Work on the first phase of The Wave, Muscat, a $1 billion multi-use project, is well under way with the levelling and reclamation work.

Also in progress is the construction of three show apartments, which are due for completion early this year (2007).
“The construction of the homes in phase one along with the site infrastructure started in early January 2006 and the first homes will be ready for occupation in early 2008,” a spokesman of the project told Gulf Construction.
“Work has already begun, including major earthworks and the reclamation required for creating the world-class marina. The ‘Queen of the Netherlands’, a 175-m trail suction-hopping dredger, is currently working on-site based on a pre-approved environmental plan, in keeping with Oman’s strict environmental standards. In addition, enabling work will be commencing shortly,” says the spokesman.
The show apartments will give potential buyers an opportunity to view three types of home at the project and will showcase the specification and the craftsmanship of all the properties at The Wave, Muscat. Individuals will be able to get a real sense of the lifestyle that a home at the project will provide.
The massive project located on a continuous seafront site in Muscat is in the heart of the growth corridor of the capital city and has been making waves in Oman since it was announced early last year. A joint venture between the Omani government, the UAE-based developer Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAFI) and the Omani Pensions Fund, the premier master-planned beachfront development will offer freehold homes, world-class hotels, a marina village and a Greg Norman signature golf course and is being built in two phases.
In seeking a developing partner for the meticulously-planned project, the Omani government went through a rigorous and transparent selection process and “MAFI was picked largely due to its impeccable track record, proven development expertise and the ability to deliver major projects on time”, says the spokesman.
 “The Wave, Muscat was master planned by OBM International, a Caribbean-based architecture, planning and design firm and lead architects WS Atkins. A number of other leading architects have also been commissioned to design the residences including locally-based architects Triad Oman Consultants International, a 10 per cent Omani engineering and architectural consultancy firm, Italian architects Carlo Santini and Greek architects Alexander Tombazis,” says the spokesman.
At the time of going to Press, tenders for the construction work on phase one were being evaluated with a view to appointing the main contractors for the project. However, according to the spokesman of the project, the contractors and engineers who will be awarded the contracts would be only for the first phase. “Whether they would be awarded the contract for the second phase of The Wave, Muscat is dependant upon their success in terms of production and quality achieved,” says the spokesman. “The later phase of housing may be negotiated or re-tendered,” he adds
The second phase of the project will comprise 153 properties including a range of three, four and five-bedroom townhouses and garden and waterfront villas, compared to the first phase which has 221 homes, according to the spokesman.
These stylish townhouses, as well as garden and waterfront villas have been carefully crafted around extensive landscaping, open parks and lakeside recreation areas. All properties will be finished to the highest standards, boasting stylish interiors along with spacious private gardens and off-street parking.
“The construction of the second phase is due to commence in April 2007 and is due for completion in December 2008,” he says.
The Wave, Muscat promises the discerning investor an authentic experience in true Arabian style. It will be “an incomparable residential community of world-class freehold homes, hospitality options and leisure facilities”, he says. The residences promise to be spectacular and have been carefully selected for the superior design and meticulous planning.
Upon completion, The Wave, Muscat will be a fully master planned community occupying a total area of 2,500,000 sq m stretching along 6 km of natural beach and will include a string of man-made lakes and islands.
The development will encompass a signature 18 hole green links golf course designed by renowned golfer and designer Greg Norman, a 300-berth marina, four luxury hotels, retail and restaurant outlets along with approximately 4,000 one and two-bedroom apartments, three and four-bedroom town houses and garden, waterfront and beachfront villas.