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AS MANY AS 156 APARTMENTS WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION BY THE END OF 2011. THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL AT THE PROJECT WOULD ALSO BE OPENED DURING THE PERIOD

 

Construction work at Jebel Sifah, the integrated tourism complex (ITC) being developed by Muriya Tourism Development, is progressing and Phase I customers will start receiving their villas and apartments in the first quarter of 2011.

 

Bahaa Kareem, marketing director of Muriya, who updated journalists on the progress of the project, recently said 156 apartments belonging to the phase I of the project will be ready for occupation by early 2011. “The economic slowdown did not affect the project. We have sold all apartments and 70 per cent of villas of the phase I,” he said. Around 75 per cent of properties are sold to Omanis, he added.

 

Work is progressing in different stages in all the 18 apartment blocks, while finishing work is nearing completion on five blocks. A mock-up apartment has been completed, with the interiors done, to give a realistic view on design and space. The 63 villas, part of the initial release will be designed in eight different styles of which 41 are nearing completion.

 

The Jebel Sifa complex has one, two and three bed-room apartments fitted with air conditioners, kitchen and home appliances. The prices start from 130,000 rials onwards.

 

 

 

OTHER PROJECTS

 

Work on phase I of Muriya projects at Al Sodah Island and Salalah are progressing, said Kareem. The first phase will feature five hotels including one boutique hotel. Nearing completion, the boutique hotel will open in the first quarter of 2011 and will be managed by Muriya Hotel Division.  Other hotels will be operated by some of the most reputed and prestigious brands in the hospitality sector that include Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Missoni Hotel. The remaining one will be operated by a famous French hotel company. All the hotels are expected to be open by 2013.

 

In partnership with the iconic fashion house of the same name, Hotel Missoni will be stylish, intimate, contemporary and eclectic in design. The property with 250 room keys will be designed by Michael Graves and Rosita Missoni will oversee the interiors. Construction for the Missoni Hotel is scheduled to start this year. Kareem said Muriya will shortly announce the release of new units and schemes. Selective hotel managed new apartments and villas will offer a unique rent back guarantee programme and will be operated by top brand hotels, a first of its kind associated with freehold properties in Oman. The new villas to be handed over will have new convenient sizes. An on-site sales office will be set up soon, to further enhance the service to the customers, including site visits. Muriya has also set up a ‘Home Design’ department, and are providing owners furniture packages, interior finishing, audio-visual packages, landscaping and upgrade options.

 

 

ACCESS TO THE PROJECT

 

The roads leading to Sifah will be widened for safe access to the destination. The internal roads within the project have already been laid out, providing clear access to the properties and the marina. Final revetment for internal roads will be finished by the beginning of next year.

 

Kareem said that there are plans to introduce a ferry service from Muscat to the project. It would provide easy and quick transportation to residents and visitors. The central hub of ‘Jebel Sifah’ is the marina that will be bustling with an array of activities surrounded by lively restaurants, cafes and apartment blocks with narrow, shaded, cobbled roads when completed. A lot of thought and attention has gone into the planning to ensure that the feel and look of the place remains open and uncluttered,at the same time aesthetically pleasing.

 

The marina was flooded in November 2009 and will be soon ready for berthing boats. High quality weather-resistant pontoons have been put in place that will provide space for up to 150 boats. A promenade will weave through the lively marina town that will also accommodate the marina boutique hotel having 55 rooms.

 

 

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 

On the welfare measures being carried out by Muriya as part of corporate social responsibilities, Kareem said a beach is being developed in the area which the general public could also avail of. A restaurant has been constructed at the beach which would be run by the local people under the supervision of Muriya, said Kareem.

 

Muriya was established in 2006 when Egypt’s Orascom Hotels and Development (with 70 per cent stake) and Omani government owned Omran (with 30 per cent stake) came together in a joint venture.