Oman’s first waterpark development is on course for its December launch, authorities have confirmed.

Called Hawana Aqua Park, the 35,000sq m (378,000sq ft) OMR2.6m (US$7m, €6m, £5.4m) development by James Cubitt and Partners Abu Dhabi, will feature a selection of water rides, including a lazy river, wave pool, spa pool and a number of slides. A further 30,000sq m (376,000sq ft) of space will also be dedicated to a food court, shopping area and a large car park.

Following the waterpark’s opening, a second phase of development included in the signing will see it further expanded to include six different types of watersports, as well as vast green areas.

“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 realise that ambition through the development of high footfall tourism projects,” said Ahmed bin Nasser Hamad Al Mahrizi, Oman’s minister for tourism.

“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.”

The development is part of what is the largest tourist development in Oman – Hawana Salalah. Overseen by real estate developer Muriya, the resort will house 900 bedrooms across seven hotels, three of which are already operational. The destination is also home to a 171 berth marina, freehold residences, retail venues, restaurants and cafés.

In addition to Salah, three other waterparks are currently under development in the country, including the OMR40m (US$104m, €88m, £80m) Majarat Oman.

Speaking to Attractions Management earlier this year, Maitha Al Mahrouqi, under secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, explained Oman’s National Strategy for Tourism 2040, which includes a 6 per cent rise in tourism contributions and a near doubling of visitor numbers to five million annually.

“These figures will be achieved by promoting Oman as a year-round destination for tourists – with water sports, mountain escapades and luxury hotels included in a new summer campaign designed for visitors from the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” she said.

“Oman is certainly in a position to capitalise on events taking place in the region by offering tourists a seamless and hassle free multi-centre holiday. Over 2,000 new hotel rooms opened in 2016 alone and Oman will have the capacity to welcome tourists from Dubai and Qatar following the Expo and World Cup.”

Read the interview with Al Mahrouqi here.

Oman eyes tourism boost as Salalah waterpark development nears completion

FEATURE: Tourism – A Plan for Oman