05 May Interview with Mr. Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
JT: As one of the most successful mixed-use developments in Oman, how does Al Mouj Muscat align with Oman’s Vision 2040 and what impact has it had on the national economy?
Al Sheibani: Al Mouj Muscat originated from Oman’s Vision 2020, established in 2006 as part of the government’s mission to reduce dependence on oil and gas by promoting tourism. At the time, Muscat lacked high-end hotels, residential options, and recreational facilities like golf courses and private marinas. Tourism became a key pillar of the country’s diversification strategy, which continues under Vision 2040. Today, Al Mouj Muscat is proud to be a benchmark for development in Oman. New projects are often compared to Al Mouj Muscat, reflecting its status as a standard of excellence. Currently, about 80% of the project is complete, with the final 20% underway.
JT: With over 19,000 residents and a growing portfolio of hospitality, retail and leisure facilities, how do you envision the future of Al Mouj Muscat, and what are the key priorities driving its next phase of growth?
Al Sheibani: Al Mouj Muscat is an integrated tourism complex with interconnected components, making it a unique community. The project features two key anchors: the Greg Norman-designed golf course and a marina with 400 berths for yachting, enhancing its leisure and tourism appeal. We currently have seven hotels—four operational and three under construction—including the Mysk Hotel, Kempinski Hotel, St. Regis and the upcoming Okura Resort Hotel, the first of its kind in the Gulf. Once completed, Al Mouj Muscat will offer a total of 2,000 hotel rooms. The community includes a shopping center, 80 restaurants, a waterfront promenade, an office park with eight Grade A office buildings spanning 40,000 square meters and a variety of residential units. It also features essential amenities like a school, a community hub with a mosque and nursery, clinics and other daily necessities. Designed as a walkable, self-sufficient community, Al Mouj Muscat offers everything residents need within its 2.5 million square meters of oceanfront land, creating a vibrant, year-round lifestyle destination. Our vision is to create a world-class waterfront community that showcases Oman’s lifestyle and leisure, bringing together people, business and culture. Our shareholders are Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), Tanmia Oman and Majid Al Futtaim from the UAE. Centrally located near the airport, Al Mouj Muscat has seen significant progress since its launch in 2006.
JT: Given its award-winning architecture, well-designed landscapes, and waterfront setting, how were sustainability and environmental responsibility integrated into the planning of Al Mouj Muscat?
Al Sheibani: Al Mouj Muscat is the first project in Oman to feature a central district cooling plant, providing energy-efficient air conditioning for the entire community. Our lush gardens and golf course are irrigated with recycled TSC water, and all streets use LED lighting, reflecting our commitment to sustainability from day one. Our golf course hosts 173 bird species, attracting bird watchers alongside golfers. We also have an oyster farm, turtles and a coral reef in the marina. To support local fishermen affected by climate change, we sponsored an artificial coral reef project, increasing marine biodiversity from 2 to 35 fish species. Leveraging our waterfront location, we have created islands with circulating seawater, enhancing the vibrant coastal ecosystem.
JT: With seven hotels, including the upcoming Okura Resort Muscat – the first Japanese-branded hotel in Oman – how does the location at the heart of Al Mouj Golf enhance the resort’s appeal?
Al Sheibani: I’m proud to say our golf course is ranked the second-best in the Middle East and North Africa, just behind Majlis in Abu Dhabi, and has held this position for several years. It’s GEO certified, home to 173 bird species and hosts the European and Asian tours annually, consistently praised by players. Out of 40,000 golf courses worldwide, we rank in the top 100. Our oceanfront location makes it truly unique.
JT: What are your expectations once the hotel is completed, especially in attracting Japanese tourists and others interested in Japanese culture?
Al Sheibani: We strategically chose the Gulf location for this hotel to attract Japanese visitors, knowing their love for golf and the ocean. We are excited to bring Japanese culture to Al Mouj Muscat through authentic cuisine, unique outlets and culturally inspired interiors. Al Mouj Muscat is a vibrant community of nearly 90 nationalities, with 50% Omani residents and the rest from around the world. We proudly celebrate cultural diversity with events like Chinese New Year, Diwali and Christmas, fostering harmony and inclusivity. We currently welcome around 4 million tourists annually, and this number continues to grow. Al Mouj Muscat is a success story for the Ministry of Tourism, and we are proud of our achievements and eager to achieve even more.
JT: How does Al Mouj Muscat position itself as a prime investment destination, especially for Japanese investors, and what incentives are available for foreign investors?
Al Sheibani: As part of an integrated tourism complex, Al Mouj Muscat allows non-Omanis to own freehold properties, granting lifelong residency, renewable every two years. You can bring your family, including first-degree relatives, with no restrictions on the number of children. We offer a diverse range of homes, from 60-square-meter studios to 2,000-square-meter mansions, catering to different needs and budgets—whether you’re a bachelor or have a large family. Our inclusive approach ensures a variety of options for everyone.
JT: Do you have any closing remarks for our readers who are considering visiting or investing in Oman?
Al Sheibani: I visited Japan in February 2003, and its beautiful culture and people left a lasting impression. I look forward to welcoming more Japanese customers and residents to Al Mouj Muscat and hope to visit Japan again someday.