With a planned completion date in 2023, work has commenced on the US$175 million national botanic garden project in the Sultanate of Oman.
Set to be the largest centre of its kind in the Arabian Peninsula and one of the largest in the world, the 420-hectare site at the foot of Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains will feature two biomes and surrounding habitats filled with endangered flora.
It will also include a visitor centre, play area, nature reserve, and educational and research facilities.
Commenting on the project in regional newspaper The National, Oman Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salim Al Mahrouqi advised “it will be one of the largest botanic gardens in the world.
“It will present an opportunity for visitors to experience the flora and vegetation of Oman while learning about the agricultural heritage, rich cultural traditions and legendary hospitality of the country.”
The design team is led by Arup alongside Grimshaw Architects and Haley Sharpe Design.
Explaining the significance of the project, Grimshaw partner, Keith Brewis commented “the Oman Botanic Garden is an astonishing project with many layers of interwoven cultural and environmental significance. Its scale and diversity is truly world-leading.”
Part of Oman’s plans to diversify its attractions, regional tourism consultant Rashid Al Khalasi added “the botanic garden will be a green village that tourists looking for relaxation in an area full of flowers, man-made streams and natural wildlife like birds will enjoy to visit.
“(It will) pull in more tourists to the capital Muscat.”
The design team is led by Arup alongside Grimshaw Architects and Haley Sharpe Design.
Explaining the significance of the project, Grimshaw partner, Keith Brewis commented “the Oman Botanic Garden is an astonishing project with many layers of interwoven cultural and environmental significance. Its scale and diversity is truly world-leading.”
Images: Grimshaw.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
Related Articles
30th June 2021 - ICC advises relocation of T20 World Cup from India to UAE and Oman
4th December 2020 - Oman Government plans natural history museum as part of Vision 2040 strategy
18th October 2020 - Two in five of the world’s plant species at risk of extinction
28th September 2020 - WTTC launches new report on tourism’s future in the wake of COVID-19
14th May 2020 - Omanexpo shortlisted for two Middle East Event Awards
21st April 2019 - Oman Aquarium opens within the Mall of Muscat
2nd November 2018 - Oman Government hands over operations at key heritage tourism site
17th November 2017 - Oman Botanic Garden to become the world’s largest ecological oasis
10th October 2017 - Conference to explore best practice in cultural tourism in the Middle East
3rd October 2017 - Oman looks to rise in visitor numbers as Salalah waterpark development nears completion
24th April 2017 - Oman gets recognition as a safe destination for international visitors
29th July 2016 - National Museum of Oman opens as first museum adapted to the visually impaired in the Middle East
13th May 2015 - Advanced Aquarium Technologies to build Oman aquarium
4th March 2014 - Omani tourism sector to grow by 5.2% over next 10 years
26th October 2013 - Omani resort introduces wellness club
2nd October 2012 - Oman tourism projects face ‘financial challenges’