Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) has awarded contracts for the construction of two Rotana branded hotels within its flagship venture, the Hayy Al Sharq in South Al Batinah governorate of the sultanate, reported the Oman Observer.

 

The branded hotels - a 247-key 'Arjaan by Rotana' property and a 263-key 'Reyhaan by Rotana' unit - come as part of Asaas' signature Hayy Al Sharq project, which clusters a theme park with an array of leisure facilities in the first such destination of its kind in Oman.

 

As per the deal, Omani construction group Al Subhiah Trading and Contracting will build the three-star 'Arjaan by Rotana' and the four-star 'Reyhaan by Rotana.' 

 

Both properties - part of Hay Al Sharq's Phase 1 offerings - are slated for completion by the first quarter of 2020, stated the report.

 

One of the biggest investors in the sultanate's travel, leisure and hospitality sectors, Asaas has investments worth RO1 billion ($2.59 billion) in various stages of conceptualisation, design, development, and operation encompassing the tourism, transportation, logistics and healthcare sectors. 

 

An integrated entertainment and leisure complex, Hayy Al Sharq was first unveiled in 2016. It is envisioned to be a one-of-a-kind destination, anchored by an integrated theme park, wildlife, and water park and edutainment centre, while also featuring a collection of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels, residential clusters, and a wide array of dining and leisure options. 

 

Together with F&B components, family entertainment facilities, ice-rink, and other entertainment offerings, the destination is expected to one of Oman's top draws when it is launched in the next several years.

 

The sprawling facility has been master-planned by Singapore-based Surbana Jurong, one of Asia's largest urban and infrastructure development consultants.

 

The Omani group is planning to rope in a US-based group to operate and manage the theme park components, it stated.

 

The company also played a key role in the launch of SalamAir, the Sultanate's first budget airline.

 

Adding to the appeal of the project, ASAAS has also signed a lease agreement with the popular retail brand, Carrefour, represented by Majid Al Futtaim Group, to have a presence at Hayy Al Sharq.