OQ and partners initiate groundbreaking for Musandam Cultural and Innovation Centre

Muscat: Today, Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, the Governor of Musandam, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Musandam Cultural and Innovation Centre in the Wilayat of Khasab, Musandam Governorate.

The centre, set to be constructed on a 10,500 square metre site with a building area of 2,733 square metres, is expected to be completed within 24 months. The establishment of this multifaceted centre is designed to enrich the local community through educational, cultural, environmental, and capacity-building initiatives, while also fostering entrepreneurial growth. Upon completion, the centre will become a key landmark and tourist destination in Musandam Governorate, acting as a cultural and social beacon to enrich the region's cultural scene.

Overseen by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, OQ Exploration and Production, an OQ Group company, is spearheading the development of the centre, supported by major oil and gas companies such as Petroleum Development Oman, Occidental Oman, BP Oman, Daleel Petroleum, CC Energy Development, and ARA Petroleum. This joint initiative highlights a shared commitment to social responsibility and community service. Together, OQ and its partners are focused on enhancing stakeholder relationships, generating employment opportunities and driving growth through implementing social initiatives. These collaborative efforts are aimed at advancing the social and economic development objectives of the Sultanate of Oman.

The facility will include an innovation centre overseen by the Ministry of Education, a cultural centre managed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, retail spaces administered by the Musandam Municipality, and a water sports club operated by Oman Sail. Furthermore, the centre will boast a comprehensive array of amenities, such as conference and meeting spaces, state-of-the-art laboratories, dedicated training venues, and Oman Sail facilities, which include storage areas, additional meeting spaces, a launch dock, and a floating marina. The outdoor offerings will feature an open-air theatre, retail outlets, a children's playground, scenic walking paths, a secure monitoring room, and beautifully landscaped areas, creating a vibrant and multifunctional space for the community.

OQ, the global integrated energy group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the Governor's Office of Musandam and various other entities, has launched multiple social investment initiatives across wilayats of the Governorate. Focused on enhancing both urban and environmental landscapes, these initiatives encompass the Dabba Archaeological Centre, the Dabba Waterfront and Telegraph Island enhancements, the Basah Beach collaboration with Omran Group, and the revitalisation of Madha Park and Bukha Waterfront.