Oman's first water park to open by year end

Muscat: Salalah's first water park, Hawana Aqua Park, is expected to open by the end of this year, authorities announced on Monday.

Promising fun for all ages, the new world-class water park will accommodate up to 500 people per day. The wealth of attractions being constructed at the Hawana Aqua Park include thrilling water slides, leisure pools for guests to unwind, a toddlers' pool, pool-front cabins, swimming pools, wave pools, a main tower and much more.

With a total land area exceeding 65,000 square meters, the development will feature a dedicated food court, a retail shopping area, and a large parking area for guests.

Ahmed bin Nasser Hamad Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism, was welcomed by Muriya's management team at Hawana Salalah to review the progress at the developer's upcoming world-class waterpark, recently.

During the visit, the Minister of Tourism, said, "We were briefed on the most prominent developments in the construction works of the project, which are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The aqua park is a dynamic addition to the entertainment facilities of Hawana Salalah's first-class tourism project. The state-of-the-art development highlights the important role ITCs continue to play in attracting investment to Oman, serving as a gateway for domestic and international visitors to enjoy the year-round beauty of the Governorate of Dhofar."

HE further said, "The Ministry of Tourism is always working to elevate the quality of tourism in the Sultanate and has worked hand-in-hand with the private sector to realize that ambition through the development of high footfall tourism projects. This approach has helped substantially boost the year-on-year growth of visitors to Oman. As a result of this successful strategy, we have already signed a number of agreements to establish even more exciting projects in the near future."
Ahmed Dabbous, CEO of Muriya, said, "It was a great privilege to welcome HE onsite to share the progress of Salalah's first waterpark.

From the outset, the strong commitment of our shareholders Orascom Development Holding and Omran with the support of the Ministry of Tourism has helped achieve many milestones we have crossed over the past 10 years."

Dabbous added, "We have proudly worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Oman as a world-class hub for visitors of all segments, investing to harness the full potential of the Sultanate's

touristic offerings. The Hawana Aqua Park joins a variety of attractions developed following extensive research to identify

touristic attractions that help solidify Salalah's position as a fast growing prime touristic destination. In addition to its role in growing and solidifying Salalah's touristic appeal, the project will also be a great attraction for Dhofari families. We look forward to launching our new development upon completion and the new range of hotel expansions that are currently underway to further accommodate the Governorate of Dhofar's growing number of visitors."

Its premium facilities include a world-class 170-berth super-yacht marina, vibrant restaurants and cafés and a range of water and land activities for active lifestyles. Sustainably built by development experts Muriya and spread along seven kilometres of stunning coconut palm fringed Indian Ocean coastline, Hawana Salalah's freehold residences, including villas and apartments, are available to own and rent.