Muriya tourism development

\"Muriya Tourism Development Company plans to invest about USD 1 billion in the next five years at different tourism development projects, which will be implemented in the Governorates of Muscat and Dhofar,\" said Adil Taqi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Muriya Tourism Development Company in a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA). He added that the company currently developing four tourism projects in the Governorates of Muscat and Dhofar namely Jabal Sifah, City Walk project in the Governorate of Muscat, Salalah Beach project, which is set up on 15,6 million square meters, as well as As Sodah Island in the Governorate of Dhofar. Muriya\'s CEO affirmed that while the company is committed to the agreements signed with the government to avail 500 rooms at Jebel Sifah project early 2015, the company will complete the same in 2014 by completing three hotels. The first 4-star hotel will be opened in the third quarter of 2011 and the other two five-star hotels will be delivered in 2014.  He pointed out that after completion, Jabal Sifah project will avail 805 rooms.   He added that Muriya will be the first tourism development company to open 4-star hotel at integrated tourism complexes through Sifawy hotel, which will be opened during the third quarter of this year in Jabal Sifah. The hotel will provide 55 rooms and 25 furnished apartments. The company will also be the first to open the Marina, which will be launched this year in Jabal Sifah project as well.   Adel Taqi pointed out that Jabal Sifah will be a new added value to the tourism sector in the Sultanate as it includes Yacht Marina, Marina Town, Marina Boutique Hotel, four 5 star hotels, 18 holes for golf course, cafes and restaurants. The Marina Town will host a number of retail shops.  At this stage, 42 shops are ready for rent. This part of the project will be the backbone of life in Jabal Sifah and will mix between service utilities, such as banks, foodstuffs outlets, travel offices, pharmacy, as well as restaurants, cafes, entertainment centers and others. The project also includes a number of villas and luxurious apartments, a number of which will be delivered by the company this year. A number of these residential apartments overlook the marina. The housing units are designed as per the world class standards to ensure convenience for residents. He furthered that the second project in the Governorate of Muscat is the City Walk in Al Hail area on the beach front. The company is finalizing the formalities for the allocation and development of land.  He pointed out that the project will comprise of a shopping promenade, a 250 room five-star hotel and shops of different sizes and types. Muriya\'s CEO also said that the first project in the Governorate of Dhofar is Salalah Beach, which located at a unique area between Taqah Spring and Humran.  The project, which spread over an area of 15.6 million square meters, includes 5 hotels, Marina, apartments and shops. He added that the project, after being completed, will avail 1407 rooms. He pointed out that the company will open its second hotel and Marina next year as part of Salalah Beach project, which will be opened next year.  He said that the company is committed to avail 500 rooms in 2015. Adel Taqi added that by the end of next year, the company will have 700 rooms in Salalah Beach project by opening the second hotel, which is completed as part of the integrated tourism complexes alongside with the five-star Rotana hotel, which comprises 400 rooms. He affirmed that the company will complete another two hotels late 2013. He pointed out that the Marina, apartments and shops are deemed ready and will be opened at the end of this year or early next year.  He explained that this reflects the experience of the company in tourism investment. As for the fourth project, he said that A\'Sodah Island comprises 32 villas overlooking the sea, a restaurant, a diving centre, a health club and an Olympic club that will be managed by a renowned French company specialized in this business. He affirmed that A\'Sodah Island project will enhance the tourism level of the Governorate of Dhofar in particular and the Sultanate in general. It will attract high-net-worth individuals (HNI), such as state presidents and renowned international figures. As for the economic benefits of such projects, Muriya Tourism Development Company\'s CEO affirmed that the setting up of Muriya comes as continuation of efforts of the government and its endeavors to develop tourism industry in the Sultanate by achieving objectives of developing the tourism sector, namely diversification of the national economy, availing job opportunities for the national manpower and providing the local companies with opportunities to take part in the implementation of such projects.  He added that the company is committed to meeting stipulated Omanization rates and that more than 1100 and 300 Omanis are working in Jabal Sifah and Salalah Beach respectively. It is worth mentioning that Muriya Tourism Development Company is a joint venture between the Sultanate\'s Government, represented by Omran (30 percent) and Egypt\'s Orascom Hotels & Development (70 per cent).  The company has projects in Morocco, England, Switzerland, Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).