MUSCAT: Muscat Municipality has unveiled plans for the area surrounding Hawiyat Najm (Bimmah Sinkhole) in the Wilayat of Qurayat as part of the efforts to develop the site as a tourist attraction, which already receives thousands of tourists every year.
Over the years, it has become a regular spot to take a break on the way to the popular destinations of the Wilayat of Sur and other places in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. It is situated just 120 km from Muscat International Airport.
Hawiyat Najm or the sinkhole is situated in the middle of a park, which is currently developed and maintained by the municipality with no entrance fee charged to visitors. The park has arid landscapes and there is no water connection currently to the location though it has facilities such as toilets and a children’s play area.
The municipality’s land area is around 600,000 sqm with the park occupying a large portion of the site. The municipality intends to develop and extend the Hawiyat Najm Park site beyond the current boundaries, which include a parking lot for caravans, recreation vehicles (RVs), and camping facilities.
The municipality has created a licensing process for camping within Muscat and intends for this area to be the new destination for RV’s and campers. The design for the project is inspired by the site's arid and organic nature, while also prioritising sustainability, availability of services and utilities, and the needs of the local community.
The contractor will be responsible for the detailed design of Hawiyat Najm Park and the construction of the buildings and infrastructure on the site, with additional surveying if necessary. The camping site, when ready, should be able to accommodate 144 visitors daily, use solar panels, recycle water and desalination, and recycle waste. The project is targeted to empower the local population with 300 job opportunities. The last date to get tender documents is December 15 and to submit bids is January 13.
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