Farhan Faraidooni, executive chairman of Sama Dubai, says the Salam Yiti project is progressing as per schedule and the sale of units will begin in six months

Can you tell us about the cost and components of Salam Resort & Spa - Yiti project?

The total value of the Salam Yiti project will be in excess of US$1.5bn. The architectural concept we have utilised for the project seeks to enhance the natural beauty of the site, without negatively impacting the surrounding rock formations and intricate ecosystem that exist in the area. The project is set in an exclusive luxury destination resort and secondary residential development that takes full advantage of the inherent natural beauty and opportunities provided by the site’s attractive setting between mountains and beach. The project will comprise 2,000 residential units that include luxury apartments, townhouses and villas. Within the gated community an 18-hole golf course, eco-centre, marina, three five-star hotels and a souq will service residents and guests to Salam Yiti. Apart from being a sustainable tourism project, it will also showcase the country’s cultural traditions in an environment friendly way.

Has construction work started? What is the targeted date of completion?


The project’s construction enabling and infrastructure work, including the site fill, dredging, blasting and initial road works, has commenced. We have two major phases of development with minor stages of construction planned in between. The first handover of residential units is expected in 2009. The project will be completed by 2011.

The Salam Yiti presentation centre coming up at Madinat al Illam has evoked a lot of curiosity. What does the centre comprise?

It will act as a facility for the Salam locations throughout Oman and also present the Salam Yiti impression. An experience journey, along with a mock-up interior will help the customer experience the Salam offering. Customers will be able to purchase villas, townhouses and apartments in the sales centre. There is a separate building to the rear, which will accommodate the country office, including administration, finance and project management.

When is the sale of housing units expected to begin?

The sale of housing units will begin within the next six months. The size of the properties will vary, but will be above the average size currently available in the market. The exact sizes and floor plans will be made available at the launch. We are also in the process of finalising negotiations on mortgage and loan arrangements with two prominent banks in Oman.

What is the level of interest shown by investors?

There is enormous interest amongst investors who view Salam Yiti as an excellent real estate investment and appreciate the uniqueness and excellent location of the project within Oman’s booming economy. Our target clients include Omanis looking to invest in first and second homes; European, GCC and GCC second home owners; Middle Eastern corporate end users and retirees, as well as regional, European and Asian tourists. It will also be a self-contained, guarded community for about 7,000 permanent and visiting residents, offering a spectrum of high-end lifestyle and wellness environments. Value proposition for Salam Yiti will build on offering four luxury resort experiences in one project: a beach resort, mountain resort, golf resort and spa.

Have you shortlisted any hotel groups, golf course designers or architects?

We have chosen Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, the world’s number one designer of hotels and resorts, who specialise in residential and commercial projects with practical and dynamic designs. We also have a number of premium hoteliers and golf course designers in the negotiation stages. g