Dar Global has announced a new partnership with Art District Real Estate Development to launch and develop ‘MAD’ – the Muscat Marine, Art & Digital District. The large-scale coastal project is positioned as a transformative new destination that integrates luxury living, hospitality, cultural enterprise, and advanced digital and financial industries.

Set along Oman’s coastline, the development will span more than 1.5 million square metres and carry a gross development value of approximately OMR 1.6 billion (USD 4.2 billion). The project will roll out in phases over 12 years and is designed to elevate Oman’s global profile by converging oceanfront residential communities, premium hospitality, cultural venues, marinas, retail, and next-generation business districts into a single ecosystem.

Envisioned as a multi-destination coastal city, ‘MAD’ aims to attract affluent travellers, global investors, art patrons, digital entrepreneurs and technology founders. The district will offer luxury residences, world-class marinas, cultural and creative hubs, curated retail, and hotels anchored by sea views and a strong connection to Oman’s maritime heritage.

Ziad El Chaar, chief executive of Dar Global, described the project as a pivotal moment for Oman’s coastal development strategy. “‘MAD’ represents a defining step in how Oman’s coastline will be experienced and how its future economy will emerge,” he said. “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.”

Project leaders emphasised that ‘MAD’ reflects Oman’s confidence in building industries of the future, showcasing how large-scale development can preserve maritime identity while embracing global innovation. The district is expected to catalyse investment, support talent development and create long-term cultural and economic opportunities.

A key feature of the project is the integration of a district-wide digital economy. ‘MAD’ will introduce digital licensing, asset exchange systems and ecosystem rewards, creating new pathways for business formation and investment while enabling a hybrid model of property, culture and enterprise.