Latest news with #OMRAN
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Muriya's CEO shares how the company is enabling integrated living in Oman
Image: Supplied Ahead of its participation at OREX 2025 in Oman, Engineer Wael Al-Lawati, CEO of Muriya is a joint venture where Orascom Development Holding (ODH) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) are partners. Orascom Development Holding, a leading developer of integrated communities, holds a 70 per cent stake, while OMRAN, the government's tourism development arm, holds 30 per cent. Muriya focuses on developing Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) in Oman, highlighting the Sultanate's history, heritage, and natural beauty In this interview with Gulf Business , Al-Lawati shares milestones, investment trends, and how Muriya is aligning with Oman Vision 2040. Tell us about your participation at OREX 2025. Muriya's presence at OREX was a reaffirmation of our commitment to Oman's Vision 2040 and our pivotal role in shaping the country's tourism and real estate sectors. This year, we showcased Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah — model destinations that exemplify sustainable, integrated waterfront living. These developments fuse luxury, lifestyle, and Oman's natural and cultural richness, demonstrating how tourism and real estate can drive economic diversification and long-term national value. Our participation also complements key government initiatives to position Oman as a global tourism and investment hub. How do Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah align with Oman Vision 2040 and its economic diversification goals? At Muriya, our integrated destinations are built in harmony with Oman Vision 2040. They contribute to economic diversification by generating employment, encouraging foreign investment, and promoting year-round tourism. With over $750m invested by Orascom Development and Omran, we've enhanced tourism infrastructure and international appeal. Events like IRONMAN 70.3 Salalah, SOCCA, and global fishing tournaments have made our destinations internationally recognisable, attracting athletes and tourists from over 50 countries. What are the latest milestones or upcoming phases for Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah? Our destinations are in constant evolution. At Jebel Sifah, we recently launched Al Raya Villas — a wellness-focused, golf-facing community with private gardens, mountain views, and access to fitness amenities. The development also boasts Muscat's first ocean-facing PGA Harradine nine-hole golf course, an 84-berth marina, alfresco dining, and boutique hotels. Meanwhile, Hawana Salalah remains Oman's largest integrated tourism complex with more than 1,200 luxury hotel rooms, a 170-berth marina, Hawana Aqua Park, and four residential districts. We're expanding with new waterfront properties, lifestyle offerings, and high-end hospitality. What differentiates Muriya's developments from other resort or lifestyle communities in Oman and the wider region? We don't just build properties — we create destinations. Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah offer a blend of upscale living, leisure, and cultural authenticity. Spanning 13.6 million square metres, Hawana Salalah features luxury hotel brands, Oman's first aqua park, and all waterfront properties with scenic views. Our developments offer hotel-branded residences, marinas, golf courses, and global events that position them as top-of-mind for visitors and residents seeking unmatched lifestyle experiences in How has your partnership with Omran supported Muriya's growth and ability to navigate Oman's regulatory environment? Our joint venture with Omran has been foundational. This public-private partnership merges Orascom's global development expertise with Omran's local knowledge. Together, we've invested over $750mn, created thousands of jobs, supported SMEs, and delivered two of Oman's most admired communities. It's a partnership built on trust, alignment with national goals, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. What trends are you seeing in foreign investment and tourism, and how is Muriya adapting its strategy to attract international interest? Oman is increasingly viewed as a stable, naturally rich destination offering long-term value. International buyers are drawn to the lifestyle, investment potential, and serenity of our destinations. We're adapting with a diversified property portfolio — from hotel-branded residences to standalone villas — while ensuring ease of ownership. Our in-house service division, Wateera, provides property management and rental solutions for global homeowners, creating a seamless experience from purchase to stay. What's next for Muriya? Are there plans to expand beyond current destinations or tap into emerging segments? As Oman advances its Vision 2040 agenda, Muriya will remain a key contributor. Our focus is on deepening the value of Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah while exploring new lifestyle segments like wellness retreats and digital nomad-friendly communities. We aim to pioneer sustainable living concepts, host world-class events, and continue attracting global visitors — all while honouring Oman's cultural and environmental heritage. Our destinations will evolve into future-ready lifestyle hubs that serve generations to come.
Arab News
27-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Sustainable City — Yiti and Ahli Islamic Oman sign partnership to advance sustainable urban development
MUSCAT: The Sustainable City — Yiti, Oman's flagship sustainable development and the pioneering net zero emissions community, signed a strategic partnership on Thursday with Ahli Islamic Oman bank. The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony held on-site at The Sustainable City — Yiti, attended by senior executives from Yiti and Ahli Islamic Oman, along with key stakeholders. As Oman's largest sustainable urban development, Yiti integrates renewable energy, food production, water and waste recycling, smart mobility and climate-resilient infrastructure to create a 'future-ready' community. With 96 percent of its infrastructure already completed, the project is progressing toward its full realization by 2026, bringing together residential, commercial, hospitality and educational spaces designed to advance sustainable living. 'With an investment of nearly $1 billion, we are redefining the real estate landscape by integrating sustainability, innovation, and long-term value creation. This collaboration with Ahli reinforces our commitment to responsible growth, ensuring that we deliver a world-class, net-zero emissions community that aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 and sets a benchmark for sustainable cities worldwide,' said Mohammed Al-Ghufaili, COO of Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) Group and a board member of Yiti. Yousuf Al-Rawahi, head of Ahli Islamic Oman, said: 'Our collaboration with The Sustainable City — Yiti reflects the overall commitment and endeavor to support Sharia-compliant and sustainable investments that align with Oman Vision 2040. 'By providing the needed financial solutions, we empower individuals and businesses to be part of a groundbreaking net-zero emissions community. Together, we are fostering a responsible urban grown society, while ensuring long-term value creation, and contributing to a more sustainable future for many in the Sultanate of Oman.' Developed by Diamond Developers in collaboration with OMRAN, Yiti spans nearly one million square meters along the Gulf of Oman coastline, and offers smart infrastructure, low-carbon living and sustainable tourism. The development features a mix of residential, commercial, hospitality, educational spaces, two hotels, alongside essential community infrastructure such as schools, a nursery, an equestrian center, an indoor sports complex and outdoor leisure areas. It has been designed to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, as a key contributor to Oman's environmental and economic transformation.
Observer
28-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Design Week ends on a high note
The five-day Oman Design Week ended at the Al Irfan Boulevard Garden in the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on a high note on Tuesday. Organised by OMRAN in collaboration with the Oman Design Association, it was attended by a distinguished group of professionals and enthusiasts from various fields of creativity and design and was aimed at positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a global hub for creativity and culture. The Oman Design Week showcased the work of more than 40 local and international artists and designers besides featuring a diverse array of exhibitions, from large-scale sculptures and sustainable design projects to immersive, interactive experiences. Attendees also engaged in workshops and explored the designer market, which provided a platform for Omani talent to connect directly with the public and industry stakeholders. Artist Mahra al Raisi said, 'Taking part in Oman Design Week has been an incredible journey. It allowed me to present my artistic vision to a diverse and engaged audience. The conversations I had with visitors were especially enriching, offering new perspectives that deepened my connection to the artwork and its audience.' Ahmed al Maqbali, who led a workshop on urban design for Madinat Al Irfan, reflected on the importance of sustainable approaches in modern urban planning. 'My workshop focused on embedding sustainability as a key pillar of future city development,' he explained. 'We explored how Oman's cultural identity can harmoniously integrate with contemporary urban needs to create designs that are both functional and beautiful. The enthusiasm of the young participants was inspiring, and it's clear they're ready to apply these values in real-world projects.' Visitors also expressed their enthusiasm for the event's impact. Joao Pereira remarked: 'Oman Design Week changed the way I view design. I learned how it transcends aesthetics to become a tool for problem-solving and enhancing everyday life. It's about finding the balance between creativity and functionality, and this event made me realize how design can truly transform how we live and interact with the world around us.' 'Our participation in the inaugural edition of Oman Design Week has been a great source of optimism for the years ahead, reflecting the growing support for creative industries in Oman,' said Safa al Buraiki, representing Tur Jewellery, a local small business that participated in the designer market.
