Hotels, commercial complexes, entertainment centres under way n Projects to be completed by October 2010
MUSCAT -- Dr Rajha bint Abdulameer bin Ali, Minister of Tourism, stressed that the Governorate of Al Buraimi will witness major tourism development, with top quality services and projects in the offing for the private sector. In an exclusive interview to Oman, Arabic sister daily of the Observer, Dr Rajha said that the plan includes the implementation of six projects worth millions of Omani rials.
A land development agreement was signed with Lulu Hypermarket and the investor was given a land plot of 60,750 square metres to establish a comprehensive commercial-cum-tourism project in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi at a cost of RO 12 million. The complex will have cinemas, restaurants, children's games, family amusement and shopping outlets to cover a constructed area of 30,000 square metres.
For the execution of a similar project in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi, another land development agreement was signed with Safeer International Centre to set up a tourism-commercial complex in an area of 50,000 square metres at a cost of RO 10 million. Work on the project is due to begin next month, Dr Rajha said. The minister explained that the two projects, each of which will have comprehensive service facilities, be completed by October 2010.
A third commercial-tourist project, to be carried out by a local investor in cooperation with foreign investors, will be set up in an area of 100,000 square metres as a first phase. It includes four commercial complexes for foodstuff, building materials, health products and electrical and household appliances, two restaurants and a hotel.
Dr Rajha also announced plans to establish an amusement centre to be set up by the private sector in an area of 200,000 square metres in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi. The land development agreement has been signed for the project which will cost RO 3 million. It will include the establishment of an 'amusement city' with water games, swimming pools, parks, kiosks, indoors digital games facilities and public utilities.
Work started in February on Al Salam Hotel, a 5 star facility to occupy an area of 61,618 square metres, while approval has been given for the setting up of Al Buraimi Hotel and its facilities to be set up on an area of 20,000. In the Niyabat of Al Rawhdha, a number of tourist and environment development projects will set up, along with commercial outlets, the minister said, adding that the Wilayat of Al Sineina will also receive suitable development. The minister called upon the private sector to make use of the tourist potential of the Governorate of Al Buraimi. She spoke about future projects which will encourage investors to take tourist ventures in the governorate.
By Abdullah al Khayfi
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
