Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has received an enthusiastic response from aspirants to set up retail outlets at the Souq Al Mina – the modern business incubator in the upcoming Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Development.
Due to the high interest shown by interested businesses, Omran has extended the applications deadline last month and successfully received 251 applications covering a wide variety of activities such as agricultural products, cafes & restaurants, cosmetics & body care, decorative arts, design and fashion, sweets and desserts, floral arrangements, handicrafts, gift and Henna stores, jewelry, photography as well as tourism-related recreational services and activities.
“We are thrilled about the volume and the variety of applications received from Omani entrepreneurs. They have been thinking out-of-the box just like we had hoped as Souq Al Mina project aims to support established as well as innovative business ideas that provide an authentic experience to the visitors.” said Fahad Al Hinai, Senior Development Manager at Omran.
At present, a selection committee from Omran is reviewing the applications to shortlist the ideas based on factors such as innovative approach, services offered, creativity, growth and sustainability planning, strength of vision and market potential.
In the event the applicant’s idea is selected for the second and final stage, he or she will be invited to make a presentation to a larger expert committee formed by Omran. Those selected at this stage will secure their retail spaces at the Souq Al Mina and can engage directly with the visitors of the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront by the end of this year.
“We are ready with the Souq Al Mina concept. The innovative ideas selected for the project will boost the tourism sector by creating new experiences and values for consumers.” Al Hinai said.
The watershed at Souq Al Mina, which will be spread across 3,300sqm, will celebrate local creativity as well as the country’s exquisiteness. The main objective of this project is to boost the country’s tourism services by endorsing talented Omanis and encouraging unique business ideas. The project will embrace 40 retail spaces in an integrated ‘society of makers’ to provide unique products and services for locals, residents and tourists.
Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront is one of Omran’s flagship projects and spans 451,000 sqm. It will transform Port Sultan Qaboos into a major tourism-based authentic waterfront destination, which will attract both tourists and residents.
The first phase of the waterfront will be delivered in time for the upcoming global events in the region such as Expo 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022. It will consist of various hospitality, lifestyle, entertainment and cultural zones as well as residential units that will redefine the experience of Muscat and provide investors with a significant opportunity to participate in a unique and unparalleled marketplace offering.