Muscat's luxury shopping mall to open in Feb 2012

Muscat's new luxury shopping mall, The Opera Galleria, is on track to open in February next year, leasing agents Savills has said.

The retail development, which will adjoin the new Royal Opera House in the Omani capital, will house more than 60 stores and restaurants.

Savills Oman said in a statement that it has witnessed high levels of interest in the space and have already started finalising bookings.

It said emphasis had been placed on "ensuring the stores and food and beverage locations offer a broad selection of choices to cater for all tastes".

Chris Steel, managing partner of Savills, said: "The importance of making the Opera Galleria an all day and evening "gathering hub" has always been forefront of our leasing philosophy.

"This cannot be created by shops alone. We want The Opera Galleria's visitors and guests as part of their experience to be able to enjoy a quality coffee, savour luxury macaroons from Paris, relish traditional London café fare - it will all be there."

He added that famous cafe names will soon be announced alongside fine dining options from Italy's Bice Group and Frontier, a Northern Indian restaurant.

The development, spread over 6,500 sq m, has extensive car parking and will be linked ultimately by footbridge to the Intercontinental Hotel development site, he said.

The interior design of The Opera Galleria will reflect "understated elegance", he added.

Liberal use of quality marble, etched glass and bronze work will provide the back drop for all the shops, bistros and cafes.