Muscat: The tender board has recently granted the contract for the "Al Dakhiliyah Boulevard," a comprehensive development initiative designed to enhance services and infrastructure. This project is set to be established within the Wilayat of Nizwa, located in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and encompasses investment, tourism, entertainment, cultural, health, and environmental sectors. Spanning an area of 145,000 square meters, the project is anticipated to be completed within two years. It includes ten diverse investment sites and fifty usufruct contracts across various sectors, reflecting a shift towards diversifying the local economy and boosting commercial activities.
The Al Dakhiliyah Boulevard is poised to significantly influence tourism in the region, with projections indicating that it will attract approximately 944,000 tourists and visitors annually. Furthermore, it is expected to create 340 permanent and temporary job opportunities and involve about 60 productive families in various activities within the square.
Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed Al Hajri, the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, stated, "The Al Dakhiliyah Square project embodies the governorate's ambitious vision for sustainable development and creating an environment that caters to the community's needs." He elaborated that the project is envisioned as an open entertainment center dedicated to promoting tourism and economic growth in the Wilayat of Nizwa. It features a variety of facilities, including exhibitions and open theatres, which will host festivals, cultural events, and laser shows to enhance tourism.
The main walkway of the square stretches for 3,985 meters, encircled by trees and green spaces, offering a pleasant natural setting for visitors. Additionally, special bicycle paths measuring 1,650 meters have been designed, alongside fountain basins and an open area of approximately 80,000 square meters. This space is intended to provide visitors with an integrated entertainment experience, featuring a children's play area, a group of restaurants and kiosks, a variety of stores, a market supporting productive families, and other facilities and services to meet visitors' needs.
The Al Dakhiliyah Boulevard project is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy and added value throughout its implementation period and beyond, with an estimated contribution of OMR4 million. In terms of expected investment returns, he outlined that the project is projected to yield returns of up to OMR500,000 annually, with an anticipated annual increase of 5 percent, driven by rental income from investment facilities and revenues from events, exhibitions, and festivals held in the square.
