be built at an estimated cost of US$15bn. The project aims to create a new township near Barka. Once completed, it will boast a 36-hole PGA championship golf course, three beach resort hotels, a golf and beach resort hotel and an Arabian style tourist village with souqs, apartments and boutique hotels.


TOURISM SECTOR
LASHKHARA TOURIST RESORT
a) This project includes the construction of a 5 star hotel of 250 rooms with a swimming pool, playgrounds and courts, a theatre, a cafeteria, a restaurant and a marine.
b) 90 residential units in the shape of Chalets of various sizes.
c) Engineering studies have already been done and initial information have been collected. Coordination is underway to obtain suitable land for the project and a lot of progress has been already made.


FUN CITY IN MUSCAT
a) This includes various kinds of fun games, restaurants, cafeterias and other services.
b) Estimated cost is RO 2 million (joint stock company)
c) Necessary land is being allocated and the initial studies have been completed. There is a proposal to set up a Joint-Stock Company for this project.
d) A water park in Muscat.
e) A park for water sports using the sea water, with restaurants, a cafeteria and all services.
f) The project’s pre-feasibility study is being prepared in coordination with the Muscat Municipality.


SALALAH RECREATIONAL CITY
a) Includes various games. It is designed basically to exploit GCC markets during the monsoon season.
b) Projected Cost: RO 3 million.
c) Pre-feasibility studies done by the private sector (Joint- Stock Company).


FANAS RESORT
a) Includes the construction of 40 residential units with a total of 100 rooms, in the shapes of chalets facing the sea, with a pool, playgrounds, restaurants and cafeteria.
b) First phase will use 50% of the project capacity.
c) Initial phase will use 50% of the project capacity.
d) Initial engineering studies are being done and coordination is underway to obtain the necessary land.


A FIVE - STAR HOTEL IN MUSCAT
a) 600-room hotel with all facilities including tennis courts, a
golf course, a health club and pools on the beach.
b) Projected Cost - RO 10 million.
c) Land is being allocated and initial drawings are being altered
to suit the new location.


A FOUR - STAR HOTEL IN KHASAB
a) With a capacity of 70 rooms, extendable to 100 rooms, with a pool, playgrounds and a health club.
b) Budget: RO 2 million approximately.
c) Land already allocated and initial studies done. Idea is to set up a joint-stock company.


MARINE RESORT
a) A marine resort with 20 rooms and 10 chalets, plus a restaurant, a cafeteria, an anchorage for pleasure boats and marine sports.
b) Estimated cost : RO 1.5 million.
c) Initial Studies and Engineering Concepts ready.
d) Much progress achieved in land allocation process.


YETI BEACH HEALTH RESORT (MUSCAT)
A 4 star hotel with 200 rooms, a health club specialized for naturopathy and other sports and fun facilities.
a) Sports and fun facilities.
b) Estimated Cost - RO 4 million.
c) Initial Studies and engineering concepts ready.


INVESTMENTS IN FUTURE TOURISM PLANS
Projects under study:
Project
Haima Motel
Bidiya Hotel
Musandam Hotel
Madha Hotel
Dhalkout Motel
Tpri Hotel
Dhofar Tourist
Village
Dhofar Hotel