A new community, perched on the famous Jabal Al Akhdar mountain range about 153 km from Omani capital Muscat, will come up at an estimated cost of $2.4 billion.

Designs of the mixed-use project, Omani Mountain Destination (OMD), were revealed last month. It will be the sultanate’s highest altitude development at 2,400 m.

The project, masterplanned by AtkinsRéalis, aims to attract sustainable development opportunities. It boasts a total of 2,527 residences and 2,000 hospitality rooms as part of hotels, and a purpose-built health and wellness village, The Vessel.

Designed in consultation with local communities, AtkinsRéalis has responded to both the existing landscape and ecology, as well as the cultural heritage of the area.

On completion, OMD is expected to attract a residential population of more than 8,000 and an average of 2,350 overnight visitors and 2,000 daily visitors.

Due to its high altitude, the area has a comfortable climate with an average yearly temperature of 22 deg C.

Unveiling the design, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning Dr Khalfan Al Shueili said: “Today, we introduce our vision for the Omani Mountain Destination to the global community. This significant milestone brings us a step closer to delivering a new international destination that celebrates and protects Oman’s natural landscapes and ecology.”

As part of its commitment to preserving the area’s existing ecology, the development includes an escarpment walk in a remote wilderness area that has been legally protected as a National Scenic Reserve. This will ensure low light pollution to maintain the destination’s Dark Sky Zone, he noted.

Al Shueili said the development will also include the new Wadi Al Harbi Park, comprising a new bridge, farming and agrotourism, family recreation activities, and mountain biking and extreme sports facilities, including bungee jumping and rock climbing.

With a significant focus on social and environmental sustainability, alongside its residential, retail and hospitality offerings, the OMD will include a biodiversity centre, dedicated health and wellness areas, a high-altitude sports training centre, amphitheatres, museum and parks and public spaces.