With stunningly diverse South Al Sharqiyah now being positioned as a new hub for eco-tourism in Oman, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has embarked on a plan to support the integrated development of Ras Al Hadd Airport to help drive the governorate’s tourism and economic growth.
To this end, the Authority has invited qualified consultants to bid for its contract to provide consultancy services covering the feasibility study, master-plan and concept design of Ras Al Hadd Airport which, while partially built, has yet to be brought into operation.
“CAA aims to develop Ras Al Hadd Airport area to (enhance its appeal to) new business opportunities, while promoting tourist facilities in the region, as part of Oman Vision 2040,” the Authority said.
“CAA intends to invite consultants to provide a feasibility study, master plan and concept design, by analyzing accurate and up-to-date data on the existing airport area and the proposal for further enhanced development of the airport area, including – but not limited to – the analysis of the potentials for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), cargo, hotel facilities, commercial and mixed use development, while also identifying potential investors and lessors (local and international), etc.”
In keeping with its broad appeal as a distinctive destination for nature tourism, South Al Sharqiyah has been attracting investments in a range of hospitality projects catering to all kinds of tourists. The most prestigious of these is Diar Ras Al Hadd, a five-star eco-themed resort backed by the partnership of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and Omran. The high-end development will offer 700 residential properties in addition to hotel rooms and villas.
Some elements of the Ras Al Hadd Airport are already in place, constructed nearly a decade ago in two phases. It includes a 4km long and 75 metre wide runway, complete with apron, taxiway and other facilities. A contract for a final third phase, covering the construction of a passenger terminal building, is yet to be awarded.
Initial plans for the airport envisaged a roughly 5,600 sq metre terminal with a capacity to handle around 500,000 passengers per year, along with the installation of four passenger boarding bridges.
With South Al Sharqiyah pulling in significant numbers of visitors for, among other attractions, turtle-watching, diverse bird and wildlife, historical landmarks and maritime traditions, tourist inflows are anticipated to grow exponentially when a full-fledged airport is brought into operation. This growth also has the potential to drive investment in new aircraft maintenance services, air freight, specialized tourism service providers and hotel projects – opportunities that the new master-plan seeks to unlock.
Competing for the consultancy contract are a number of international firms, including Flughaven Munchen, ADP Ingenerie, LEA Associates South Asia, Tecnica Y Proyectos and Unstudio Middle East, among a host of local firms as well. Bids close on June 20, 2023.
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