Work begins on Al Hafa tourism project in Salalah

Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) announced the commencement of construction enabling works to develop Al Hafa waterfront and create a traditional heritage market in Al Hafa in the Wilayat of Salalah, Dhofar Governorate.

This is in continuation of the company's approach and aspirations in contributing to the diversification of national income sources, developing tourism projects, providing job opportunities, and strengthening cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors.

ASAAS is developing the Al Hafa area, a vital waterfront in Salalah and one of the most important landmarks of the Dhofar Governorate and one of the country's leading tourist attractions. This stage of development includes several components with a total area of more than 50,000 square meters, including retail and entertainment. A heritage souq with local architectural design elements will be an alternative to the current souq. This area will house many small and medium enterprises besides attracting some international brands to meet the needs of the visitors of this souq. The project will also provide public parking spaces that will serve the market-goers and visitors to Al Hafa Beach. This package of components comes within the general master plan for developing the area, to be implemented in successive stages.

Ahmed bin Salem Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASAAS, referred to the economic feasibility of the project and the desired return from the investment to the governorate. It will be a distinct addition to the governorate's tourism and investment projects and a component that God has endowed to open up broad horizons for such projects. He also added that ASAAS is moving forward to achieve the aspirations of the shareholders of this project.

Al Busaidi also emphasized the role of the Omani Investment Authority in empowering Omani development and investment companies and giving them priority and confidence in developing tourism projects in the Sultanate, in line with the Sultanate's strategy to promote tourism and diversify sources of income.

Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humidi, Acting CEO of ASAAS, said, We have completed the master plan for the project, and the enabling construction works have been assigned. With this project, we affirm the continuity of our strategic partnership with the government sector to achieve a common national goal in advancing the tourism sector and making the Sultanate a favourite tourist destination for all. I thank all concerned parties, among them the Office of the Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar and the Dhofar Municipality, for their cooperation and support to build a partnership for continuous success.

ASAAS has taken upon itself to promote value-added tourism projects in the Sultanate, covering the real estate, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. These projects encompass shopping and entertainment centres, in line with the national strategy to raise the contribution of these sectors to the GDP by providing quality projects that will speed up urbanization and enhance economic value.