Muscat – A joint venture of Omani construction firm Saif Salim Essa al Harasi & Co (SAH) and Turkish contracting company Sembol Construction has won the contract to design and build the Oman Cultural Complex (OCC) project in Muscat at a cost of RO147.8mn.

‘We are thrilled to announce the successful collaboration between SAH and Sembol Construction – the SAH-SML JV Co – in securing the esteemed Oman Cultural Complex project,’ SAH stated. ‘This landmark initiative seamlessly melds Oman’s rich cultural heritage with state-of-the-art design. SAH expresses joy in contributing to this visionary project – a true testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation.’

It further added that the strategic partnership with Sembol Construction significantly enhances its capabilities, ‘ensuring the delivery of a cultural masterpiece that authentically represents Oman’s unique identity and promising future’.

The Tender Board approved the construction of OCC, a project envisaged as a national cultural centre, on September 13. Spread over an area of 400,000sqm opposite Muscat International Airport, a total of RO147.8mn has been allocated for the complex.

The project consists of three main buildings – National Theatre, National Library and National Archives – in addition to eight other buildings.

The National Theatre will have a 1,000-seat capacity main auditorium and an additional hall for 250 people. The National Library will be a 20,000sqm five-storey building, while the National Archives, partially open to the public, will include nearly 20km of shelf space.

This classic archetype ensemble, with buildings of exceptional contemporary architecture, will have a build-up area of 73,000sqm and be situated in an oasis-like walled garden with parking and recreational areas.