Major lagoon projects planned in the Sultanate
Multinational water-innovation company Crystal Lagoons has identified Oman’s burgeoning hospitality and tourism market which, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, is expected to see investment of upwards of $1.7 billion by 2026, as a key area for expansion in the Middle East.
The cutting-edge technology has already proven to be a major success in the GCC, particularly in Oman, where Alargan Towell Investment Company has started work on a 50-hectare multi-million-dollar, mixed-use development. Crystal Lagoons will build a 40-hectare lagoon as part of the project, the centrepiece to three hotels, serviced apartments, a mixeduse souq and a host of other amenities.
Crystal Lagoons have also signed a deal with Palm’s Beach Company to build a five-hectare lagoon as the centrepiece for the eagerly anticipated Al Nakheel Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) in the Wilayat of Barka. Construction of the lagoon is due to start in Q1 2018.
Carlos Salas, Regional Director, Middle East, Crystal Lagoons, said: “Developing Oman’s tourism industry is a top priority for the government, investment is likely to see a number of recognised hospitality brands coming into the market.
At Crystal Lagoons our technology allows us to develop mass bodies of water that are not only highly sustainable but also offer incredible turquoise water ideal for a range of water sports in a safe environment, perfect for large resorts and residential developments.
“As investment in the country grows, as does competition. We can provide a viable, long term differentiator that offers something unique to other developments, we ultimately deliver the wow factor!”
Oman is renowned for having some of the cleanest waters in the world, as stated by a recent United Nations report. Crystal Lagoons technology provides a viable, sustainable solution, despite challenges such as water and energy supply, supporting Oman’s drive for clean water preservations through avoidance of contamination. Crystal Lagoons uses any kind of water including brackish from underground aquifers, eliminating the need to consume valuable fresh water resources.
The cutting-edge technology uses up to 30 times less water than a golf course and half of the water required to irrigate a park of the same size. A man-made lagoon also uses 100 times less chemicals than a traditional filtration system and just 2 per cent of the energy required by conventional water treatment systems for swimming pools and drinking water.
The country’s real estate market is also predicting a boost, according to a report by Cluttons. A 5.2 per cent rise in GDP in 2018 due to the introduction of natural gas production via Khazzan gas field, the opening of the new Muscat Airport, and potential relaxing of government rules for foreign investment allowing foreign citizens to own their own property outside of ITCs, are all having a positive impact on the economy and the real estate market.