 Salalah's Dhofar Municipality has announced a project to develop the Taqah waterfront, aiming to boost tourism and enhance the area's aesthetic appeal.
The project will cover 92,650 square meters along a 2,973-meter coastline and will include amenities like sea-view restaurants, an administrative office, a walkway, a dedicated bicycle path, seating areas, playgrounds, sports equipment, and green spaces with 350 trees. Public squares with fountains and sculptures, shaded seating areas, restrooms, and prayer areas will also be part of the development. The construction tender was opened on July 30 and closed on August 27, targeting local contractors. This development is expected to make the Taqah waterfront a major attraction, supporting the local economy and improving residents' quality of life, aligning with Dhofar Municipality's broader goals to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism. It will be interesting to see how the Taqah waterfront development compares to the Dahareez project, especially in terms of design, amenities, and its impact on tourism and the local community. Both projects seem to aim at enhancing the coastal areas, but will they look and feel different?
0 Comments
 The Salalah Free Zone (SFZ) has welcomed 13 new projects in the first half of 2024, showcasing its continued growth and importance in Oman's economy.
A Growing Hub of Activity The Salalah Free Zone is currently home to 145 companies, with 64 active projects. Industrial projects make up 56% of these, with logistical and commercial projects accounting for 14% and 30%, respectively. In 2024, the Free Zone added 13 new projects, focusing on value-added industries. These new projects include producing raw materials from frankincense, packaging products like soap and frankincense oil, and more. New Projects Overview The new projects in the Salalah Free Zone cover various industries:
The Salalah Free Zone’s ability to attract and support new projects demonstrates its strong infrastructure and business-friendly environment.  Trump Resort to Open in Oman by 2028
A new Trump-branded resort is set to open in Oman (near Muscat) by December 2028. The Trump Organization, luxury developer Dar Global, and Oman’s state-run Omran Group are collaborating on this $500 million project, which will be part of the AIDA mixed-use complex near downtown Muscat, expected to complete its first phase by 2027. The 140-room Trump International Oman will feature an 18-hole golf course, a private beach, a members-only club, multiple restaurants and bars, banquet and meeting facilities, a spa, and a nightlife venue called Cliff Hanging Night Club. *** Salalah Port Boosts Capacity with $300 Million Expansion and New High-Tech Cranes Salalah Port in Oman has increased its container handling capacity from 5 million TEUs to 6 million TEUs per year by investing $300 million in 10 new high-capacity ship-to-shore cranes. These new electric cranes can handle large ships with a depth of 26 containers and a lift height of 58 meters, making them suitable for the largest container vessels. The port has also improved its electricity network with a high-capacity substation and high-voltage feeder lines to support additional power needs and incorporate renewable energy, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. *** Oman Plans to Introduce Personal Income Tax for High-Earners, a First in the GCC Oman is planning to introduce a personal income tax on high-earning citizens and expatriates, which would make it the first country in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to do so. The proposal, discussed for over a decade, is now under review by the State Council. The tax aims to diversify Oman’s revenue sources and reduce reliance on oil. It would likely apply to Omanis with a global income of $1 million or more and expatriates earning over $100,000 in Oman. Proposed tax rates are 5% to 9% for expatriates and a flat 5% for Omanis. In contrast, the UAE and Saudi Arabia avoid taxing individuals to attract international companies and skilled workers.  I've been tracking the progress of Hawana Salalah, and let me tell you, this place is on fire!
Just today I received some new numbers. The past year has been nothing short of phenomenal for this destination, showing significant strides in both real estate and hospitality. Real Estate on the Rise First off, let’s talk real estate. Hawana Salalah has seen an incredible boost in its real estate market. Net sales have shot up by a whopping 70.4%, climbing from USD 7.881 million in Q1 2023 to an impressive USD 13.431 million in Q1 2024. Even the number of units sold went up by 33.3%, with 32 units finding new owners. The main reason is that they have launched a huge new real estate project last year: "Amazi Beach". If you want to learn more about it and hear my personal opinion, just contact me. And if you’re curious about prices, the average selling price per square meter increased by 5.6%, now sitting at USD 2,571.76. Keep in mind, this is just an average price. Depending on the unit and location, the price could be much more or much less. Hotels Hitting New Heights: Now, let’s switch gears to hospitality. The hotels in Hawana Salalah have been rocking it! They’ve maintained stellar operational performance, with occupancy rates soaring to 92% in Q1 2024, up from 85% the previous year. This isn’t just a fluke; the Total Revenue Per Available Room (TRevPAR) jumped by 13.6% to reach USD 188.7. This is also good news for all the home owners who are not permanently living in Oman and list their apartments on Airbnb, Booking.com or Agoda. Final Thoughts: Hawana Salalah is truly a rising star, and its growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. The significant jumps in sales, occupancy rates, and revenues are clear indicators. It’s not just a great spot for vacationers but also a promising area for investors. I'll keep an eye on this destination, Stay tuned for more updates. And if you have any questions or just want to get in touch with me just contact me.  Salalah Free Zone recently signed five agreements totaling RO 44 million, initiating five new investments across various industries. These agreements span from Oman to Hong Kong, Jordan to Kuwait, showcasing the free zone’s expanding global partnerships. Significant investments include establishing factories for:
The Sultanate of Oman is set to make history with its ambitious vision of establishing the first-ever spaceport in the Middle East, expected to be operational by 2030.
This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled as part of an investment agreement signed between the National Satellite Services Company (Nascom) and Omantel, marking the creation of a new space services company named 'Etlaq' at the prestigious Middle East Space Conference in Muscat. This strategic move aims to position Oman as an attractive destination for international space exploration companies. The vision aligns with global trends, as major players in the aerospace industry, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, explore the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as potential launch sites for their space tourism flights. As Oman ventures into the realm of space exploration, Etlaq is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region's involvement in this rapidly advancing industry. The spaceport's development signifies Oman's commitment to becoming a key player in the global space race, offering a promising outlook for the nation's space endeavors in the years to come.  Oman Air has achieved the top position globally for on-time performance, leading the world's airlines with an impressive 92.3%. Other Gulf carriers also ranked high, with Qatar Airways securing the third spot at 85.11%, and Saudia ranking ninth with 81.29% on-time arrivals.
Source: Cirium, a leading provider of aviation analytics, annually publishes on-time performance ratings.  1) Oman's Vision for a Sustainable Future: New Eco-Friendly City in Greater Salalah
Oman is planning a sustainable city east of Al Dahariz, accommodating 30,000 to 40,000 residents and featuring eco-friendly elements like solar and wind power, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient buildings. Aligned with Oman's Vision 2040, the initiative aims to make the country more sustainable. This development, part of the Greater Salalah master-plan, contributes to Oman's commitment to environmental responsibility, exemplified by other projects like the Yiti Sustainable City in Muscat. These sustainable cities not only showcase Oman's dedication to reducing environmental impact but also serve as global examples for fostering a more sustainable world. 2) Oman Boosts Tourism: More Flights, Visas, and Safety for Travelers Oman's airport management is actively encouraging airlines currently operating sporadic charter flights to consider transitioning to regular scheduled services, with a specific emphasis on attracting increased flights to Salalah. In collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the airport management is engaged in promotional efforts to enhance the appeal of Salalah. Oman is strategically focused on augmenting tourist influx, notably from countries such as India and China. The introduction of a visa waiver program for 103 countries in 2021 has been pivotal in fostering tourism, particularly from these Asian nations. Oman's allure as a preferred destination for Indian weddings and the escalating number of Chinese visitors further underscore its tourism potential. The country's reputation as one of the world's "Top ten safest countries" and its historical role as a mediator in regional disputes contribute significantly to its appeal for tourists. 3) Oman Air Secures Major Partnership with Chelsea FC in the English Premier League Oman Air has teamed up with Chelsea FC for a big partnership that will last three years. Chelsea FC is a famous soccer team, and this deal means Oman Air will be their global airline partner. As part of this partnership, they will have a special design on their planes and work together on promotions and campaigns. Oman Air is excited because Chelsea has a massive fanbase of 135 million people worldwide, and they see it as a great way to show off Oman's culture to a global audience. This collaboration is part of Oman Air's efforts to support sports and promote Oman as a fantastic place to visit. Additionally, the imminent integration of Oman Air, the national carrier, into the OneWorld alliance in early 2024 is anticipated to stimulate increased services, thereby serving as a catalyst for further tourism development in the country. 4) Oman's Salalah Port Thrives: Record Cargo Growth and Employee Training The Port of Salalah in Oman is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has achieved notable progress. The port has experienced a significant 26% increase in general cargo volumes in the first half of the year, putting it on track to break its annual cargo throughput record. CEO Keld Mosgaard Christensen attributes the success to training and development initiatives, including the recently launched Tamkeen Talent Development Programme. Salalah, strategically located along major shipping lanes, is 30% owned by APM Terminals and provides crucial access to regions such as the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and East Africa. The port's capabilities include handling large container vessels, bulk shipments, bunkering operations, and warehousing services.  A significant step forward in Oman's technology sector is about to happen as the Center for Hosting, Data Processing, and Cryptocurrency Mining is set to be inaugurated in the Salalah Free Zone this Sunday. The honor of officially starting the center's operations goes to H E Said bin Hamood al Maawali, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. Exahertz, a subsidiary of Al Afaq Technology, has been a key player in leading the establishment of this center, supported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. This initiative is a crucial part of the government's comprehensive plan to encourage digital investments and facilitate the integration of advanced technologies. Here are a few key points about cryptocurrencies:
Oman is progressing in establishing a legal framework for digital assets and is seeking public input. The Capital Market Authority of Oman (CMA) has released a consultation paper outlining plans to regulate virtual asset service providers (VASPs), digital asset issuance, licensing, and fees. They aim to offer an alternative financing and investment platform while managing risks associated with virtual assets. The paper includes 26 questions covering topics such as capital requirements for VASPs, secure storage of digital assets, corporate governance, and privacy coins. Responses are expected by August 17, 2023 and will help shape the final policy. The effort to establish this framework began in 2020 and reflects regional trends, with countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also exploring digital asset adoption despite regulatory concerns.  News from August 23th, 2023: Easy Coins, the pioneer Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) in Oman, has achieved another milestone by becoming the first officially registered VASP under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority of Oman. Operating for two years, Easy Coins has maintained self-regulation throughout its existence, aligning with the principles of the CMA and FATF's KYC/AML requirements. This preparedness allowed a swift alignment with the registration process initiated by CMA for VASPs. Easy Coins holds the belief that societal innovation consistently outpaces regulatory frameworks across industries and nations. To realize the primary innovation pillar of Vision 2040, it is crucial that innovation remains unimpeded until regulators catch up. Instead of slowing innovators, the emphasis should be on allowing them to push boundaries while regulators rapidly adapt. The agility shown by capital markets in embracing virtual asset innovations is commended, and this flexible regulatory approach is anticipated to provide a fertile environment for the growth of this industry in Oman. If you are interested in buying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, you can do it here: https://easycoins.me/  Eco-Friendly Beach Paradise "Osara" just opened There's a cool new tourism project in Oman called "Osara." It's on a beach and is made entirely from recycled wood. The project is managed by young Omanis and offers lots of fun things to do. People of all ages can enjoy activities, events, and relax by the sea. There are games like arrow throwing and axe shooting, plus water bikes and boats. The project also has restaurants and cafes with ocean views. The founders of the project want it to be a special place for tourists and locals. They built it with recycled wood to be friendly to the environment. The project got help from the Dhofar Municipality, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and the Port of Salalah. They want to encourage young people's ideas and make a cool place for everyone to enjoy in Salalah. Arab Girl Guides Camp in Salalah The 25th Arab Camp for Girl Guides and the 22nd Summer Camp for Girl Guides have begun in Salalah. Organized by the Ministry of Education, this camp runs until August 12 with the theme 'Future Skills, Innovation, Challenge, and Sustainability'. Girls will learn outdoor survival, keep guiding traditions, and improve camping. The goal is to teach them to take on challenges and try new things, through trips and creative seminars. Around 250 girls are there, including 144 from Oman and others from places like Libya, Qatar, and more. The camp includes sports, cultural events, art, and workshops. It's a chance to share and learn from each other. The camp mixes old traditions with new ideas, celebrating guiding and building skills for future leaders. Meeting for Young Volunteers from Gulf Countries in Salalah, Oman In Salalah, Oman, a gathering of young volunteers from different Gulf countries has started. It's called "Isnad" and will last for four days. The event is organized by Oman's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Young volunteers will attend workshops and talks to learn about different types of volunteering and how to manage volunteer projects well. The purpose of the forum is to teach young people about volunteering and teamwork, share successful volunteer projects, and discuss challenges. It's part of a program by the GCC General Secretariat to encourage young people to get involved in volunteering locally, regionally, and internationally. New water park opened Salalah, Oman, has welcomed the 'Al-Naseem Water Park' as a new tourism gem during the 2023 Khareef Dhofar season. Led by Governor Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said and officials, the park spans 40,000 square meters and offers various phases: a comprehensive water park, a miniature zoo, and a recreational game area. Managed by Al Naseem Group of Companies, the project aims to enrich Dhofar's tourism while providing engaging activities and employment opportunities. |
