90% Progress in the Oman Botanic Garden Project

The Oman Botanic Garden, one of the largest conservation projects in the world and the biggest in the Arabian Peninsula, is now over 90% complete. Located in Al Khoudh, Muscat, the project is dedicated to showcasing Oman’s native flora and promoting biodiversity and sustainability.

Key Features of the Project:

• Scale and Purpose:
  The garden spans 500 hectares and houses 1,450 native plant species, displayed within recreated habitats. The project features two main biomes, replicating northern mountainous regions (Hajar Mountains) and southern cloud forests (Dhofar Mountains). Outdoor habitats include wadis, sand deserts, and salt flats.
• Innovative Facilities:
  Visitors will enjoy facilities such as interactive exhibits, a research center, and Oman’s first cable car, offering aerial views of the garden. Additionally, over 100,000 trees will be planted to enhance the site’s natural beauty.
• Environmental Achievements:
  The project has earned LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of sustainability in design. Its solar power station, covering 50,000 square meters with 11,000 panels, generates 20,000 kWh annually. The garden’s glass facade, constructed with 6,100 tons of steel and 4,000 glass panels, combines modern aesthetics with eco-conscious architecture.
• Research and Conservation Center:
  The Oman Botanic Garden features facilities like a seed bank, herbarium, laboratories, and a comprehensive library to support academic and scientific research. Field teams have extensively collected and propagated native plants, creating a vital resource for researchers, students, and scholars.
• Unique Geological Features:
  The site was selected for its rich geological history, featuring rocks over 70 million years old, dating back to the Cretaceous period.

Future Outlook:

The Oman Botanic Garden aims to raise public awareness about biodiversity conservation through immersive exhibits and educational programs. Once completed, the garden will serve as a symbol of Oman’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.