Legislation is expected to be in place by 2004 that will enable foreign expatriates to own freehold property in the sultanate. Present real estate law only permits Omanis and other GCC nationals to own freehold property. Any deposits placed by expatriates for property on the development are refundable if the required legislation allowing freehold ownership is not enacted.

Private investors Sayyid Talal bin Tarik al-Said and Sayyid Qais bin Tarik al-Said are promoting the project, which will be situated in the foothills behind Seeb International Airport. Wimberley Allison Tong & Gooof the UK has drawn up the masterplan and architectural designs, and the local/Danish COWI & Partnersis working on the detailed designs.

Initial site preparation for the proposed golf course has already begun. The client expects to issue tenders for the main construction packages in early 2004, with a full opening scheduled for late 2005. Proposals are also under evaluation to build a 100-room hotel, with 25 one- and two-bedroom suites behind the planned clubhouse.