Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Shopping Malls says the completion of two major infrastructure milestones at the Mall of Oman will ensure that the fifth and biggest lifestyle destination in the Sultanate of Oman can open in March 2021 as planned.

In a statement, MAF confirmed the delivery of new roads and flyovers, connecting the mall to Interchange No 6 on the Muscat Expressway, and the completion of the Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC) Primary Substation.

The Mall of Oman will comprise 145,000sqm of retail space, a variety of dining outlets and a range of exciting lifestyle experiences.

The mall will also include Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas, a Magic Planet family entertainment centre, a 12,200sqm Carrefour Hypermarket and the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate.

“The tourism and retail sectors are integral to Oman’s economy and are poised to drive economic growth and contribute to diversification in the country,” ,” said Ghaith Shocair, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls. “These objectives are aligned with Vision 2040 and we are privileged to be able to contribute to this vision as long-term partners and investors. By developing Mall of Oman, we continue to contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry and enable job creation for residents both during and post construction. A development project of this size and scope is beneficial to Oman’s citizens and residents and will positively contribute to economic and social development in the Sultanate.”

An extensive roads upgrade to interchange number 6 on the Muscat Expressway has been completed, along with four new bridges and an underpass serving the mall.

Extensive retaining walls and utility divisions were completed to facilitate the works with the developer noting that the new access will directly lead to the 5,200 dedicated parking bays. More than a kilometre of the 12-metre-high retaining walls are now in place, as well as the initial road directional signage, it explained.

Additionally, the recently built MEDC Primary Substation will allow the nine distribution substations in the mall to be progressively energised, which will allow the completion of the Central Cooling Plant and introduction of wild air into the mall.

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A 50megawatt (MW) windfarm in Dhofar, Oman, has produced its first kilowatt hour of electricity, marking a major milestone for the GCC region’s first utility-scale windfarm.

The landmark windfarm, which is fully funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), was successfully connected to the Sultanate’s electricity transmission grid last week during the commissioning of the project’s first wind turbine, which is now supplying clean power.

The remaining 12 wind turbines will be commissioned, tested and connected to the grid in sequence, ensuring the start of commercial operations before the end of 2019, a statement from ADFD said. The project has been implemented by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) through an EPC consortium of GE Renewable Energy and Spain’s TSK.

Once fully commissioned, the windfarm will generate enough electricity to supply 16,000 homes – equivalent to 7% of the Dhofar Governate’s total power demand. It will also offset an estimated 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, while also reducing the reliance on natural gas for domestic power generation.

“ADFD recognised early on the importance of funding renewable energy projects in driving the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To advance sustainable energy solutions worldwide, ADFD has, since its inception, partnered with regional and international stakeholders, contributing to the production of about 2,584MW of renewable energy in different countries,” said Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD.

“Bringing Oman’s 50MW Dhofar Wind Farm online is yet another milestone in our 48-year development funding journey. Aimed at helping to achieve SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – this strategic venture also contributes to enhancing Oman’s energy output, while creating job opportunities and bolstering sustainable economic development in the country.”

The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) will be the off-taker, or purchaser of the generated power, from the Rural Areas Electricity Company of Oman (Tanweer), which is responsible for operating the wind power plant upon completion.

“Masdar is proud to have developed the first utility-scale wind farm in the GCC. The successful connection of the first wind turbine to the electricity transmission grid at the Dhofar Wind Farm is a major step for Oman and the country’s ambitions to diversify its energy mix to include renewables. As a global leader in the development of commercially viable wind power, Masdar is committed to advancing clean-tech innovation both regionally and internationally by deploying the latest technologies at scale and enhancing their commercial viability,” added Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar.

GE Renewable Energy has provided the project’s 3.8MW wind turbines, which have been built to withstand Oman’s hot and arid desert conditions, while TSK is responsible for the remainder of the wind farm’s infrastructure and electrical transmission facilities connecting the plant to the grid.

“We have completed a huge milestone in the execution of the Dhofar Wind Farm by producing this first kilowatt-hour, first out of the 50MW that will power Oman’s Dhofar Governorate with clean energy. Wind power is growing around the world and it is becoming a reliable and affordable source of green energy. We are proud to be working with Masdar and our partners to bring this technology to Oman and build the first utility-scale wind farm in the country,” said Dr Manar Al-Moneef, president and CEO, Onshore Wind, MENA and Turkey, for GE Renewable Energy.

Earlier in August 2018, the consortium of EDF Renewables and Masdar announced that they had reached financial close on the 400MW Dumat Al Jandal wind project in Saudi Arabia, the country’s first utility-scale wind farm that will be the largest in the Middle East when completed.

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Real estate developer Tasmim has appointed Unique Contracting as the main contractor for the mixed-use Habitat project.

Construction works are said to have already commenced on the site, with the project slated for completion by December 2021.

The Habitat is billed as a commercial vantage point and premium destination to live, work and shop. It is being developed under a joint-venture between the Shanfari Group of Companies and European architecture firm Mandressi GmbH.

“The appointment of the contractor and soon to commence substructure works, means that we are several key steps closer to creating great moments for everyone, every day, in the Al Khuwair community. Nothing at Tasmim is ordinary and we are hence constantly pushing for what can be achieved for Habitat, and the magnificent community that resides in the vicinity. Our teams have embraced the challenge and our integrated model, involving our design and engineering business, make us the ideal developer for the scale and complexity of this massive project with a demanding design,” said Alessandro Daverio, CEO of Tasmim.

According to a statement from Tasmim, most of the Habitat’s one-to-four-bedroom apartments will overlook the mountains or the sea. The units will feature spacious rooms with state-of-the-art fittings, amenities and materials the developer said.

“We have been serving the Sultanate as a trusted construction partner for decades. It is an honor to be appointed main contractor for Tasmim’s Habitat project. We believe that our business must touch the lives of people meaningfully and by being associated with Tasmim’s Habitat, we are confident that we will deliver on our promise,” said Manilal H Limbani, MD of Unique Contracting.

Once complete the project will include 44 residential units, 44 retail units, one roof top restaurant and 118 office units. It will also feature over 19,100sqm of retail space spread over three floors.

Jan-Willem Krijgsman, project development manager at Tasmim commented, “Habitat is situated amidst a panoramic view, and will offer a mix of residential, commercial, shopping, and entertainment venues on an impressive scale. While exclusive design and luxurious finishing are the highlights of our project, it is a non-free hold property, thus having special appeal for Omanis and GCC nationals. Offering a range of new concepts in Oman, Habitat will define the way forward for mixed-use communities in Oman. As an ideal space for start-up business centres, it will be a bustling hub where small, medium, and large enterprises come together to create a different vibe.”

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Khazaen Economic City, the master developer of the largest public-private-partnership project in Oman, has awarded the first construction contract for the development to Galfar Engineering and Contracting for $24 million, it has been announced.

A statement from the developer explained that Galfar will develop 10km of asphalt roads, a streetlight network, 15km of storm water channels, and a 22km potable water network, including the main water transmission line and storage tanks. Work is expected to begin in October 2019, with completion scheduled for within 12 months, it said.

“The development of a high-quality infrastructure network at Khazaen Economic City demonstrates our commitment to this project and will serve as an important catalyst for growth – attracting investors and tenants alike,” said Khalid Awadh Al Balushi, chief executive officer of Khazaen Economic City.

“The first phase of development will open up an area of 3 million sq m, representing a major investment opportunity in one of the sultanate’s key infrastructure initiatives. We encourage all interested parties, both foreign and domestic, to submit investment applications at the earliest available opportunity,” he added.

The award of the contract to Galfar Engineering & Contracting, follows the announcement of the detailed masterplan for Khazaen Economic City last month.

The city is strategically located in Barka, between Muscat and Sohar, and will cover an area of 52 sq km in its first stage. The city will serve as Oman’s northern logistics hub, connecting a number of key development projects across the sultanate via its extensive dry port facilities.

Khazaen will also host dedicated areas for commercial, industrial, and residential use, whilst also providing the residents of the wider region with new health, education and leisure facilities.

“The awarding of this initial infrastructure contract will enable and support the development of all subsequent initiatives and projects at Khazaen and establishes fully serviced platforms for local and international investors,” said Salim Al Thuli, general manager of project at Khazaen Economic City.

“The announcement demonstrates that the Khazaen project is well under way and is being conducted in line with the highest international standards. We look forward eagerly to the completion of this phase, which is expected within the next 10 months,” he concluded.

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Developer Tasmim says that work on Habitat, its new community living project, is progressing at pace and is on track for completion in Q1, 2022. On completion, Habitat is expected to become a commercial success and a premium destination to live, work, shop and meet.

Located in Muscat, the 75,000sqm mixed-use development is a JV between Omani conglomerate Shanfari Group of Companies and European architecture company Mandressi. The project seeks to transform Al Khuwair’s Plot 190 into a world-class destination.

“Habitat is a result of a vision that was born to bring in an unrivalled living, working and entertainment destination to the heart of the city. Now, we are on the cusp of untapping the potential of a site that had a stand-alone office building, into one of the largest living, working, retail and entertainment projects in the sultanate. This development will not only serve as an economic engine but will also create a one-of-a-kind, mixed-use community living destination for present and future generations to enjoy,” said Alessandro Daverio, CEO from Tasmim.

According to a statement, the project is located in the residential and commercial growth corridor of Al Khuwair. It will feature apartments, offices and a shopping mall, which the developer says is being built in a distinct but connected manner on the site’s unique topography, with the goal of driving aesthetic and emotional appeal for the community.

Daverio added, “Habitat’s 75,000sqm development will make way for several ambitious and transformative opportunities in the time to come.”

Habitat’s masterplan is said to combine several progressive and innovative ideas. The blend of residences, offices and a shopping mall bound together by a coherent open space, allowed the design team to create a project that pioneers several design initiatives to promote wellbeing, the statement said.

The design also looks to utilise Shanfari Group of Company’s products, in consideration of the ambition to create a model of urbanism, said the developer.

Jan-Willem Krijgsman, project development manager at Tasmim commented, “We are creating a new paradigm for how people and companies will work, as well as live and enjoy time with family and friends. Through Habitat, it is our aspiration to push the boundaries of design and construction and introduce a model of urbanism, centered on people. As one of the first true mixed-use community living developments of scale to come to Al Khuwair, Habitat will bring next generation offices, residences and a Shopping destination together with beautifully landscaped open spaces, world-class dining, shopping and entertainment offerings.”

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Oman National Engineering and Investment Company (ONEIC) has announced that it has won a contract worth $4.6 million from a government entity, in a stock market missive. 

ONEIC’s CEO Rashid Alghailani stated that the contract was awarded on 12 September 2019. 

The contract is for upgrading the electrical capacity of a power plant for a period of 360 days starting from 3 October 2019, according to a statement from the company. 

Meanwhile, earlier this year, the Muscat-listed company had also won a $29 million contract from Oman Electricity transmission Co to build the 132kV and 133kV Mirbat GS and an associated overhead line from Ashoor GS to Mirbat GS.

Additionally, this was followed by Salalah Sanitary Drainage Services Company in Oman, which had awarded a $117 million contract to build, operate, and transfer a sewage network for Sahalnoot district in Salalah for a period of 17.5 years.

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Omani water solutions provider Majis I­­­­­ndustrial Services has signed an agreement with Unicorn International to supply and install a photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant for Majis’ facilities at Sohar Port, at an investment value of $1.3m.

The signing ceremony was held at Majis’ head office and was attended by Ahmed Saif Al-Mazrouy, CEO of Majis Industrial Services, and Ali Abdullah Saif Al Maskery, MD of Unicorn International.

A statement from Majis said Unicorn will install a 1.30MWp PV plant, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2020. Unicorn will deploy 3,600 solar modules and 15 solar inverters to generate 2,350 million kwhr of energy per year. The project will save 681,000 cubic metres of gas per year and will result in the reduction of 1,462t of CO2 emissions annually.

Al-Mazrouy said: “Our agreement with Unicorn International is a critical step in reducing the carbon footprint of our water services in Sohar, while also reducing operating costs. Majis’ commitment to innovation sees us work with best-in-class technology providers to streamline our operations and minimise our environmental impact. Once installed, the solar facility will generate 6.50MWh energy per day, achieving a carbon footprint reduction equivalent to planting 38,000 trees. Our agreement with Unicorn supports both our environmental commitment and our dedication to Oman’s growing SME segment. We will continue to work with local partners, where possible, to contribute to economic growth in the Sultanate.”

Al Maskery added: “Photovoltaic solar power generation is increasingly cost effective and enables businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. We’re pleased to work with Majis to bring our technology to Sohar and to support the company’s goal for delivering low-impact water services to Oman’s most important industries. Our turnkey PV products have experienced strong growth in adoption across Oman, which is an indicator of the promise that the local renewables sector shows, as well as the appetite that exists for low-carbon energy solutions.”

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Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has announced that a new Ibis Hotel will be part of the Madinat Al Irfan development. Omran notes that several other projects are also planned for the development, which is home to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).

The new hotel is expected to have up to 282 rooms and will be adjacent to the OCEC. In addition, a new building which can be leased by commercial establishments will also be built, the statement said. The net leasable area of the building is said to be approximately 16,000sqm and will house Omran’s own head office.

“We encourage the investment community to take advantage of this opportunity in this world-class, evolving area which enjoys a strategic location at the heart of Muscat, creating a modern urban destination for visitors, residents and businesses. Madinat Al Irfan East is a vibrant area that encompasses the country’s new events hub, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre Precinct, which is linked to the new Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC Hotel and Muscat’s first JW Marriot Hotel. This is in addition to the Business Park which is designed to house the offices of leading corporations – and currently home to the new Omantel headquarters. OMRAN is now offering investors a unique opportunity to invest in this ideal and innovative business environment,” said Salah Salim Al Ghazali, VP of development partnerships and investment relations at Omran.

Omran says that it has a proven track record of delivering and managing sustainable and authentic tourism assets, lifestyle communities and destinations that are aligned with Oman’s National Tourism Strategy 2040. The company notes that it is actively involved in strategic partnerships with renowned regional and international investors to create sustainable socio-economic benefits for the country.

A company spokesperson added, “Omran creates sustainable and authentic tourism assets, lifestyle communities and destinations that drive economic growth and contribute to the diversification of the economy. We achieve our mandate by acting alone or as a catalyst in bringing together the strength of government with the entrepreneurship of the private sector. We work with all stakeholders, partners, SMEs and local communities to ensure a positive physical, social, economic contribution to both the environment and people’s lives while respecting the traditional culture and environmental values of Oman. We are inspired by Oman’s beauty, peace and hospitality.”

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Officials from Oman and the UAE met on Thursday, for the stone laying foundation of the Sultanate’s pavilion for the Expo 2020 Dubai. Members of the ministerial committee supervising the preparation for Sultanate’s participation in the Expo were present for the occasion.

On the side-lines on the ceremony, Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai discussed ways to boost the Sultanate and its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

They also discussed the agreed mechanism for registering these institutions and classifying them with the Public Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, as about 500 SMEs have been registered to date, according to the Times of Oman.

The Sultanate’s foundation stone with the participation of Najib Al Ali, executive director of Expo 2020 Dubai, Mohsen bin Khamis Al Balushi, advisor at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, commissioner general of the Sultanate at Expo 2020 Dubai, Dr Khalid bin Said Al Jaradi, Sultanate’s ambassador to the UAE and a number of officials from the Sultanate and the Oman’s office in Dubai.

Meanwhile, it was announced earlier this year that the pavilion will be themed ‘Oman, Opportunities over time’, and is inspired by the shape of a frankincense tree, which is a symbol of significance in the country. Hence, a 30-year-old frankincense tree was specially brought from the Sultanate to Dubai as the main emblem on which the Sultanate’s pavilion will be built.

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Three60 Communities has won the contract to provide community and property management services for the Muscat Bay project.

“Inspired by Oman’s rich history and warm authentic culture, the development has been designed to become a vibrant cosmopolitan residential community distinct from any other in the Arabian Peninsula and the announcement aligns with Three60 Communities’ plans to expand their scope of operations in the Sultanate,” said the Eltizam Group subsidiary in a statement.

Under the terms of the contract, the company will be tasked with property supervision, managing the residential and public premises, handling the administrative and financial aspects regarding all properties, and ensuring that all areas remain valuable.

“By carrying out these tasks, Three60 Communities will offer world-class support and assistance to residents of the district and facilitate an enjoyable and stress-free experience for all; while staff will also be responsible for planning community events, managing advisory committees, and handling service requests, invoices and payments,” the firm added. D

Describing, Eltizam Asset Management Group as one of the leading quality community management regional service providers, Sheikh Hamood Bin Sultan Al Hosni, CEO of Muscat Bay, said, “I am confident in their ability to undertake and seamlessly execute this task, further reinforcing Muscat Bay’s position as a leading integrated tourism complex in the Sultanate.”

Chris Roberts, CEO, Eltizam Asset Management Group, said his firm was delighted to have won the contract for the Muscat Bay project through its subsidiary as it looks to expand its presence in the market.

“The company provides world-class management services in the UAE and Oman and this latest agreement is part of a long-term strategy to expand our operations in the Sultanate,” he said.

“We are currently in discussions with potential new clients in the country that I believe will broaden our client base and I am excited about what we can accomplish in the coming years.”

Three60 Communities first launched in 2014 and operates both independently and through an integrated delivery system to provide ommunity management, physical asset management, property management, utility management and events management services to its clients.

Alan Rowlands, General Manager, Three60 Group, UAE and Oman, added: “Quality management is at the forefront of our service delivery model and we are committed to creating communities that bring vibrancy and community living to life. Our Oman team is highly qualified and experienced, and I am absolutely convinced that they will add value to our clients in the country, ensure smooth operations across all properties we serve, and retain the highest levels of customer satisfaction throughout the duration of the Muscat Bay project.”

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As Oman’s real estate market continues to feel the effect of its increasingly youthful population, retailers in the sultanate are beginning to actively tailor their offerings to meet the needs and aspirations of the country’s youth. According to a recent report by JLL, developers in Oman are intent on modernising the retail sector to drive footfall and spend, as supply increasingly moves towards large malls with unique concepts and diverse leisure and entertainment offerings.

“A number of factors are driving Oman’s retail sector, in particular the opportunities presented by evolved demands of the youth population. That, coupled with growth levers, is expected to boost demand in the long run, despite the sector’s performance being challenged,” says Dana Williamson, head of Retail, Offices and Business Space for MENA at JLL.

“In line with the regional move towards more experience-led retail offerings, there is an opportunity for developers to introduce new entertainment concepts and strategies to increase footfall and spend, and to specifically cater to the young target audience in the sultanate,” she adds.

This approach towards retail development is amply evident in the construction of Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ Mall of Oman, set to the be biggest of its kind in the country. With 145,000sqm of retail space, a variety of dining outlets and a range of lifestyle experiences, including cinemas, a family entertainment centre and the largest indoor snow park in the sultanate, the developer expects the project to form a key part of Oman’s Vision 2040.

“The tourism and retail sectors are integral to Oman’s economy and are poised to drive economic growth and contribute to diversification in the country, said Ghaith Shocair, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls, in an August statement announcing a construction update for the mall. “These objectives are aligned with Vision 2040, and we are privileged to be able to contribute to this vision as long-term partners and investors. By developing Mall of Oman, we continue to contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry and enable job creation for residents both during and post-construction. A development project of this size and scope is beneficial to Oman’s citizens and residents, and will positively contribute to economic and social development in the sultanate.”

With the mall set to open in March 2021, work on the project is proceeding apace, with the developer recently confirming the delivery of new roads and flyovers connecting the mall to Interchange No 6 on the Muscat Expressway, as well as the completion of the Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC) Primary Substation, which will allow the nine distribution substations in the mall to be progressively energised, thus allowing the completion of the central cooling plant.

The extensive roads upgrade to Interchange No 6 will ease access to the mall, along with four new bridges and an underpass, the developer adds. The interchange has been expanded to include a new lane to each of the four quadrants, so as to serve more commuters. In addition, extensive retaining walls and utility divisions have been completed to facilitate the works, while the new access will add to the convenience of visiting the mall and lead to 5,200 dedicated parking bays.

More than a kilometre of the 12-metre-high retaining walls is now in place, as is initial road directional signage for the Mall of Oman, the developer says, pointing out that the project is approximately 70% complete today, following the achievements of these two main milestones in July 2019.

“An active schedule of work streams is in place to keep us on track for the March 2021 opening. Specifically, work is underway to complete the mall roof, which includes skylights and waterproofing, while energisation of the number nine substation is also ongoing,” the developer tells Big Project ME in an exclusive progress update.

“At the same time, the team is commissioning the central cooling plant and completing delivery of the secondary chilled water for wild air. The stone flooring is also being laid, ceilings are being installed in the mall corridors, and the south car park post-tensioning concrete works are underway.”

As it will be the largest mall in the country, with the widest retail, F&B and entertainment offerings, Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ expectation is that its strategic location, easy accessibility and diverse offerings will see the Mall of Oman established as a focal meeting point for Muscat’s residents, while also serving as an anchor attraction for regional and international tourists.

The most distinctive aspect of the project is the construction of the large snow park, which will anchor the mall at its east end and will include extensive snowmaking systems. These systems are there to create and maintain temperatures of -2° Celsius in the snow park, which will house attractions including penguins and a roller glider suspended above the park.

Tendering a project of this scale and technicality in the market required a robust tender list, so as to make sure that the main contractors had the resources and expertise to deliver on the developer’s vision. “In order to meet the challenge, the selected contractor is a joint venture between CCC (Consolidated Contractors Company) and Shapoorji Pallonji – a partnership that we believe will deliver the optimal outcome for the Mall and its visitors.”

Majid Al Futtaim Properties took on the project management role itself, for faster decision-making and to maintain clear direction and open communication across the project team. Furthermore, as in all its other projects, it actively developed the retail master plan and functional layout. In the later design stages, and now during construction, the company’s in-house design studio has been working closely with the project’s international and local consultants to “apply the knowledge gained from its long-term development and management experience”.

“For example, we created trackers for work based on the agreed Clause 14 Programme, which included sequence drawings so that all team members could better understand the methodology and timing of works,” the developer tells Big Project ME. “Additionally, we’re applying building information modelling (BIM) on a weekly basis to monitor planned versus actual progress. The use of BIM in project logistics and engineering has been very helpful in mitigating any coordination issues.”

The Majid Al Futtaim Properties team invested a significant amount of time and effort in working alongside the different utility companies and authorities to make sure all design NOCs were in place before the award of the contract. Agreements were also put in place to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure by local utility companies. These measures were among the many logistical challenges facing the project team, as the company explains.

“The site is bordered by the Muscat Expressway to the south, oil and gas pipelines to the north, Bousher Road to the east and adjoining plots to the west, which make this a complex project. However, we believe that it is critical to follow a detailed logistics plan and update it constantly, to ensure we deliver on our timelines and to a standard that is the hallmark of Majid Al Futtaim.

“To manage risk in the project, an extensive enabling works contract was awarded to divert 33kV power cables, telecoms cables and water lines, to make sure a clear site was handed over to the main contractor. The team also had to complete an extensive cut and fill exercise involving around 650m³ of rock in a short period of time, which was mechanically removed using in excess of 50 breakers at any one time. Coordinating all of this was a challenge, but one we were able to overcome given our integrated approach and focus on efficiencies,” the developer says.

Alongside the rock removal and cable, telecom and water line diversions, the developer was also required to protect oil & gas pipelines from damage during the task of widening roads. Meanwhile, before construction could begin, there was an abattoir and recreational club on the site which had to be relocated elsewhere in the city to allow for the preparation of ground works.

Beyond these tasks, a major new bridge was constructed over the live Muscat Expressway, which had to be completed without closing any lanes. Extensive road diversions were also undertaken to build a further three bridges, each were opened separately, the developer explains.

Another key aspect of the project was making sure it lived up to the sustainability standards that form a part of the company’s core values. From the very beginning of the project, the entire team was briefed about the expectations and vision for Mall of Oman, with the target being for the highest possible standards across every stage of the development to be maintained.

“We set out to achieve LEED Gold status – the international accredited benchmark for highly sustainable developments – across the project, and we have reached this objective for the design stage. We are also currently on target to achieve LEED Gold status for construction, with an extensive photovoltaic solar scheme under development for the car park shades.

“The upper car park is covered by solar panels with installed capacity of 2,300kWp, which generates around 3.6m kWh per year. Major recycling and waste diversion facilities are also being undertaken by the contractor to boost the mall’s sustainable credentials. Overall, the project will achieve the LEED Gold status and we intend to aim for a Platinum certification also, as we achieved with our development of the City Centre Me’aisem and City Centre Mirdif malls in the UAE,” the developer says.

A robust HSE policy is also in place, implemented by Majid Al Futtaim Properties itself. A full-time HSE manager has been employed on the project, working alongside the consultant’s HSE managers to guarantee that the developer’s standards and policies are implemented and maintained by all contractors.

“Our team undertakes labour accommodation audits to ensure the worker’s facilities meet our strict requirements, while weekly site walks are completed by senior HSE members with full representation from Majid Al Futtaim Properties, the consultants, and contractors directly involved in the project.”

As the project continues to progress towards completion, it becomes clear that Mall of Oman will show the way forward for the sultanate when it comes to delivering projects of this size and scale. However, its impact will clearly be most powerfully felt in the country’s still nascent retail sector; it is likely to set the standard for years to come, just as the developer intends.

It concludes: “Thanks to the size and quality of Mall of Oman’s retail, entertainment and F&B offering, the development will set a new benchmark of quality in the sultanate for every kind of visitor we will attract. The mall will provide luxury alongside value and represent so much more than simply a place to shop, but a place to create great moments between people every single day.”

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Suhar Industrial City has signed an investment deal with Keryas Paper Industry. The deal provides Keryas with land in Phase Seven of Suhar Industrial City to establish a paper recycling facility. The recycling project is expected to be the largest of its kind in the Sultanate.
The agreement was signed by Eng Abdullah bin Salim Al Kaabi, director general of Suhar Industrial City, and Abdullah bin Omar Al Hosni, CEO of Keryas Paper Industry.

The project is expected to occupy some 58,000sqm and will be developed at a cost of $40m. It is expected to use the latest technologies and, once complete, is expected to have a production capacity of up to 600 tonnes per day.

Construction work is expected to begin in December 2019 and pilot production is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2020, through what is billed as one of the most advanced paper production lines in the region.

The project aims to add value to Oman’s economy through providing more than 200 direct job opportunities, in addition to indirect opportunities and training opportunities, the statement said.

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Tanweer, Oman’s Rural Areas Electricity Company, is set to award the contract for the development of 11 small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) diesel hybrid projects in Oman, for implementing an independent power project.

Tanweer, a subsidiary of The Electricity Holding Company (Nama Group), said the project will be developed on a build-own-operate-transfer (Boot) model. All 11 sites will be tendered to a single applicant, and prequalified applicants must submit a bid for all sites, said a senior official from Tanweer.

According to a report in Oman Observer last week, 14 firms/consortiums have prequalified to participate in the next round of competitive tender, which are EDF Renewables with Petroleum Development Oman and Alawi; Alfanar; Voltalia; Fotowatio Renewable Ventures with Aggreko; Total Solar with Altaaqa; Scatec Solar; Mainstream Renewable Power with Tesla and FG Wilson; Engie with Multitech; Mytilineos; Jinko Solar; Bahwan Renewable Energy with Canadian Solar; Wartsila with MB Holding and Arket International; Shell with Entertech, Enerwhere and HTC and NTPC Limited.

Engineer Abdullah Sabil Al Balushi, a senior renewable energy engineer for Tanweer said that they will sign an initial power purchase agreement (PPA) with the successful developer for a period of 15 years. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the financing, operation, maintenance and despatch of the complete hybrid system, he added.

Al Balushi also stated that an RfP is expected to be issued to the prequalified bidders next week with site-visits planned next month. The successful developer will install a total of 48 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar PV capacity, in addition to 70 MW of diesel generation capacity while a battery energy storage systems (BESS) offering a total capacity of 28 MW will be installed at the various locations, he concluded.

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Oman Wastewater Services Company (Haya Water) has confirmed that work is underway to build a primary sewage treatment plant (STP) in the Jalan Bani Bu Ali area of the Sultanate, which will have a capacity of 100 cubic metres treated water per day.

According to a report by Oman News Agency, citing a senior official, the plant is being mainly designed to treat the liquid wasters coming from fish markets, slaughterhouses and automobile laundries.

Engineer Saud bin Nasser Al Shidhani, senior area manager for the Regional Governorate, said that the STP is expected accommodate 100 cubic metres daily for this type of waste. Furthermore, the STP capacity will be increased from 600 cubic metres to 1,200 cubic metres per day – double the capacity of the existing facility.

Once complete in 2020, the Jalan Bani Bu Ali Wastewater Treatment Plant will help the region and continue supplying water for landscaping and construction projects, the official said.

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The UK government has said that it will support the financing of a trio of Omani hospital projects, won by International Hospitals Group (IHG), the British firm.

According to a report by the UK-based The Construction Index, IHG has been appointed for the construction of the Salalah, Suwaiq and Khasab hospitals, backed by more than $659.25 million worth of support from UK Export Finance (UKEF).

The three hospitals will provide intensive care, emergency services and specialist baby care. The British government added that the new projects will support jobs in the UK throughout the duration of the build by drawing heavily on the expertise of the UK supply chain, including the supply of specialist knowledge and medical equipment.

The report added that UKEF had provided support to help win the contracts and that it had provided a loan repayable on a commercial basis.

IHG will provide the full design, construction and services package for all three hospitals. Work will also include the construction of an emergency power systems, maintenance facilities, roads and other associated infrastructure, the report concluded.

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Global heavy lift and transport specialist Mammoet has installed a 740t petroleum reactor at Oman’s Sohar Refinery as part of the oil facility’s turnaround works for 2019.

The Dutch multinational, which recently merged with ALE to consolidate its position as the world’s largest heavy lift and transport services provider, was contracted by Indian multinational conglomerate Larsen & Toubro to support the replacement of an RFCC reactor, external riser and associated components.

Using a 1600t-capacity crane, Mammoet removed the original reactor at the refinery and installed in its place a new 37m-long, 740t reactor at the refinery owned by Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (ORPIC).

Hamed Faqir Al Balushi, manager for project management at ORPIC, said: “The flawless execution of these critical turnaround activities demonstrates L&T’s strength in planning and execution of such high-risk jobs. Kudos to the entire construction team for converting the plan into reality ahead of time, particularly engineering, manufacturing teams of L&T and the heavy lift crew of Mammoet, as the components went into place as they were expected to. Excellent planning, execution and teamwork.”

Mammoet also installed the refinery’s original reactor in 2005 using a PTC-35 ring crane. The company said it worked closely with Larsen & Toubro to complete the present project, collaborating on procedures as well as detailed erection and lift plans to ensure all the lifts were carried out within a lifting height of 99m. Some of the lifts were completed with clearances of just 500 millimetres, Mammoet added.

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Oman has officially opened a new 191km expressway for traffic, running from the Wilayat of Bidbid through to the Wilayat Al Kamil wa Al Wafi, it has been announced.

Known as the Al Sharqiya Expressway, the road will be under a test period for three months, with only light vehicles allowed to use it during this period.

Following the test period, heavy vehicles will be allowed to use the expressway, except for those loaded with petrochemicals and dangerous materials, an Oman News Agency report said.

Designed in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards, the road includes two tunnels with a total length of 2.1km. The first tunnel is located in the village of Nadab in Samayil with a length of 650 m, while the second tunnel is situated amidst the mountain ranges of Al-Aqq with a length of 1,450 m.

According to a report by the Oman Daily Observer, the project also includes bridges over wadis at a height of 90m. In addition, the government plans to build a third and fourth lane of Rusayl–Nizwa dual carriageway project from Muscat Expressway Junction to Bidbid-Sur Junction, the report said.

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Oman’s Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) and Maysan Properties, an Omani real estate developer, have signed a usufruct agreement to establish a business park under the ‘Maysan Square Duqm’ brand in the Special Economic Zone, it has been announced.

According to a report by the Oman Daily Observer, the project will be developed in five phases, starting from 2021. The first phase will feature three pavilions, it added.

The total cost of developing Maysan Square Duqm will be $111.6 million, and it is expected to create around 500 direct job opportunities. It will be built over an area of 12,000sqm, with 20 buildings that include a commercial complex comprising of shops, restaurants, cafes and offices, the report said.

Furthermore, the project will offer a number of freehold rental apartments, serviced apartments, business hotel, multipurpose hall, and other leisure and retail facilities.

The agreement was signed by Yahya bin Said al Jabri, chairman of Sezad, and Sadiq bin Jaffer bin Sulaiman, CEO of Maysan Properties on behalf of the developer.

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Al Hosn Logistics and Warehousing Services, the Oman-based subsidiary of Al Hosn Investment Company (HIC) has signed an agreement with Amjaad Engineering and Contracting to expand its existing facility at Sohar Free Zone at an additional investment of $6.49 million, it has been announced.

According to a Times of Oman report, construction work on the expansion project is expected to be undertaken shortly by the appointed contractor. The expansion will take the total built-up area of the facility to 22,000sqm from its current 12,500sqm, the report added.

Osama Mariam, CEO of HIC, highlighted that the expansion project will include the establishment of cold storage warehouses, which will be the first of its kind in Sohar Free Zone. As per the plan, the cold storage warehouses will be divided into 21 chambers, featuring controlled temperatures, the report said.

Furthermore, all the warehouses will be convertible from dry to cold storage, and vice versa, the company said.

The project is expected to be completed by end of year 2020. Once complete, the built up area will be nearly double, with the leasable area increased significantly.

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Oman’s Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) and Maysan Properties, a leading real estate developer in the Sultanate, have announced the signing of a usufruct agreement to establish a business park at a cost of $111 million.

Known as Maysan Square Duqm, the business park will be built over an area of 122,000sqm, with 20 buildings that will include a commercial complex, comprising of various shops, restaurants, cafes and offices. In addition, the project will offer a number of freehold, rental apartments, serviced apartments, business hotels, multi-purpose hall and other leisure and retail facilities.

The complex will cover an area of 100,000sqm and will stand on a common base, with a public square. It will be developed in five phases, starting from 2021, with the first phase consisting of the building of three pavilions.

Maysan Square Duqm is expected to offer around 500 direct job opportunities.

The establishment of this project is in line with the ongoing efforts of SEZAD to attract local investments and encourage them to invest in the Zone, a statement said. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad) and by Sadiq bin Jaffer bin Sulaiman, CEO of Maysan Properties on behalf of the developer.

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