Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has awarded two consultancy contracts on its convention and exhibition centre project on the outskirts of Muscat.

UK-based RMJM has won the main consultancy contract, which involves design and engineering work. “RMJM was awarded the lead consultancy contract last week, and so the project will pick up speed very quickly now,” says a source close to the project.

Canada’s Hanscomb & Company saw off competition from eight other consultants to win the quantity surveying contract for the development. “Hanscomb received confirmation today that it has won the quantity surveying deal for the convention centre,” said another source.

US-based WATG had earlier been appointed as master-planner for the project, which will be built four kilometres from Muscat International Airport.

The convention and exhibition centre development is planned to include a 6,000 capacity convention centre, a 30,000-square metre exhibition and sports centre at the site. The plans also include a 125,000 sq m shopping mall, a 70,000 sq m low-rise business park, and four hotels, each with 250 rooms. One hotel will be rated as five-star, two will be four-star, and one will be three-star (MEED 9:12:10).

WATG is also working on another major project in the Muscat area, the House of Musical Arts. The firm was appointed as the architectural consultant for the opera building, and is also involved with the design work on the landscape garden.