Muscat – Al Mouj Muscat on Wednesday hosted a press conference highlighting the scale of the sustainable socio-economic impact the partnership behind this oceanfront lifestyle destination has brought to the sultanate.

Established in 2006, Al Mouj Muscat was tasked with establishing the nation’s first Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC), with the aim of contributing to growth in tourism, employment, development, opportunities for enterprise and economic diversification.

Addressing the press conference, Nasser al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said that 75 per cent of the project is complete and Al Mouj Muscat has exceeded expectations and delivered a remarkable impact for Oman and its people.

Al Mouj Muscat is a joint venture between Omran Group, Tanmia and Majid Al Futtaim, a partnership that combines the government’s long-term strategic vision with private sector expertise in retail, leisure and communities.

Majid Al Futtaim shares the government’s commitment to deliver the aims of Oman Vision 2040, and since 2001, it has been investing in shopping malls, leisure and entertainment experiences and retail destinations across the sultanate.

“To date, Al Mouj Muscat has created an impressive property portfolio, luxury hotels, business parks, 20,000 sqm of retail space and world-class amenities, which has seen the value of its assets grow by 777 per cent since 2006. With US$3.5bn in total development costs, the majority of which is spent in the local economy, its impact is securing the next chapter of growth for Oman,” Sheibani said.

He said the premium lifestyle destination has also attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of US$844mn, encouraged by freehold home ownership. In addition, it has a prominent reputation when it comes to corporate social responsibility, totalling RO4.5mn through the years.

People and knowledge transfer to Omanis remain at the heart of Al Mouj Muscat’s mission. In 2022, the project recorded 2,200 permanent jobs, which is set to expand to 5,500 upon project completion. It boasts 75 per cent Omanisation, from which 40 per cent of the leadership team consists of women, giving Omanis the ideal platform to showcase talent and develop skills.

Al Mouj Muscat’s impact on tourism has been significant, with growth in tourism a key component of Oman Vision 2040. The lifestyle destination now attracts almost 4mn visitors per year. The Kempinski Muscat and Mysk Al Mouj by Shaza are two hotels currently operating with a total of 582 hotel rooms.

“Upcoming hotel projects in their opening phase, such as St. Regis Resort Al Mouj Muscat and Al Mouj Rayhaan by Rotana, will bring the grand total of rooms to over 2,000 post completion,” Sheibani added.

Home to 8,000 residents

Al Mouj Muscat is now home to 8,000 residents from 85 countries. With world-class luxury amenities including a 400-berth marina, a world-renowned golf course, 85 retail outlets and a dedicated Community Hub, Masjid and nursery, residents enjoy an unrivalled lifestyle.

Eng Saif al Hinai, chairman of Al Mouj Muscat, said, “The joint venture between the Omani government and Majid Al Futtaim has showcased the socio-economic impact that a successful ITC can have in Oman. We promised to deliver a mixed-use destination that will position Oman as the ideal place for FDI and tourism. Through commitment and good governance, we have brought to life its potential and its unmatched success is a blueprint for growth.”

Hawazen Esber, CEO of Communities at Majid Al Futtaim, said, “We are fully supportive of the government’s plans to diversify the economy and through our partnership at Al Mouj Muscat, we have witnessed the incredible impact that a leading lifestyle destination can create for people and business. By working together, we have created something unique, a community with a true sense of belonging and of purpose, and one that will benefit Muscat and Oman for generations to come.”

“Al Mouj Muscat has set a significant precedence. It is a blueprint for how joint ventures can impact so positively on people, on Oman and across the region,” he added.