Muscat National Development & Investment Company (Asaas) has announced the launch of enabling works for its Al Hafa waterfront project in Salalah, 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 sq m, including retail and entertainment.

 

The project, being jointly implemented by the Office of the Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, represented by Dhofar Municipality, will feature a heritage souq (market) with local architectural design elements as an alternative to the current souq, said the statement from Asaas. 

 

This area will house many small and medium enterprises besides attracting some international brands to meet the needs of the visitors of this souq, it stated.

 

Asaas said the project will also provide public parking spaces for the 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.

 

"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," remarked Assas Chairman Ahmed Salem Al Busaidi.

 

"It will be a distinct addition to the governorate's tourism and investment projects," he added.

 

Acting CEO Ahmed Mohammed Al Humidi said things are moving as per schedule with Asaas completing the master plan for the project, and the enabling construction works already 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," he added.-TradeArabia News Service