OMRAN LEADS SEVERAL PROJECTS
Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), the executive arm of the Government of Oman for the development of the tourism sector, and Majid Al Futtaim, have announced a strategic partnership to develop the western area of Madinat Al Irfan. The joint venture will see the development of a vibrant, mixed-use community that will serve as the new urban center for Muscat. Madinat Al Irfan is the sultanate’s largest urban development project and is set to contribute to Oman Vision 2040. The eastern area currently being developed by OMRAN sits alongside Wadi Park, just minutes from the newly opened Muscat International Airport. It is a multi-use district, adjoining the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), a world-class venue for international conferences, trade shows and concerts. The new, mixed-use community is located at the western area of Madinat Al Irfan and spans over 4.5 million square meters. The joint venture project investment value is estimated at OMR 5 billion (USD 13 billion), over a period of 20 years and is anticipated to create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country. Upon completion in three key stages, Madinat Al Irfan will feature more than 11,000 residential units, comprising villas, townhouses and apartments, 100,000 m2 of retail space and 700,000 sqm of office space, as well as a number of cultural and lifestyle offerings. The development will serve as an integrated, sustainable and inclusive community, true to the values of Omani society. It will cater to all segments of the local community, providing a model for future urban developments, not just locally, but across the region, while creating a new urban lifestyle not yet seen in the sultanate. OMRAN has also reported on the progress of its plans to open a second hotel within the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) precinct at Madinat Al Irfan. Set to be completed by the end of this year, in parallel with the convention center, the 5-star JW Marriott will open its doors in early 2019. The 305-room property will be the first JW Marriott hotel to open in Oman. With over 1,200 square meters of flexible function space directly connected to the OCEC, multilingual and experienced event planners, two grand ballrooms, six meeting and boardrooms, tailored menus and bespoke wedding services, the hotel will cater to travelers’ every need.