With a planned completion date in 2023, work has commenced on the US$175 million national botanic garden project in the Sultanate of Oman.
Set to be the largest centre of its kind in the Arabian Peninsula and one of the largest in the world, the 420-hectare site at the foot of Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains will feature two biomes and surrounding habitats filled with endangered flora.
It will also include a visitor centre, play area, nature reserve, and educational and research facilities.
Commenting on the project in regional newspaper The National, Oman Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salim Al Mahrouqi advised “it will be one of the largest botanic gardens in the world.
“It will present an opportunity for visitors to experience the flora and vegetation of Oman while learning about the agricultural heritage, rich cultural traditions and legendary hospitality of the country.”
The design team is led by Arup alongside Grimshaw Architects and Haley Sharpe Design.
Explaining the significance of the project, Grimshaw partner, Keith Brewis commented “the Oman Botanic Garden is an astonishing project with many layers of interwoven cultural and environmental significance. Its scale and diversity is truly world-leading.”
Part of Oman’s plans to diversify its attractions, regional tourism consultant Rashid Al Khalasi added “the botanic garden will be a green village that tourists looking for relaxation in an area full of flowers, man-made streams and natural wildlife like birds will enjoy to visit.
“(It will) pull in more tourists to the capital Muscat.”
The design team is led by Arup alongside Grimshaw Architects and Haley Sharpe Design.
Explaining the significance of the project, Grimshaw partner, Keith Brewis commented “the Oman Botanic Garden is an astonishing project with many layers of interwoven cultural and environmental significance. Its scale and diversity is truly world-leading.”
Images: Grimshaw.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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