Oman-based Shaksy Engineering Services has been awarded the contract for the construction of the community centre at Al Mouj Muscat, a freehold waterfront project which is set to become the sultanate's lifestyle and leisure destination.

Al Mouj Muscat is a joint venture between Oman’s Waterfront Investments (representing the Government of Oman), National Investment Development Company (representing the pension funds of Oman) and UAE-based real estate developer, owner and manager Majid Al Futtaim Properties – a pioneer in the retail, leisure and hospitality landscape in the Middle East.

Work will soon begin on the community hub – the destination’s newest development, designed and created to be a place where people can connect, share and learn - and will be completed next year, said Al Mouj Muscat CEO Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani after signing the deal with Shaksy Engineering Services CEO Said bin Salaam Al Shaksi.

"The community hub is very important for us as it is a project driven with one ultimate goal which is serving the community," stated Al Sheibani.

"In addition to the prayer halls for women and men, the mosque, which will accommodate over 400 people, it also features a cultural centre where everyone is welcome to visit and learn about the Omani culture and traditions as well as two libraries for men and women," noted the top official.

Situated at a prime location on the development, between the main entrance and the adjacent Ghadeer District, the community hub will incorporate different major features including a mosque, kindergarten and sales centre, he added.

Enhancing the urban experience of the community hub is the ‘space between’, which will be beautifully landscaped and will serve to connect all the features of the development together.

Future plans will also see pop-up street food outlets and Omani fashion boutiques, as well as a market to sell traditional Omani arts and crafts, adding to Al Mouj Muscat’s established food, retail and entertainment offering, he added.

To facilitate the vehicular flow and enhance visitors’ experience, Al Mouj Muscat has planned parking with around 170 spaces. For the families dropping children off at the kindergarten, the adjacent parking spaces will also feature an easy-to-use wide-bay design.

On its construction partner, Al Sheibani said Shaksy Engineering Services was roped in for this significant project "due to its dedicated and skilled workforce, and for being best in market facilities, resources and equipment."

"Shaksy Engineering Services, like Al Mouj Muscat, has a clear and ambitious vision and we are confident that together we will add another milestone of success for Al Mouj Muscat with this community project," he added.-TradeArabia News Service