Oman is set to benefit from new Olympic-standard sporting facilities as part of a 100-hectare (247-acre) development currently under construction at Wudam Al Sahil, near Muscat.

The scheme, which comprises a mixture of temporary and permanent facilities, is being built in preparation to host the 2010 Asian Beach Games in December next year and in a bid to boost the country's sports tourism. A four-star Millennium Hotel, scheduled to open in October 2010, is among the proposed facilities at the Wudam Al Sahil development, as well as an athletes' village, administration buildings, a media centre and a 400-berth marina.

The scheme also includes purpose-built playing pitches with temporary stands capable of holding 1,500 spectators, a new man-made lagoon for water-based events and an amphitheatre accommodating up to 5,000 spectators, as well as a range of restaurants and retail outlets. Omran - the government of Oman's tourism and development arm - is behind the development, which aims to establish itself as a tourism destination and act as a catalyst for future schemes.

The project follows the opening of the first nine holes at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, which will be the first full grass course in Oman and will feature a PGA-standard 18-hole facility designed by golf course architect Paul Thomas. A boutique hotel, villas and apartments are also planned.