The National Development & Investment Company (ASAAS), a joint venture of several Omani government agencies, plans to build a new tourism and leisure destination in Barka, a coastal city in Northern Oman, reported Arabian Business on Friday.

According to its statement, ASAAS announced the design plan of a 1.5 million- square- meter project, comprising of hospitality, residential, and retail areas. It will also feature themed wildlife and water parks, as well as an equestrian center and an edutainment center.

Asian development consultant Surbana Jurong will be hired to manage the project as a whole, while an unnamed company from Orlando Florida is to operate both the themed amusement park and the wildlife park.

ASAAS is aiming to develop projects worth of OMR 1 bn over the next ten years. Oman has recently been working on the diversification of its economy, away from oil-dependence.