A comprehensive plan is currently underway in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to develop tourist attractions and attract both local and international visitors. It is anticipated that once the projects are completed, the region will welcome nearly one million tourists annually.
To expedite the progress of these tourism initiatives, numerous projects have been fast-tracked, resulting in a development completion rate of approximately 66 percent by the end of May 2024.
Several of these projects, which fall under the Governorate Development Programme, are slated for completion in the first half of this year. Once finished, they will transform into tourist destinations, enhancing the region's aesthetic appeal and benefiting both the local community and visitors.
Sheikh Hilal bin Said bin Hamdan Al Hajri, the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, stated, "The completion rate of the entrance to the wilayat of Nizwa has reached 85 percent, with the project's fundamental infrastructure now finalized."
The work encompasses the construction of a 1.5 km stretch, starting from the Firq Bridge and leading to the traffic lights intersection that connects to the city center. Additionally, both sides of the public road will be developed, incorporating green spaces spanning 23,000 square meters.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Nizwa Park project, occupying an area of 150,000 square meters, is set to commence next month. This project has been entrusted to the executing company and will feature a recreational park and a comprehensive facility for families. It will create investment opportunities and open new avenues for small and medium enterprises. The park will encompass a library, a 4,542 square meter artificial lake, an indoor games hall, 25,000 square meters of green areas, a 1,800 square meter rubber-tiled children's play area, approximately 4,000 shade and flowering trees, as well as sports facilities, restaurants, and kiosks for product sales.
The Interior Boulevard is set to become a hub for entertainment, culture, and services in the near future. The project has received financial approval from the Tender Board, and tenders will be opened before the end of this month. The estimated cost of the project is OMR7 million.
We are expecting the private sector to contribute OMR1.5 million towards the project, which will significantly enhance the tourism sector in the government. The project is an extension of the Nizwa Gate development plan and covers a total area of 145,000 square meters.
This project will serve as a vital entertainment destination in the governorate, featuring an open field and entertainment center spanning 145,000 square meters. It will include a 4-kilometer sports walkway, paths for bicycles and scooters measuring 1.65 kilometers, open theaters for festivals and events, fountains, laser show sites, restaurants, mobile libraries, spaces for productive families, and small and medium enterprises.
Additionally, the project will offer 10 investment sites and 50 sites for usufruct contracts across various fields. It is expected to attract approximately 944,000 tourists and visitors annually, creating both permanent and temporary job opportunities.
In regards to the integrated station for public transport buses and taxis in Nizwa, it has been presented as an investment opportunity for the private sector in collaboration with the Omani Transport Company (Mwasalat). The project idea has also been shared with specialized companies in this field. The station will be constructed on an 11,412 square meter area and will feature a commercial market, a passenger waiting station, and shaded and public parking facilities.
He verified that the organization in charge of the project has commenced the actual implementation at Samail General Hospital. Once completed, it is expected to become a reputable referral hospital that will collaborate with Nizwa and Bahla hospitals, catering to the regions of Samail, Izki, and Bidbid.
