Canopy steelwork completed on major Oman cultural complex

The RO 147.8 million (US$384 million) development is being built on a 400,000 sq m site in Al-Seeb. It will contain a national library, national archives, two auditoriums and a cultural plaza.

Contractor Saif al Harasi is tasked with the design and build of the project, while Dubai Investments-owned Emirates Building Systems (EBS) is in charge of the structural steelwork. Mace Consult, is working alongside Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to provide project leadership, programme management, commercial oversight, and delivery assurance.

Mace Consult said external infrastructure and utility works had also advanced, alongside internal and external finishes.

The complex will include a 23,000 sq m National Library and a 22,500 sq m National Archives building.

Its 16,300 sq m National Theatre will contain auditoriums seating 1,000 and 252 people, while a 13,165 sq m Cultural Plaza will form another part of the development.

Plans also include four facilities buildings and an 8,000 sq m energy and data centre. The buildings will be arranged around an urban plaza and surrounded by landscaped gardens and water features.

Naveed Haque, country director for Oman at Mace Consult, said, “As one of Oman’s most significant cultural developments, the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex will create a destination for culture, learning and community engagement.

“Through strong project and programme leadership, commercial management and collaboration, we are helping drive progress across the development, delivering value and supporting Oman’s 2040 vision.”

Dr Samir Al Azri, project director for the complex at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said, “The Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex stands as a testament to the Sultanate of Oman’s ongoing commitment to fostering culture, knowledge, and creativity in accordance with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This important project represents a strategic investment in our nation’s future and demonstrates the effective collaboration between the Ministry, project partners, and stakeholders.