Oman-based developer Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) and Dubai’s real estate developer DAMAC Properties have jointly started the groundwork for the transformation of Oman’s historical Mina Al Sultan Qaboos (MASQ) port into a USD 2 bn integrated waterfront destination, Invest-Gate reports.

Featuring a host of amenities such as hotels, residences, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment offerings, the development is in line with Oman’s National Strategy for Tourism 2040, DAMAC said in a statement on November 7.

In its statement, DAMAC said that since the initial announcement of the joint venture (JV), extensive project planning and placemaking research for Muttrah, the district that surrounds MASQ, have been undertaken. This includes third-party studies, technical evaluation, and traffic flow analysis.

After the project’s master plan was granted approvals from Oman’s tourism ministry, demolishment commenced as the JV prepared sub surfaces for the first phase of construction, it adds.

“The redevelopment of MASQ into an integrated lifestyle destination stems from His Majesty’s vision of transforming the historical center of commerce in Muscat into a timeless and thriving economic hub,” Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Omran Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy is quoted as saying.

“The first stage of this project aims to set the foundation for the transformation, enhance traffic management, while establishing the necessary framework that will cement local SMEs’ and Omani nationals’ progressive role within the project,” he explains.

The JV unveiled plans to establish an on-site discovery center by the first half of 2019, which will enrich the visitors’ experience with the heritage of Muttrah, while leveraging technology tools to explore the community’s rich past as well as visionary future, according to the statement.

The center will also showcase details of the approved master plan for the waterfront destination.