In a significant move that strengthens its presence in the Gulf region, the National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC to Build), based in Abu Dhabi, has secured a high-profile contract to build a new marina in the Sultanate of Oman. The project, valued at AED 383 million, or approximately $104.2 million USD, marks another milestone for NMDC as it continues to expand across international waters.
According to official statements, the entire development is expected to be completed within 15 months. The marina will be constructed along Oman’s strategic coastline and will include a wide range of maritime infrastructure facilities such as dredging, reclamation, and shoreline protection.
This major undertaking is part of Oman’s ongoing national strategy to enhance its tourism and marine sectors, diversify its economy beyond oil revenues, and attract foreign investment by developing high-end infrastructure and coastal experiences.
A Strategic Win for NMDC
NMDC, one of the region’s leading marine engineering and construction companies, has earned a reputation for delivering complex and large-scale projects across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Established in 1979, the company specializes in dredging and marine construction, including artificial islands, ports, harbors, and waterfront developments.
The company operates a fleet of more than 27 advanced dredgers along with a comprehensive set of support vessels and equipment, making it one of the most capable players in the marine construction sector.
Securing this Omani contract not only reinforces NMDC’s position as a regional leader but also shows the growing demand for high-quality coastal infrastructure in the Gulf.
What the Marina Project Includes
Though specific design details have yet to be publicly released, sources close to the development indicate that the project will involve:
- Dredging and deepening of the coastal area to make it suitable for yachts and marine traffic
- Land reclamation to extend usable coastal space
- Construction of breakwaters and seawalls for protection
- Installation of pontoons, berths, and support infrastructure for private vessels
- Creation of public access spaces and possibly retail or tourism-friendly zones
The project aims not only to improve marine traffic capabilities but also to boost local tourism and create economic opportunities in nearby communities.
Oman’s Growing Focus on Marine Tourism
This new marina aligns with Oman’s broader national goals. As part of its Vision 2040 strategy, Oman is focused on transforming its coastal assets into hubs for tourism, recreation, and economic development. Projects like this marina are expected to attract private yachts, cruise ships, and international visitors, adding long-term value to the country’s tourism landscape.
Additionally, coastal developments like marinas often bring in new businesses such as cafes, hotels, diving centers, and fishing-related services, creating job opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurship.
Environmental and Economic Balance
With increased attention being paid to sustainable development, NMDC is expected to follow strict environmental guidelines during the construction phase. The company has a track record of adopting eco-friendly dredging methods and using advanced technology to minimize the environmental footprint of its projects.
A marina development of this size also holds economic potential beyond tourism. It can serve as a logistics hub, attract foreign investors, and even encourage other infrastructure projects in the surrounding areas.
Regional Marine Construction on the Rise
This project comes at a time when the Middle East is seeing a surge in marine construction and dredging projects. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and now Oman are investing heavily in waterfront development, luxury marinas, and artificial islands as part of their long-term economic diversification plans.
NMDC is already heavily involved in high-profile projects across the UAE and has ongoing contracts in Egypt, India, and Bahrain. The Omani marina deal further enhances its regional footprint and showcases the company’s versatility and reliability in delivering complex marine projects.
Final Thoughts
The new marina project in Oman is more than just a construction contract; it is a strategic investment in the future of the country’s coastal economy. For NMDC, it is a chance to once again prove its engineering excellence on an international stage and solidify its standing as a key player in the global marine infrastructure arena.
With completion expected in just over a year, all eyes will be on Oman’s coastline as NMDC begins transforming the landscape into a vibrant, modern marina that could become a cornerstone of the country’s coastal tourism ambitions.
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