Oman Awards Khor Grama Marina Contract: Implications for Investors and the Tourism Sector
MUSCAT, AUGUST 11 — The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has awarded Meridian Engineering Consultancy the contract for design and supervision of the Khor Grama development, a marine tourism initiative located approximately 22 kilometers east of Sur in Ash Sharqiyah South. Meridian secured the contract by submitting the lowest bid of RO 275,830.8, as stated in public tender announcements.
The consultancy mandate is comprehensive. Meridian will embark on a detailed study and design for a marina that can accommodate around 75 luxury yachts and 20 excursion vessels, a dedicated fishermen’s bay, as well as water sports and entertainment zones. The project also includes essential support infrastructure, such as emergency and security facilities.
Additionally, the scope entails dredging the marina channel and basin, leveling and landscaping approximately 300,000 square meters, and establishing external infrastructure and services, including shaded car parking and fuel pump facilities. The consultants are also tasked with preparing construction tender documents and providing full technical oversight during the project’s execution.
Khor Grama, recognized as Oman’s largest northern lagoon, is strategically positioned to become a marine tourism hub according to official planning documents. The masterplan and vision for the project were developed by the Italian firm Giò Forma in collaboration with regional consultant F&M Middle East, which has previously contributed to broader planning and technical strategies for the site. The design focuses on enhancing local fishing communities while providing visitor amenities that make use of the lagoon’s serene waters and natural features.
The contract award follows an international tender process that began in August 2024, attracting significant interest with 23 consultancy firms purchasing tender documents during the pre-qualification phase. This reflects both the project’s international appeal and the importance placed on coastal tourism and regional connectivity. Observers emphasize that timely completion of the consultancy phase is crucial for maintaining the project schedule and facilitating subsequent construction procurement.
Economically, Khor Grama is poised to diversify local income sources and increase tourism in the Ras al Hadd–Sur corridor. If the development aligns with the masterplan, the marina and related facilities are expected to create new maritime services and hospitality opportunities for local businesses, thereby enhancing Oman’s coastal leisure offerings in the regional and international yachting markets. Meridian’s appointment marks the initiation of the technical process essential for transforming the masterplan into construction-ready packages.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The Khor Grama development represents a pivotal opportunity for businesses in Oman by positioning the country as a key player in marine tourism. This project could diversify local economies and generate new revenue streams, particularly for hospitality and maritime sectors, making it crucial for smart investors to position themselves in emerging markets. Entrepreneurs should engage now to leverage the expected influx of tourism and its ripple effects on the local economy.
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