New landmark: The project will feature 1,657 eco-friendly and energy-efficient residential units including 300 villas
BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, MARCH 30
Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) celebrated on Wednesday the launch of ‘The Sustainable City – Yiti’ in partnership with Diamond Developers – the leading company in developing sustainable communities. With an investment value of nearly $1 billion, the fully integrated, urban, mixed-use master project reflects the group’s goals towards driving the social and economic development through sustainable tourism projects that attract FDI in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Tourism Strategy.
Spread over an area of 1 million square metres, ‘The Sustainable City – Yiti’ – will be developed within the phase 1 of the Yiti Integrated Tourism Development Masterplan – is the first project in the Sultanate of Oman that meets the global green practices and is in adherence to the highest sustainability standards.
Commenting on the inauguration, Eng Mohammed bin Salim al Busaidy, Chairman of OMRAN Group, said, “Our partnership with Diamond Developers to launch ‘The Sustainable City – Yiti’ is a unique milestone in our journey as we continue to invest, develop and maximise the limitless potential of Oman’s tourism sector. As its being developed within one of the largest urban developments in the Middle East, it will open avenues for numerous lucrative investment opportunities for both local and international investors in line with the directions of Oman Investment Authority. Mirroring the Sultanate of Oman’s goal of driving transformational change to attain a green, circular economy and emissions reduction, the city embraces the highest standards of sustainability and attests to our vision of creating an eco-conscious community that is harmoniously aligned with the distinct geography of the region.” Eng Faris Saeed, Chairman of Diamond Developers said, “The Sustainable City – Yiti is not only a benchmark for sustainable urban development, it is a working model for future cities. It is a thriving community made up of thousands of residents, visitors, students, researchers and entrepreneurs” he added. “The project is expected to be one of the region’s most sustainable cities and by adopting the latest solutions in energy production, vertical farming, humidity harvesting and autonomous transportation, we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, in line with Oman Vision 2040.” Slated for completion by 2025, the project will feature 1,657 eco-friendly and energy-efficient residential units including 300 villas. Designed for comfort, practicality and contemporary style, the spacious 3 and 4 bedroom villas will also offer significant savings on utility bills.
While being completely energy independent with solar panels and biogas meeting 100 per cent of its energy requirements, self-sustenance is also an integral element of the project through the incorporation of productive farming areas and greenhouses. Private farming slots will be allocated for residents to encourage them to grow their own produce. The city is also designed to recycle 100 per cent of its waste and water.
Aligning itself to the country’s goals to eliminate carbon footprints, the project is geared to reduce carbon emissions by adopting clean mobility solutions like autonomous shuttles and electric cars and by deploying EV charging stations around the project.
A four-star neighbourhood hotel with 197 rooms, a five-star resort with 170 rooms and a range of restaurants, leisure facilities, 132 luxury serviced apartments, offering sophisticated services and various tourism experiences.
