Freehold residences in Oman's premier development launched in Abu Dhabi

Conceived as one of the most important tourism and infrastructure projects in the Middle East, Al Madina A'Zarqa is spread over 32 square kilometers of prime beach front land at Al Sawadi, between the capital Muscat and the rapidly growing city of Sohar.

As part of the Government's economic diversification plans, Al Madina A'Zarqa aims to become the Sultanate's model for growth and incorporates all the elements of a bustling yet welcoming city. Upon completion, the project will accommodate over 200,000 people, several hotels, a university, and a spectrum of healthcare, retail, recreational and commercial facilities. With Phase One due for completion in 2012, Al Madina A'Zarqa has attracted huge global interest following the recent bond issue where $925million was successfully raised to implement construction. Phase One of the project will include luxury hotels, an 18-hole golf course, a marina, natural parkland and extensive tourism and recreational facilities.

"Following the initial release of 400 residential homes for sale in Oman, the owners, Al Sawadi Investment & Tourism Company, have agreed to make available a select number of the beach front Al Murjan homes to residents and nationals of Abu Dhabi,"

said Professor Fari Akhlaghi, CEO and Managing Director of Blue City Company One, the developers of Phase One.

Prof. Akhlaghi stated, "The sale of the first 400 units in Oman caused quite a stir. With queues of people waiting to purchase residences, a complete sell-out was achieved within hours. The public response was amazing and reaffirmed our sincere belief that Al Madina A'Zarqa is truly the most exciting real estate opportunity in the region. We hope for all of our GCC neighbors to be part of this success story. Before we offer more products for sale in Oman, we take this opportunity to invite residents of Abu Dhabi to join us in this exciting venture."

The properties to be released in Abu Dhabi are drawn from the Al Murjan community of prime beach side residential duplex apartments, which are designed in a contemporary Arabic fashion, fusing the flavors of Omani tradition with futuristic lifestyle standards. Foster and Partners, the world's leading architects, are the master planners and designers for these exclusive homes, which feature expansive floor space, voluminous interiors and private courtyards and terraces. Ranging from one bedroom apartments to three-storey residences with rooftop pools, each home is individual in layout and aspect.

Christopher Steel, Head of Hamptons International in Oman, lead sales agent for the properties, is confident that potential buyers will be inspired by the homes offered for sale. Steele commented, "Oman has seen incredible development over the last few years. The real estate market is in a period of exciting boom, offering considerable growth opportunities to all who invest there. Al Madina A'Zarqa represents one of the largest projects of its kind in the region and not only does it offer the prospect of good capital growth, it offers the opportunity for occupiers to live in a meticulously planned 'city by the sea' environment, enjoying all the trappings of a safe, secure and family-oriented lifestyle."

The residences at Al Murjan are 100% freehold and available for purchase by all nationalities. They will be available for booking at the Emirates Palace from 30th April to the 1st May 2008, where Hamptons International has joined hands with Sherwoods Independent Property Consultants in Abu Dhabi to ensure that all potential buyers have a local point of contact.