Crystal Lagoons Corp to venture into KSA and Oman

Crystal Lagoons Corp, developer of the world’s largest manmade lagoon at Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid City, is venturing into Saudi Arabia and Oman.

It has two lagoon projects under construction in Jeddah and a four-hectare lagoon is being built within the new Barka Resort, Oman.

The Alargan Towell-developed Barka Resort in Oman is situated 50 kilometres west of the capital, Muscat. The lagoon is set to become the focal point of the community and will consist of four hotels and residential, commercial properties, to be developed over four phases.

The project encompasses a mixed-use resort style community that will include one four-star and three five-star hotels, a lagoon promenade and shopping malls incorporating a traditional and a modern souk.

Crystal Lagoons CEO Kevin P Morgan said: “With ongoing investment into tourism infrastructure in key markets across the region from Oman to Saudi Arabia, and a positive economic outlook for a number of GCC nations specifically, this really is an exciting time to be at the forefront of leisure development in the Middle East."

The company also announced the completion of the initial phase of its mega lagoon project as part of the high profile District 1 community at the upcoming Mohammed Bin Rashid City development in Dubai.

Phase one includes a housing project with nine test homes which, together with the lagoon, are a ‘showroom’ for the development. It will eventually include residential areas, hotels and commercial opportunities.

The next phases of the lagoon project are set to cover approximately eight hectares and be delivered in 2016, with an additional nine hectares completed by 2017, eventually covering a total area of 40 hectares.

Morgan added: “The initial phase of the lagoon at Meydan is just the precursor to what will ultimately be the world's largest connected crystalline lagoon when all 40 hectares are transformed into an aquatic playground for water sports, poolside relaxation and family fun."

The company's global portfolio of 300 projects located in 60 countries now includes a total of eight operational or under development sites in the Middle East. This includes locations in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE.

Its technology makes it possible for people to enjoy an authentic beach experience in previously unimaginable locations, such as the desert or in the centre of major cities.

Designed to be self-cleaning, the lagoons use up to 100 times less chemicals than traditional systems, and only 2% of the energy required by conventional filtering technologies, making them more sustainable.