As Oman continues to diversify its tourism offering, plans have been unveiled for a new aquarium, set to open in the city of Seeb’s Palm Mall in the first quarter of 2018.

The aquarium, which will be 8,000sq m (86,000sq ft) in size, will feature a collection of 30,000 marine creatures across 55 exhibit tanks.

The main ocean tank will be 1.7 million litres and will house fish and sharks found on the coast of Oman. The tank will have a walkthrough tunnel, as well as a large viewing panel in the aquarium’s main gallery. The majority of the aquarium’s exhibits will showcase Oman’s local marine life, while there will also be a number of freshwater exhibits from Asia and Africa.

UK-based specialist aquarium and animal-based attraction consulting firm Tolliday Group International have been appointed to provide consultancy, supervision and specialised management and operational services by Al Jarwani Group – one of Oman’s largest property developers and developer of the wider Palm Mall.

“We are creating a mall that has international appeal and offers our visitors a number of exciting experiences in shopping, family entertainment and leisure,” said Al Jarwani chair, Mahmoud Al Jarwani.

“The aquarium is a key attraction in the mall and will deliver a world-class education and conservation programme.

“We are committed to deliver this unique experience and ensure that everyone who visits us has a fantastic time. Oman has some of the most amazing marine life in the world. Our aim is to ensure that everyone who passes through our aquarium leaves knowing more about the underwater world than when they came in. It will enhance visitors’ awareness and ignite their passion to look after the environment for generations to come.”

The mall housing the aquarium is a US$300 (€283m, £241m) mixed-use project by the Al Jarwani Group, which will also feature hotels, an FEC and a 5,400sq m (58,000sq ft) snow park. The two-level snow park, which is not a skiing or snowboarding facility, is slated to open on the third floor of the new mall in Q3 2017.