Al Madina A'Zarqa appoints world renowned golf course designer

As part of Phase 1, BCC1 will develop an 18-hole PGA standard course consisting of two par threes, two par fives and five par fours per nine. Adjacent to the course will be a gated golf community, a clubhouse, restaurants and other ancillary amenities to compliment the varied styles of high quality residences and hotels to be constructed. The balanced development will be situated in a natural environment of expansive views and extensive open space.

Richard Russell, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BCC1, said:

"We wish to create dream course for the golfers of all skill levels and we are very pleased to be working with such a prestigious and globally recognized name like TPL. TPL's course design expertise will ensure a world-class signature course that supports the vision of both Al Madina A'Zarqa and Oman in creating a leading international tourism destination."

"At Al Madina A'Zarqa we are building a new city; to ultimately become an integral component of the continued visionary economic development of the Sultanate of Oman," Mr. Russell added.

TPL will capitalise on the unique location of the course, sitting as it does adjacent to the Indian Ocean and the Al Khor, in the design. The surrounding properties and hotels will have spectacular views from their elevated location overlooking the golf course.

Founded by Peter Thomson, a five-time winner of the British Open and Chairman of TPL, TPL is firmly established as one of the world's leading course designers, Thomson, Perrett and Lobb has designed golf courses extensively throughout Australia, Europe, Middle East and Asia. The company designed the Open Course at Moonah Links - Home of the 2003 Australia Open, Carya Glof Club in Turkey and Marriott Momi bay in Fiji.

They are currently working on projects in Egypt, Turkey and the UAE. TPL is a multi discipline practice providing comprehensive golf development services for Golf Course Design, Master Planning, Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

"Al Madina A'Zarqa is the most exciting and unique development in Oman, if not the Middle East. We are extremely impressed by the potential of the golf course for the city, Oman and the Gulf. It is very appealing to be able to play a part in the development of this pioneering project, we can assure you, this golf course will become the focus of attention to the international golfers of all levels who knows what he is looking for," said Tim Lobb, Principal, Thomson, Perrett, Lobb.

In future phases the world class course will be expanded to include an additional 18-hole course, a state-of-the-art Golf Academy and equestrian facilities, all of which will be welcome additions to Al Madina A'Zarqa's unique leisure offerings.

Al Madina A'Zarqa will radically expand the tourism facilities in the Sultanate of Oman and the City will become a world destination centering its economic development on trade, sports and wellness, medicine and healthcare, education, entertainment and tourism and hospitality.

The City will generate large scale employment opportunities for Omani nationals, promote freehold property ownership for nationals and expatriates alike and serve as a hub for leisure activities in the Sultanate.