The first of its kind in the entire Middle East, this facility is designed primarily to train young Omanis in the skilled vocations of turf maintenance and management. While focused on golf courses, transferable skills are on offer for a wide array of landscaping situations. Delivered in 3-5 week segments to small batches of students, the courses have been designed by experienced professionals from around the world, who will travel to Muscat Hills to deliver them. The Muscat Hills Golf Course Maintenance Academy is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2009. Details of the course and application procedures will be available in early 2009.