Latest news with #OmanDesign&BuildWeek
Muscat Daily
17-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Espace joins hands with UK firm to transform Omani urban development
By Gulam Ali Khan Muscat – Espace Engineering Consultants, one of the sultanate's leading multidisciplinary design and engineering firms, has formed a strategic partnership with UK-based Formation Architects, a renowned London practice with extensive experience in residential, commercial, hospitality, and masterplanning projects. This collaboration marks Formation Architects' first formal entry into the Omani market, and the London-based firm sees it as a strategic move aligned with its broader ambition to expand into the Middle East by partnering with a strong local player. Espace – which has successfully delivered many institutional projects across Oman since its establishment in 2008 – has been at the forefront of engineering and architectural innovation. The company's multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive design and engineering services across the sultanate and the wider region. The partnership will leverage Espace's local expertise and Formation Architects' international design capabilities to target large-scale, mixed-use development projects and housing initiatives in the Omani market. Commenting on their partnership with Formation Architects, Mohamed al Khonji, Managing Director of Espace Engineering Consultants, said, 'At Espace, we believe that collaborating with an esteemed practice like Formation Architects brings real value to Oman's ongoing urban development. Their international expertise, particularly in masterplanning, residential and commercial projects, will not only help shape our towns and cities but also offer meaningful opportunities for the younger Omani generation to learn and grow through exposure to global best practices.' According to Khonji, the strategic alliance allows each company to retain its independence while working closely on project tenders and delivery. Under this partnership, Espace will continue acting as the main consultant or contractor, with Formation Architects serving as the design partner – particularly on mixed-use developments that require innovative design approaches and international standards of planning. A team of senior officials from Formation Architects is visiting Oman this week. Alongside Espace's leadership, they will meet with developers and other stakeholders to present their partnership as a forward-thinking solution to Oman's evolving architectural and urban development needs. Adding further significance to their entry into Omani market, Tim Quick, Director and Trustee of Formation Architects, will deliver a keynote presentation on May 20th at the Oman Real Estate Conference & Exhibition and Oman Design & Build Week, taking place from May 19 to May 21 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat. Quick's presentation, titled 'Transformation and Continuity: Lessons from London', will explore how global design practices can offer contextualised solutions for cities such as Muscat while remaining respectful of cultural and societal frameworks. The talk aligns with the conference's theme, 'New Frontiers for State-of-the-Art Mega Developments'. Commenting on their partnership, Quick said, 'Every time I visit Oman, I'm struck by the country's incredible potential. We hope that by working with such a prestigious local partner, we can help unlock some of that potential.' Espace and Formation Architects have already begun submitting joint tenders for mixed-use developments that include residential, commercial, hospitality, and cultural facilities. These large-scale proposals support Oman's national vision to build new towns, revitalise existing urban areas, and develop infrastructure that promotes economic diversification and sustainable growth. While Formation Architects brings decades of award-winning experience from working in the dynamic London market – often considered a testing ground for complex, mixed-use developments – Espace contributes invaluable local insight, grounded project execution, and regulatory acumen. Together, they embody a powerful blend of international design intelligence and regional relevance, tailored specifically for Oman's built environment. Both companies' senior officials believe that the significance of the Espace–Formation Architects partnership goes beyond commercial synergy. It introduces a new model of international-local collaboration, distinct from traditional foreign-led joint ventures. In this partnership, Formation Architects integrates as a true international design partner, working hand-in-hand with an established Omani consultancy that understands how to navigate the local urban landscape and deliver projects at scale. Both companies are confident that as Oman advances its development goals – particularly in the housing and mega-project sectors under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning – this partnership will become a significant contributor to shaping the sultanate's future cities and urban development.
Observer
17-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Infrastructure deals signed for Palm Hills in Khasab
MUSCAT: Agreements have been signed to implement key infrastructure services for Palm Hills, a major real estate development in Khasab that is poised to redefine modern living in the region. As part of the Integrated Residential Neighbourhoods Initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the project aims to set new benchmarks for sustainable community development in Oman. Musandam Global Investment Company SAOC is spearheading this transformative project by finalising critical infrastructure agreements. With an investment estimated at RO 70 million, Palm Hills will span 635,000 square metres and offer a comprehensive mix of facilities. The development plans include 650 residential units integrated with commercial spaces, a hotel and essential public amenities such as a mosque, a public majlis, sports fields, a medical centre and a nursery — all surrounded by ample green areas. In addition to these, the project will host a branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Musandam, reinforcing the region's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities alongside urban growth. Musandam Global Investment Co is spearheading this transformative project by finalising critical infrastructure agreements. The infrastructure framework for Palm Hills is designed to ensure that the community is well-equipped with modern utilities. Agreements have been inked for the construction of water and sewage networks in collaboration with Nama Water Services Company, while partnerships with Nama Electricity Distribution Company will see the establishment of robust electricity distribution systems. Furthermore, a fibre optic network is set to be installed through cooperation with Oman Broadband Company, ensuring that the development is connected with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure. This integrated approach not only secures reliable utility services but also bolsters the overall sustainability of the project. A distinctive feature of Palm Hills is its appeal to both local and international investors. Twenty-five per cent of the residential units are earmarked for sale to Gulf nationals and foreign buyers, a strategic move expected to enhance the investment allure and drive real estate growth in Musandam. First introduced to the market during the 3rd Oman Real Estate Expo (OREX) and Oman Design & Build Week last year, the project embodies the broader vision of the Integrated Residential Neighbourhoods Initiative to deliver affordable, high-quality housing solutions that cater to diverse needs. As construction moves forward, Palm Hills is set to generate significant economic momentum in Khasab by creating job opportunities across construction, real estate, hospitality and retail sectors.
