Approach Words: Integrated City, Sustainability, Vibrant City
Public Policy Instruments: Financial Mechanism, Organization, Physical Intervention, Planning
Al Mouj Muscat project, also known as the “The Wave” project1, is a mixed-use2 waterfront3development located in the Al Hail district of Muscat4. It is the first Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) project in Oman5, aiming to contribute to economic diversification and achieve growth in tourism, employment generation, and provide opportunities for enterprise and investments6 in line with the Oman Vision 2040i. As such, the project is designed to be Oman’s top lifestyle and leisure destination, inviting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as well as businesses, to connect and thrive in a well-balanced community. This community is also planned for seamless integration of its facilities and services for a sustainable, livable environment7 8.
Title: Rendered aerial view of the proposed Al Mouj Muscat Master Plan.
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Title: 3D rendering of the planned al Mouj Muscat project.
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Title: Marsa plaza public square.
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Title: Photo shows the implemented residential units of Al Mouj Muscat Project.
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To implement the project, a master plan9 was developed for a site measuring 2.3 square kilometers10, located along 6 kilometers of coastline in front of the Muscat International Airport11. The master plan features four districts12, 4,000 residential units (including villas, townhouses, and low-rise condominiums)13, recreational and leisure properties such as five stars hotels, and 20,000 square meters of retail. As for the open and green spaces, the development consists of 0.265 square kilometer of green spaces and over 3000 planted trees. It includes a natural beach and a 400-berth Marina14, and a large semi-shaded public space known as ‘Marsa Plaza’. It also includes an 18-hole championship golf course15, parks, play grounds, trails and pathways16.
To ensure environmental sustainability, AL Mouj Marina features a “Seabin,” a floating debris-interception device made to guide trash such as bags, plastic bottles, and even microplastics—to the water’s surface and into the bin17.
In this project, residents are eligible for banks loans towards housing ownership18 19. For foreigners, a Royal Decree introduced in 2006 allowed them to own real estate within Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC), granting them freehold ownership rights. Furthermore, they are eligible to apply for residency status for themselves and their immediate family members20.
The project is planned to accommodate over 8000 residents from 85 nationalities, attract 4 million visitors per year, and provide 5,500 permanent jobs upon project completion21.
Owner/Developer
Contractor/Implementer
Al Mouj Muscat is a public private partnership project, set up as a joint venture between the UAE-based Majid Al-Futtaim Properties22 23, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), and the state-owned company24, Oman National Investments Development Compay (Tanmia)25.
The master plan of the project was developed by Al Mouj Muscat26, with Broadway Malyan commissioned to review the Masterplan27. Part of the master plan is under implementation by Al Tasnim Group28 as the principal contractor. The overall estimated project construction cost is $3.5 billion29, with foreign direct investment of $844 million30. The project has been under implementation over several phases including:
Project Link
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References