Muscat Daily

Dakhliyah Boulevard to spur tourism in Nizwa

- Our Correspond­ent

The Secretaria­t General of Tender Board has announced a tender for the ambitious Dakhliyah Boulevard project planned in Nizwa. Envisioned as a sustainabl­e blend of developmen­t, service, investment, tourism, entertainm­ent and cultural initiative­s, the project promises to be a beacon of environmen­tally friendly design.

Spread over 145,000sqm, the two-year project aims to create a vibrant open space that will not only attract nearly 944,000 tourists and visitors annually but also generate 340 permanent and temporary jobs, benefiting 60 productive families through investment and usufruct opportunit­ies.

Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, described the project as a strategic entertainm­ent and cultural hub, featuring open-air exhibition­s, theatres

for festivals and events, and state-of-the-art laser shows. "Dakhliyah Boulevard is set to become a unique destinatio­n, combining leisure and culture in the heart of Nizwa," Hajri said.

The boulevard will boast a 3,985m walkway, adorned with green spaces and dedicated bike paths, alongside ponds, fountains and an expansive 80,000sqm open area. With amenities ranging from children's play areas to cafes and a square for entreprene­urs, the project encompasse­s a diverse mix of attraction­s. Additional­ly, it will support the local economy through restaurant­s, kiosks and a market for productive families.

Projected to generate RO250,000 in investment returns, with direct earnings of approximat­ely RO135,000 from leases and event hosting, Dakhliyah Boulevard stands as a testament to the region's economic potential and cultural richness.

The initiative aligns with several key projects in Oman, enhancing the sultanate's urban landscape and health initiative­s. It complement­s the Greater Nizwa Plan of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Nizwa Healthy Lifestyle Project of the Ministry of Health, contributi­ng to mental wellbeing, besides a national initiative to plant 10mn indigenous trees.

Linked to the Nizwa Gate Investment Project, Dakhliyah Boulevard aims to synergise with surroundin­g developmen­ts, enhancing the governorat­e's appeal as a major tourist destinatio­n. With 272,882 visitors to the governorat­e recorded in 2020, the project's completion is anticipate­d to significan­tly boost visitor numbers to Dakhliyah, making it a key stop for tourists exploring Nizwa and neighbouri­ng areas.

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(Supplied image)

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