Oman has announced the launch of ‘MAD’, Muscat Marine, Art and Digital District — a landmark $4.2bn (OR1.6bn) coastal megaproject set to reshape the Sultanate’s tourism, culture, luxury living and future-economy landscape.
The project is being developed by Dar Global, the London-listed luxury real estate developer, in collaboration with Art District Real Estate Development.
Spanning more than 1.5 million square metres along Oman’s coastline, ‘MAD’ is designed as a unified multi-destination city that brings together sea-view living, luxury hospitality, cultural expression and emerging financial and digital industries.
Muscat Marine, Art and Digital District in Oman
The development’s multiple phases will be delivered over 12 years, with the ambition of elevating Oman’s global profile and attracting a new wave of high-net-worth investors, creators and technology founders.
Conceived as a next-generation coastal district, ‘MAD’ will feature luxury residential communities, curated retail concepts, cultural venues, premium hotels, world-class marinas and next-generation finance and business parks.
The district aims to offer a seamless live-work-connect experience rooted in Oman’s maritime heritage and long-term economic vision.
Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said: “‘MAD’ represents a defining step in how Oman’s coastline will be experienced and how its future economy will emerge. Together with Art District Real Estate development, we are building a destination that goes beyond real estate to empower enterprise, attract global talent, support cultural production and unlock new economic value. ‘MAD’ is a new gateway for Oman, one inspired by the sea and shaped by innovation.”
A central pillar of the project is its alignment with Oman’s diversification agenda, particularly national ambitions to expand the culture, tourism, technology and high-value financial sectors.
The development will host private marinas for mansions, international art exhibitions, digital incubators, a financial centre and a curated global event calendar, positioning Muscat as a regional hub for marine adventure, cultural exchange and digital creativity.
Dar Global in Oman
A defining feature of ‘MAD’ is the integration of a district-wide digital economy. This includes digital licensing, asset exchange and ecosystem rewards to support new business formation and investment models for global talent and investors.
The approach reflects Oman’s confidence in building industries of the future while preserving the nation’s maritime identity.
El Chaar said: “We are creating value beyond physical spaces. ‘MAD’ is an ecosystem where creators, innovators and investors meet; not only to live or visit, but to participate.
“That participation defines the future of real estate, and we are proud to shape it in Oman. This partnership demonstrates what Oman stands for; cultural leadership, responsible innovation and global investment confidence. ‘MAD’ is a testament to what is possible when heritage and ambition come together.”
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