Tuesday 11 / February / 2025
Muscat: The Diwan of Royal Court, represented by the Office for Conservation of the Environment, on Monday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Madina Real Estate Company to develop the Al Khuwair Natural Reserve.
The project is a first of its kind between the public and private sectors that is focused on developing and investing in a nature reserve. The details of the project were unveiled during a press conference held at the Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat, which was attended by a number of media representatives.
The MoU was signed by Hussain bin Ali Al Abdulatif, Advisor at the Diwan of Royal Court and Acting Secretary General of the Royal Court, representing the Office for Conservation of the Environment, and Engineer Abdulrahman Awadh Barham, CEO of the Al Madina Real Estate Company.
The signing ceremony also saw the attendance of Yasser bin Obaid Al Salami, Director General of the Office for Conservation of the Environment, and Hassan Jaboub, CEO of the Tilal Development Company, together with other senior members of management at the Diwan of Royal Court and Al Madina Group.
The MoU states that Al Madina Real Estate will develop the reserve which covers an area of 300,000 square metres and prepare it for visitors from Oman and abroad. It will do so through the implementation of various green areas, walkways, and the introduction of a number of electric cars for visitors to use. In addition, it will install guidance signs and explanatory images all over the reserve, together with a number of special telescopes to enable visitors to observe wildlife in the reserve.
Additionally, Al Madina Company will establish an ecological mall on a 24,000 square metre piece of land that extends into the natural reserve. It will feature a design that takes into consideration the environmental objectives of the project. This new mall will be connected to Muscat Grand mall via an overhead bridge, allowing visitors to move freely between the malls.
“The signing of the MoU with our private sector partner, Al Madina Real Estate Company, comes as part of our ongoing efforts to protect and maintain local wildlife, develop natural reserves, and incorporate it into the local economy," Al Abdulatif said.
"The signing is aimed at developing the Al Khuwair Natural Reserve, a first of its kind initiative between the public and the private sectors in the field of eco-economy. We are confident that this initiative will pave the way for other initiatives of its kind in the country, which will in turn support the government’s ongoing efforts towards economic diversification,” he added.
“We are very pleased with this partnership with the Diwan of Royal Court, represented by the Office for Conservation of the Environment, which is aimed at providing an eco-tourism destination right here in the heart of Muscat. We will work hard to make this a leading example of successful partnerships between the two sectors," Barham said.
"Furthermore, we aim at contributing towards the development goals of the Sultanate by drafting a general plan for the region in such a way that it allows everyone to enjoy their visit, while learning about the ecological history of Oman and also enjoying the shopping and entertainment offered by one of the leading malls in the country,” he added.
The project is expected to be completed in the year 2021 and will be the perfect destination for visitors, researchers, specialists, and enthusiasts interested in learning about Oman’s ecological treasures and experience the pleasure of shopping at one of the best malls in the country all at the same time.
The MoU also includes the establishment of administrative offices within the project area, as well as an environmental library of the reserve (an integrated information Centre for visitors) on an area of no less than 1,000 square metres; which will provide visitors with any documents, information, and publications related to the reserve and the environment that they may be interested in.
It also outlines the establishment of a multipurpose hall covering an area of 1,000 square metres equipped with all modern supplies and technologies for events. The project will also include a special centre for traditional handicrafts to support the local community and entrepreneurs, as well as a corner for souvenirs and artworks that reflects the environmental heritage of the Sultanate. Furthermore, ample parking spaces will be made available for visitors.
In addition, the project will include the construction of a new mall built in a unique environment friendly design that blends in with the Reserve. This mall will have high terraces that will allow visitors to observe the reserve from above and television screens that will broadcast a live feed that will allow visitors to watch wildlife from inside of the mall.
“The primary idea behind this partnership was to provide an effective example for the role the private sector can play in supporting the government’s development efforts. The project will be a value addition to the educational and recreational facilities available in the country and will help in raising environmental knowledge and awareness, all in the heart of the capital," Engineer Abdulrahman said.
"It will also attract different segments of the society as well as tourists who would like to get to know the rich history and the unique biological diversity available in Oman. We plan on planting a number of trees and plants native to the region within the reserve and will resettle a number or rare species of animals in order to protect them, as well as provide visitors with an opportunity to get a better understanding of their lifestyle and habit. Once completed, this will be a truly enjoyable and educational journey for visitors of all ages,” he added.
