Sama Dubai Snap Poll Conducted at IPE Muscat Indicates 81% Interested in Owning Freehold Property in Oman
Dubai: 10 February 2007- Properties built in harmony with their natural environment and developed around the concept of integrated mini-communities are among the key factors that influence property buyers, according to a snap poll carried out by Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding.
The poll, involving 200 respondents, was conducted at the International Property Exhibition held recently in Muscat at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, where Sama Dubai showcased its US $1 billion 'Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti', the first project in the Sultanate under the Salam brand. Over 50 per cent of those surveyed were from the GCC, while 64 per cent were Omani. More than 30 per cent were corporate investors.
An overwhelming majority of 81 per cent were interested in owning freehold property in Oman, 40 per cent of which comprised investment purposes. Nearly 25 per cent confirmed they would purchase an apartment, while 22 per cent opted for detached private villas.
The most important factor to the respondents in resorts is the blend between the natural environment and local landscape. Around 35% felt that integrated mixed community townships with amenities like hotels, restaurants, retail shops, hospitals and year-round activities were important components of a resort.
Soft adventure programmes and eco-tourism together scored 30 per cent when resort's interactive activities were listed for preference. A significant number (40 per cent) preferred to own property in a resort in close proximity to their workplace or city.
H.E. Dr. Rajiha Abdul Amir Ali, Omani Minister of Tourism, said: "Oman's tourism market in general, and the real estate sector in particular, have been witnessing dramatic changes in recent years. We are collaborating with the private sector to launch new projects in Oman, and we are delighted that Sama Dubai is introducing new concepts in nature conservation through projects like Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti."
Sama Dubai's 'Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti' stand was visited by more than 1,400 visitors during the three-day property show. Visitors were taken through the meticulously designed project with an approach to nature conservation. The EIA undergone by Sama Dubai assesses air and water quality, soil and geology, cultural heritage, traffic, socio-economics, noise, solid waste, wastewater management, and wildlife habitat. Environmental management plans are being developed to ensure that during the construction and operational phases of the 'Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti' project the impact on the environment is minimized.
Farhan Faraidooni, Executive Chairman, Sama Dubai said: "The outcomes of the snap poll indicate that Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti is right on track, conforming to people's expectations of a resort. The architecture of Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti is inspired by Oman's traditions and culture and designed in harmony with the surrounding ecosystems, following a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ensure that the area's unique flora and fauna are safeguarded."
Faraidooni added: "Oman is a country that is steeped in history and culture, and attracts a large number of tourists, as well as an increasing number of regional and international investors. Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti is a project that will add considerable value to Oman's emergence as a major regional player in the tourism and commercial sectors."
Salam Resort and Spa - Yiti will harness the beauty of the region, offering long stretches of beach and spectacular views. It will include 5 - star hotels, magnificent villas and exclusive apartments. Accommodation will be surrounded by golf courses, marinas, a state-of-the-art spa, wellness centre and eco-marina centre.
Spread over a premium area of 3.7 Kilometers, the Yiti development aims to convey the true essence of Oman. The resort is located just 15 minutes drive to the south of Muscat, and 20 minutes from the business district of Qurum. The project will be developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Oman. Completion date will be in mid 2009.
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About Sama Dubai
Sama Dubai is a private company wholly owned by Dubai Holding. The international real estate investment and development company focuses on leveraging synergies across international, regional and local real estate sectors. Its aim is the creation of a world class portfolio of partners, properties and investments which distinguish it as a market leader.
Sama Dubai is active across several segments of the real estate development sector including tower buildings (under the 'Dubai Towers' brand), large scale resorts (under the 'Salam' brand), business developments, mega malls and more.
Sama Dubai's existing projects are:
- Dubai Towers - Doha, Qatar
- Dubai Towers - Istanbul, Turkey
- Dubai Towers - Casablanca, Morocco
- Dubai Towers - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Amwaj - Rabat, Morocco
- Salam Resort & Spa - Bahrain
- Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti, Oman
- Marina de Casablanca, Morocco
- The Lagoons - Dubai, UAE
About "Salam" Brand
The "Salam" brand aims to be one of the finest integrated, luxury resort developments in the world, located in prime locations and offering world-class 7-star service throughout the comprehensive range of facilities. Each conception will allow it to capture the natural beauty of the area in which it is built. Each resort will have a unique theme tailored to the needs of a highly demanding tourism market. Although different in their offerings, each "Salam" property will reflect the culture and heritage of its host country.
For further information please visit: www.sama-dubai.com, or contact:
Mira Sadek
Sama Dubai
+971 4 4279300
Email: mira.sadek@sama-dubai.com
Reem Sadek
JiWin
The Public Relations arm of Dubai Press Club
+971 4 3616666
Email: Reem.sadek@jiwin.ae
© Press Release 2007
