The construction of the Oman Botanical Garden has reached a significant construction milestone following the erection of its first 40 meters long, 31 meters tall and 26 tonnes heavy structural arch at the center of the facility.
Developed through a collaboration between the design, planning, and engineering firm Arup, a London-based architectural practice Grimshaw, and an international museum and heritage consultancy Haley Sharpe Design at a project cost of 154 million euros translates to roughly $175 million, the garden is located at the foot of the Al-Hajar Mountain in the heart of the capital city of Muscat.Â
Expectations for the Oman Botanical Garden
When fully completed, possibly in 2023, the botanical garden will be the largest on the Arabian Peninsula, and also, one of the largest in the world featuring educational and research facilities, a playground, and a visitor centre. The facility will also offer a tour of the central deserts as well as the southern and northern mountains.Â
Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the flora and vegetation of Oman and also an opportunity to learn about Oman’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural heritage alongside the country’s legendary hospitality.
According to Salim Al-Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the garden will cover 420 hectares and it will be home to species that include endangered ones from eight varying habitats in the sultanate. Salim also stated that the garden will showcase traditional crops and the various ways that the people of Oman make use of plants.Â
