Dubai: While the global economic recession has slowed down most tourism development in Oman, Muriya claims to be going ahead full steam to complete the first phase of the Jebel Sifah complex by early next year.
"We are probably the only integrated tourism project that has not stopped work," Muriya Tourism Development marketing director Baha'a Kareem said.
The tourist attraction will offer guests a wide range of activities, being spread over 6.2 million square metres and surrounded by turquoise waters and the Hajar mountain range, he said.
"Phase I customers will start receiving their villas and apartments by early next year," Kareem said.
"Seventy per cent of the villas in the first phase are almost complete and 100 per cent of apartments are ready.
"Construction is in progress at different stages in all 18 apartment blocks, and finishing work is nearing completion on five blocks.
"The mock-up apartment will be open for people to visit in a few days."
Kareem said the central hub of Jebel Sifah will be a marina bustling with activities and lined with lively restaurants, cafes and apartment blocks linked by shaded, cobbled roads.
Kareem said that the marina was flooded in Nov-ember 2009 but would soon be ready to berth boats.
"High quality weather-resistant pontoons have been put in place that will provide space for up to 150 boats," Kareem said.
The company has also planned a promenade that will weave through the marina town and accommodate a boutique hotel with 55 rooms.
Kareem also said the roads leading to Sifah from Muscat would be widened to accommodate the increase in tourists to the area.
The Muriya company has secured a portfolio of well known hospitality brands for Jebel Sifah that include Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, and Angsana Resorts and Spas, and the Missoni Hotel.
Missoni will bring a touch of Italian designer glamour to the region.
Italian style
In partnership with the iconic fashion house of the same name, Hotel Missoni will be stylish, intimate, contemporary and eclectic in design, Kareem said.
The property, with 250 rooms, will be designed by Michael Graves, and Rosita Missoni will oversee the interiors.
Muriya was established in 2006 when Egypt's Orascom Hotels and Development (with a 70 per cent stake) and the Omani government-owned Omran (with a 30 per cent stake), formed a joint venture.
Since then, Muriya has announced four projects in Oman.
Work is in progress on two projects which include freehold properties — the Jebel Sifah and Salalah Beach, Kareem said.
In addition, Muriya also planned to develop a city complex in Muscat and a boutique hotel on As Sodah Island, he said.
"We will be here for a very long time, longer than 100 years," Kareem said.
The company said it was committed to doing business in beautiful Oman.