BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, on November 8 presided over the official announcement of the Al Yazan Integrated Tourism Complex, a landmark waterfront development set to redefine the skyline of Muttrah. Located along the waterfront of Sultan Qaboos Port in the Wilayat of Muttrah, the project is being developed under the supervision of Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) in partnership with VA Group. Spanning 18.5 hectares, Al Yazan will deliver approximately 1,500 residential units, positioning it as one of the most significant mixed-use developments in the capital.
The design draws direct inspiration from Muttrah’s distinctive character, where mountains meet the sea. Residential buildings, covering 180,000 square metres, will cascade in three carefully planned phases from the mountainsides toward the coast, creating a natural architectural extension of the area’s identity while maximising sea views and green spaces. Beyond housing, Al Yazan prioritises community and public life. A waterfront promenade stretching more than 400 metres will form the heart of the development, complemented by a pedestrianised street lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. Commercial space totals 25,000 square metres. Expansive green areas of 30,000 square metres will weave throughout the site, enhancing both livability and environmental harmony.
At the centre of the complex lies a crescent-shaped plaza featuring an open-air amphitheatre, fine-dining restaurants, multi-purpose sports courts and dedicated children’s play zones. These facilities are designed to serve residents while attracting visitors, turning Al Yazan into a vibrant destination rather than a purely residential enclave. The project reflects Oman’s broader vision of sustainable, high-quality urban development that respects local heritage while meeting contemporary lifestyle expectations. By integrating residential, commercial and recreational spaces along one of Muscat’s most historic waterfronts, Al Yazan is poised to become a defining addition to the capital’s evolving urban landscape.
