The developers of Saraya Bandar Jissah, a major leisure project in Muscat, Oman, have awarded the construction contract worth RO21.5 million ($55 million) for the first residential zone package to Towell Construction & Company.

The Zaha Zone package includes the construction of 14 units of three-bedroom detached villas, 29 units of three-bedroom semi-detached villas and 21 blocks, each with 4 two-bedroom apartments and 2 three-bedroom duplexes, reported the Times of Oman.

The $600-million dream project, Saraya Bandar Jissah is being developed in partnership between Omran and Saraya Oman on the outskirts of Muscat on a secluded beach surrounded by the Hajar Mountains.

A total of 169 properties are being planned to be ready for occupation by 2016, said Saraya Bandar Jissah CEO Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan Al Hosni after signing the deal with WJ Towell vice chairman and managing director Imad Kamal Sultan.

'Zaha' ('promise of prosperity' in Arabic) is perched on a hillside and is positioned at the very heart of the Saraya Bandar Jissah development. It will be easily accessible through the main arterial road which leads to the beachfront hotels, said the report.

The gross built-up area of the residential zone is 62,641 sq m and all properties are distributed on both sides of the road.