Al Madina A’Zarqa – Coastal city development in historical Oman

Great cities of the world do not happen inadvertently and in turn are colorful celebrations of mankind’s diversities, energies and varied cultures. And Al Madina A’Zarqa, the newest city to emerge on the sandy shores of the Sultanate of Oman is no different. Also called the Blue City, Al Madina A’Zarqa is a massive coastal development for an estimated 200,000 people that will eventually transform the region into a top international destination. At Al Madina A’Zarqa, the emphasis is on Tourism, Real Estate, Entertainment, Education, Medicine, Healthcare, Sports, Wellness and Trade.

The development will be carried across 12 carefully planned phases costing an estimated US$ 15 – 20 billion. Construction is well underway and Phase I will be complete by 2012. Over 4 million man-hours’ of on site work has been completed till date.

Aside from serving as a multi-faceted commercial center and tourist attraction, Al Madina A’Zarqa is dotted with numerous residential projects. With much lower real estate prices, as compared to the rest of GCC, Oman offers an attractive real estate market for investment. The country’s growing population and lack of quality housing have combined to create a huge demand for real estate, thereby paving the way for tremendous capital growth.

The Government of Oman provides land rights at concessional terms, freehold rights to investors in residential properties, basic infrastructure facilities like roads, sewage and electricity at the site boundary and facilitation in obtaining various clearances. These laws are non project-specific.

Project Highlights

• 100% freehold ownership of property as stipulated by Royal Decree 12/2006
• Properties available to all nationalities
• Inheritance laws in country of origin
• Residence visas for owner, spouse & immediate family
• Traditional Omani yet contemporary award-winning master plan
• Architectural style inspired by the Royal House of Na’man
• Residential neighborhoods located alongside water bodies
• Each neighborhood an autonomous community with its services & amenities
• 5-star hotels, resorts, restaurants at prime waterfront areas
  
• A central business district, retail and general shopping areas
• Museums, theaters, amphitheaters, art galleries, retail districts
• Multi-disciplinary domed indoor sports stadium, exclusive golf facilities,
  outdoor sports fields & a sports academy
• 16-km Beach & Marina
• Sea-life research facility, a nautical institute

Architecture

Embodying the best of traditional Omani and modern architectural styles, Al Madina A’Zarqa boasts of following features:

• Gradation of levels within the town development
• Usage of natural materials
• Narrow streets to provide shading & natural cooling
• Arches & Gates
• Shaded walkways & screens for ventilation
• Water courses inspired by the traditional Omani falaj irrigation system
• Optimal usage of the prevailing winds and sun angles
• Canals provide fresh water directly from the mountains
• Civic & Educational clusters linked to leisure & retail (downtown)
  that connects the city to the marina
  

Roads

Traffic loads have been spread evenly through the roadway system. An innovative public transportation system has also been built into the master plan. A tram system linking all the important city centers has been proposed.

Utilities

As part of the agreement between the Government of Oman and the project sponsors, Al Madina A’Zarqa will develop its own utility infrastructure independent from, but in partnership with state and regional utility providers.

• All properties to be connected to a central district cooling system
• Ecologically sound sustainable options to be a central theme
• Gas to be distributed to all properties in addition to electricity and water
• To be the first project in Oman to use a computerized meter billing system for all utilities
  
• Optical fibre network to provide services like video-on-demand, telephone & data services
• Direct link to international cable connection to Europe and the national network to secure telecommunication operations

Project Features

• Themed Water fixtures
• Lawns & Landscaped Environs
• Parkside Villas
• Golf Community Apartments
• Golf Resort Hotel
• Main Club House
• Golf Community Villas
• 18-hole Golf Course
• Primary Schools, City Hall
• Health Centers
• Nursery Kindergarten
• Educational Institutions including Varsity
• Utilities located as a belt on the south side of the city