Mace Consult confirms project management role on Oman's 400,000-sq-m Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Al-Seeb

UK-headquartered Mace Consult has confirmed it is serving as project management consultant for the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Al-Seeb, Muscat, Oman - a 400,000-sq-m cultural district commissioned by the country's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth^[1]. The firm has been embedded on the programme since 2022, providing project leadership, programme management, commercial oversight and delivery assurance^[1].

What the complex contains

The site brings together a cluster of nationally significant institutions^[1]:

• 23,000-sq-m National Library
• 22,500-sq-m National Archives
• 16,300-sq-m National Theatre, housing a 1,000-seat and a 252-seat auditorium
• 13,165-sq-m cultural plaza
• Four facilities buildings
• 8,000-sq-m energy and data centre

All facilities are arranged around a central urban plaza set within landscaped gardens, water features and a signature canopy structure^[1].

Progress on site

Mace Consult reports that the canopy structural steelwork has been substantially completed, with advances recorded across external infrastructure and utility works, and progress continuing on internal and external finishes^[1]. The firm says it has driven cost efficiencies through commercial governance, proactive change management and value engineering throughout the engagement.

Kuwait-based engineering and architecture consultancy SSH was separately appointed as construction supervision consultant for the complex in early August 2026, with the contract awarded by Mace in its PMC capacity^[1]. SSH will provide comprehensive supervision services throughout the project's delivery, overseeing construction activities, monitoring quality, and coordinating with specialist sub-consultants.

Alignment with Oman Vision 2040

The complex sits within a broader push by Oman to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. The sultanate is investing heavily in a new generation of cultural and heritage projects aimed at strengthening tourism and diversifying the national economy. Tourism diversification under Vision 2040 targets 11 million visitors annually by 2040, promoting the preservation and promotion of Omani heritage, identity, and culture through investments in arts, heritage sites and new museums.

Dr Samir Al Azri, project director for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, described the complex as "a strategic investment in our nation's future" that demonstrates effective collaboration between the ministry, project partners and stakeholders^[1].

Naveed Haque, Mace Consult's director in Oman, said the firm is "helping drive progress across the development, delivering value and supporting Oman's 2040 vision"^[1].

The project's completion date has not been disclosed. With canopy steelwork substantially done and finishes under way, the pace of remaining civil and fit-out packages - and the degree to which the two-consultant delivery structure between Mace and SSH maintains programme momentum - will be the key indicators to watch as the complex moves toward handover.