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Saraya Bandar Jissah will be home to 398 exclusive residential units, spacious hilltop villas, stylish townhouses and luxury apartments — all with attractive waterfront and mountainside views. This is what a $600 million project looks like when the vision starts to become a reality.
Nestled on the outskirts of Muscat on a secluded beach surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains, it scooped ‘best international mixed-use development’ at the recent International Property Awards ceremony held recently in Dubai.
The first Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) to be launched in Oman in seven years, it also received the ‘Five Star award for New Hotel Construction and Design category’ and ‘Five Star award for Mixed-use Development category’ in Oman.
Describing the project as a ‘truly visionary’ initiative, Ali Hassan Kolaghassi, chairman of Saraya Bandar Jissah, said that the award proves that Oman has the skill, expertise and talent to develop projects of international standing.
A host of Arabia’s finest developers, architects, interior designers and real estate agents gathered for the awards ceremony held at Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai on December 4, 2014.
The results of the Arabian Property Awards were announced in the presence of the Earl of Caithness, chairman of the judges for development categories.
“We are indeed delighted to be recognised world-over for Saraya Bandar Jissah’s extraordinary beauty. We take great pride in this achievement as Saraya Bandar Jissah places the Sultanate of Oman’s drive to promote tourism development firmly on the international stage,” added Kolaghassi. The development is being developed in a 50-50 partnership between Omran and Saraya Oman over 2.2 million square metres of land with an expansive beachfront aspect and a high point of 250 metres above sea level. Only 20 per cent of the total area is being developed.
Saraya Bandar Jissah will be home to 398 exclusive residential units, spacious hilltop villas, stylish townhouses and luxury apartments – all with attractive waterfront and mountainside views.
“The Saraya Bandar Jissah development sets a new benchmark for ITC projects in the Sultanate, and this global award underlines the quality and vision of the development,” said Wael Al Lawati, chief executive officer of Omran.
He noted that Omran’s primary goal is to deliver on the government’s vision of growing the capacity and scope of the tourism sector in Oman and it does so by working closely with national and international partners to bring architectural marvels such as Saraya Bandar Jissah to life. “We enjoy a very close relationship with our joint partner Saraya Oman on this project, and we believe Saraya Bandar Jissah is set to become one of the most prestigious addresses in the region.”
Scheduled for a grand opening in 2017, the development also incorporates two luxury hotels operated by the internationally renowned luxury operator, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. The hotels, each positioned on the beach, will offer tourists a distinctly boutique or resort experience, and will form the major leisure component of Saraya Bandar Jissah.
Tough competition
The competition received entries from companies in 12 countries across Arabia with the winning entries receiving either a ‘Highly Commended’ or ‘5-Star’ award.
Saraya Bandar Jissah won two five star awards – New Hotel Construction and Design category and Mixed-use Development category. The 5-star winners were then re-judged to select just one from each of the 50 different categories to go forward to represent Arabia in the 2014-2015 International
Property Awards.
Among Saraya Bandar Jissah’s competitors were Artha Group – India, Immobiliare Coco Drive – Mexico, Pulsar – Turkey, Harvard Estates – UK and Century Property – South Africa.
The International Property Awards in London invited development companies to present their finest work. The judging committee was chaired by three members of the House of Lords who scrutinised hundreds of entries from regional and global developers.
Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan Al Hosni, chief executive officer of Saraya Bandar Jissah said the company takes pride in the recognition of its exemplary levels of quality, professionalism and innovation. “We have proved ourselves on an international level and can now take our rightful place as leaders in the property market. We look forward to more global recognitions and hold our position as the most sought after ITC in the Sultanate,” he noted.
Stuart Shield, president of the International Property Awards, said that each and every one of the companies to win a coveted World’s Best award has displayed exemplary levels of quality, professionalism and innovation.
“Having proved their worth at country level, Saraya Bandar Jissah has now set a new standard,” he noted.
The construction site of Saraya Bandar Jissah representatives said that the pace of development on site is in full swing. “The progress made so far is clear for all to see and due to be delivered on target.”
Saraya Bandar Jissah, which offers picturesque seascapes framed by the ancient rock formations which connect the land with the sea on either side, has seen ‘high’ demand in the market due to its location and characteristics and investment potential offered by the development. With a commitment to cater to both local and foreign investors, the project released the first residential zone to the market on September 15, 2014.
Zaha residential zone offers a mix of three and four bedroom villas, three bedroom duplexes and two bedroom apartments.
Properties located within the Zaha residential zone are also in close proximity to the recreational club and boast a variety of picturesque views of the landscaped park, flowing lagoon and sweeping seascape beyond.
The Saraya Bandar Jissah development comprises five residential zones. These are Safa, Na’eem and Zaha along with Nameer and Wajd.
The ITC’s primary market focus is within the Oman market with the buyers expected to be Omanis, resident expatriates and nationals from the Gulf region.
According to the company, the resort hotel is well under construction and the construction of the boutique hotel will start soon as the package has been awarded.
Saraya Bandar Jissah, which is planning to set up a sales centre on site, says that the project will not face any delay and every component is well on target to be delivered. The project has been focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well, using their products and services during the
development.
At least 800 direct jobs are expected to be created by the project. A number of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are also being planned with the aim of contributing to the local
community.
