As part of its efforts to sustain the environment’s unique biodiversity and transform the coastal landscape of Sur, Oman LNG has extended its support to the community to finance the second phase of the Sur Public Park, in collaboration with the South Sharqiyah Governor’s Office.

The support comes to commemorate the Royal Decree issued by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said on 9th February 1994 to establish the company. That auspicious decree expressly paved the way for the country’s natural gas resources to be parlayed into a better quality of life for the Omani people.

The estimated cost of the second phase is RO3mn and the park is set to be a public facility, attracting residents and visitors of Sur and South Sharqiyah Governorate in general.

It is planned to operate as a self-sustaining enterprise, providing exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurship. Additionally, the park will boost the tourism sector in this magnificent and historic governorate.

The second phase of Sur Public Park builds on earlier support where Oman LNG had funded detailed consultancy services for the design phase of the park, taking into consideration a number of important factors to accommodate all community needs.

The latest initiative by the company dovetails with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s recent call, for concerted efforts to ensure the development of the governorates, with emphasis on sustainable programmes that prioritise economic growth and social welfare.

This is aligned to the ‘People and Society’ pillar of the pivotal Oman 2040 Vision, which aims to develop the health aspect of the society. Additionally, it addresses the family and community wellbeing and health objectives of this pillar. The latest initiative will also advance the company’s effort to boost its environmental performance.

His Excellency Dr. Yahya Al Ma’awli, the Governor of South Sharqiyah, said: “It gives us a great pleasure to continue the exceptional relationship and collaboration with Oman LNG, through supporting various social responsibility programmes and projects.

“Sur Public Park is an additional vital project and comes as a testimony to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s call to enhance and develop services across the governorates of Oman. Additionally, such project will accommodate many benefits from social, economic and touristic spectrums that will offer to people and tourist.”

Talal Al Awfi, Chairman, Oman LNG

Commenting on this contribution, Talal Al Awfi, Chairman of Oman LNG, said: “As a responsible company, Oman LNG and its shareholders are determined to continue to play its pioneering role in the socio-economic fabric of the Sultanate and meeting community’s aspirations. This initiative allows us to march in step with His Majesty, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s call for the development of the governorates, which also aligns with the government’s vision for the future as articulated in Oman’s Vision 2040.”

From a global perspective, the Sur Public Park project ties in well with UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals, under the good health and well-being goal; the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for current and future generations, by addressing the global climate challenges the world is facing.

Hamed Al Naamany, CEO, Oman LNG

For his part, Hamed Al Naamany, CEO of Oman LNG, said: “We feel privileged to pursue this project that will provide many opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to invest and grow new businesses and community for recreation. It is, by all means, an environment-friendly project that comes to raise awareness of nature-based carbon offset and enhance the touristic infrastructure in South Sharqiyah.”

Located in South Sharqiyah Governorate, Sur is home to Oman LNG’s world-class Plant that produces liquefied natural gas (LNG), sold to different countries around the world. Proceeds from these exports by the company have enabled the diversification of the country’s revenue and facilitated the implementation of far-reaching social investment programmes that have extended and reached every part of the nation.

The company recently celebrated Oman LNG Day, an annual event to commemorate the success of its operations which began in 2000, and the contributions made to the country’s development.

Some of its notable programmes in South Sharqiyah Governorate are its infrastructure and advanced medical equipment support to Sur’s General Hospital, and the renovation of the historical Fatah Al Khair Centre, enduring evidence of Sur’s famous maritime legacy.