Majid al- Futtaim Properties announced today that it will soon kick-start the construction works of Mall of Oman, set to be the Sultanate’s flagship destination for retail, leisure and entertainment. 0????????????????`??????????????(???????(?????????? The regional retail pioneer has appointed Sarooj Construction, along with its specialist subcontractors, to undertake the enabling and highways works of the super-regional mall, as part of Phase One. The contractor will start construction works imminently having set a number of key milestones which will enable the commencement of the mall’s construction works in early 2017, said a statement from the company. The initial works include: bulk excavations, retaining walls, utility diversions followed by major road and bridge construction around interchange number 6 of the Muscat Expressway. The super-regional mall project is part of a wider RO515 million investment in Oman by Majid al- Futtaim. When opened in 2020, Mall of Oman will be the biggest and most integrated destination for shopping, leisure and entertainment in the Sultanate. Ghaith Shocair, the chief executive (Shopping malls) at Majid al- Futtaim – Properties, said that the Group has enhanced its businesses in the Sultanate to be the leader in providing the best marketing and entertainment experience. He added that the Group will build two more malls namely City Center Sohar and My City Center Sur. The projects align with the government’s national tourism strategy 2040 which aims at achieving 6% growth in the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP and doubling the number of visitors to 5 million per anum. — Ends/MS/FS