Six major players in the project development sector are in the race to develop the Oman Business Gateway, a mixed-use project in Muscat featuring a blend of office spaces, residential units, retail outlets, as well as a 5-star hotel,
The prime contenders are French builder Bouygues Batiment International; the regional unit of Australia’s Plenary Group; and Kuwait-based Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting Company. Additionally, local Omani names such as Galfar Engineering & Contracting Company, Muscat National Development & Investment Company (Asaas) and Amjaad Group have also entered their tenders.
The Oman Business Gateway, being developed as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, will be built on a 215,000sqm area in the Airport Heights district of Muscat. The project is being set up as a commercially-focused hub with a variety of mixed-use assets. One of the objectives is to transform the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) land located at Airport Heights into a centre for prime economic growth.
The Ministry of Finance explained that the Oman Business Gateway project began with a feasibility study, followed by the issuance of the RFQ tender in February. Out of 68 interested companies, eight submitted their documents for the RFQ tender, and six have now been shortlisted.
These shortlisted companies will be invited to submit their proposals, after which the real estate development contract will be awarded to the winning bidder.
The scope of work for the company, as the project master developer, will be to provide overall design, financing, development and operation of the Oman Business Gateway.
A key highlight of the Gateway will be the construction of the new MoCIIP headquarters on a 30,000sqm area, housing all ministry and departmental staff. The new building will also replace the current offices of MoCIIP.
With the MoCIIP headquarters at its foundation complemented by a mix of retail, commercial and accommodation, this flagship project is poised to significantly enhance the economic landscape of Muscat Governorate, it added.
