Tag Archives: Oman

It was announced by His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council that GCC states have unanimously approved a Schengen style GCC tourism visa, at a meeting of regional interior minsters at the GCC summit in Muscat, Oman on November 8 According to the Secretariat news, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the unified GCC tourist visa project represents a new achievement which is added to the blessed accomplishments made by the Cooperation Council, in light of the sound directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC who placed close attention to the achievements of the GCC security cooperation. His Excellency’s remarks came during the 40th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Interior Ministers of the GCC which took place under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sayyed Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior of Oman and President of the current session, in the Omani capital Muscat. Present in the meeting were Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Interior in the GCC member states. At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, and to the esteemed government of the Sultanate of Oman and the honourable people of the Sultanate, for their backing and tireless efforts made to support the joint GCC action to maintain the Council’s march and progress in order to achieve the lofty goals of the aspirations of the citizens …

ENVI Lodges has partnered with Oman’s Ministry of Defence Pension Fund to develop a sustainable mountain lodge in the heart of Al Jabel Al Akhdar. Marking ENVI’s foray in the Sultanate, the ecolodge will provide a unique mountain stay experience while promoting environmental conservation, a brand proposition aligned to the Oman National Tourism Strategy 2040 target of 11.7 million visitors and 80,000 hospitality keys focused on nature, adventure and sustainable initiatives. The Ministry of Defence Pension Fund’s representative said: “Partnering with ENVI Lodges to open the first ecolodge of its kind in Oman, is a strategic move that contributes to the responsible development of the Sultanate’s tourism industry. The lodge will appeal to the growing number of travellers seeking eco-friendly accommodation and authentic destination experiences, reinforcing Oman’s reputation as hotspot for nature and adventure.” When it opens in 2025, ENVI Al Jabel Al Akhdar will feature 40 luxury expedition tents designed by Tenthouse Structure, a renowned South African architect of tented wilderness developments. Each unit will overlook the Hajar mountain range and offer guests an elevated adventure experience while minimising environmental impact. These precision-engineered, hand-crafted tents will be insulated and include a heating system for the winter season, ideal for Al Jabel Al Akhdar, which sits at 2,000 metres above sea level. Facilities will include a farm-to-table restaurant, some private pools, fitness and wellness centre, library, guest arrival area, an Insta-worthy swimming pool, a kids club, and kitchen garden, while an adjacent events space will host community activities such as markets and food trucks. The lodge will offer guests the chance to explore nearby villages, interact with local farmers and hike to discover the hidden treasures the famous Omani mountain …

Valor Hospitality Middle East signed an agreement with owning company Ezz Asass International to manage the Four Points by Sheraton branded property. This agreement also marks the second collaboration between Valor Hospitalty Middle East and Marriott International in Oman. Scheduled to open in 2024, the 85 room hotel is in the city of Duqm, on the southern coast of Oman. The hotel is strategically located within the Special Economic Zone of Duqm (SEZAD), and within minutes from the SEZAD Headquarters and opposite the Police Training centre. With recent projects announced in Duqm, the hotel will offer a convenient choice for corporate travellers and a slowly growing leisure segment are being drawn by stunning beaches. The Four Points by Sheraton Duqm is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road. A timeless style coupled with comfort and genuine service allows guests to kick back and relax.  The  hotel will feature guest rooms with abundant daylight, an airy atrium lobby, two dining venues, indoor pool and gym, meeting rooms and private car parking space. “Since announcing our first property in Oman last year, we are so pleased to grow our presence with a second Four Points by Sheraton, in Duqm this time”, said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East. “We are fortunate to have a trusted and reliable businesses owner in Ezz Asass International. We’re naturally excited to partner with Marriott once again. With 300+ keys confirmed in Oman we hope to establish a base here in the coming months” Bergue continued. Hamad Abdullah Al Harthy, Chairman of Ezz Asass International, said, “We are …

Oman Arab Bank (OAB) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) have sealed a strategic partnership to solely finance the upcoming Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat, currently being developed adjoining the Sustainable City – Yiti. This marks the latest landmark project that the bank has financed in the Sultanate of Oman, further supporting the country’s advancement across developmental, economic and sectors. Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, said: “We are proud to partner with OMRAN Group to bolster the nation’s hospitality sector. The bank has a proven track record of handling large-scale, complex projects and catalyzing economic diversification efforts that are aligned with the objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040. Economic diversification is vital to stimulate Oman’s sustainable development at a global level and this project represents another step forward on that journey.” OMRAN Group’s CEO, Hashil Al Mahrouqi, said: “We are excited to be working with Oman Arab Bank to see the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat project through to its successful completion. This resort is part of our continued endeavor to build on the nation’s position as a preferred global destination for tourists. It is a landmark development widely considered to be one of the most significant additions to Oman’s luxury hospitality sector. It will undoubtedly play a vital role in pushing Oman’s tourism sector to reach its full potential, which aligns with OMRAN Group’s commitment to developing exceptional and sustainable destinations.” Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat will feature 140 hotel rooms and 30 villas with private pools. Facilities will include the beach club, three signature restaurants, three swimming pools, a spa, gym and marina. Founded in 1998, Nikki Beach is a global concept …

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The MoU is intended to expand cooperation and investment between the two entities, enabling new and promising investments in the Sultanate of Oman’s (Oman) rapidly growing economy. The MoU provides benefits and incentives for PIF and its portfolio companies, which intend to unlock investment opportunities in Oman. The MoU also represents a significant milestone in PIF’s and OIA’s strategic partnership as it aims to expand PIF’s portfolio in Oman, building on the recent establishment of the Saudi Omani Investment Company (SOIC), a PIF-wholly owned company, which intends to invest up to USD5 billion in promising sectors in Oman. SOIC recently closed its first investment in Oman as a 20% anchor investor in Abraj Energy Services’ IPO and continues to seek other investment opportunities with OIA and its companies. Through this MoU, PIF aims to streamline its investment activities in Oman across a wide range of asset classes and target industries. The OIA is expected to explore attractive investment opportunities for cooperation and partnership with PIF, in addition to providing all aspects of support required in the Omani market.

Emirates is celebrating 30 years of operations to Muscat, Oman. Since the inaugural flight in 1993, Emirates has carried 4.8 million passengers to and from the Sultanate on more than 37,200 flights, connecting travelers to and from 140 global destinations. Emirates first began operations to Oman with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft with a four weekly services.  In 2019, Emirates launched the world’s shortest scheduled A380 flight, flying a distance of 340 kilometers each way from Dubai to Muscat, offering travelers the chance to experience Emirates’ iconic products and services, defined by comfort, luxury and flexibility. Over the years, Emirates SkyCargo has served as a facilitator for global trade, transporting over 155,000 tonnes of cargo to international markets. Emirates SkyCargo is supporting Omani businesses by exporting key local goods such as threads for garments to Amman, Nairobi and Pakistan as well as fresh produce such as fish, beans and vegetables to various destinations across Europe and US, in addition to the seasonal fresh beans to Japan. Creating further career opportunities within Oman, the Emirates Group employs over 40 Omanis, in multiple roles including cabin crew, pilots and other parts of the business such as Emirates Engineering, Emirates Airport Services and Airport Operations. Half of these employees have been with the Emirates Group for over 10 years, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a wide range of development prospects enabling employees to gain world-class expertise. Fahad Al Hassawi, Country Manager Oman at Emirates said: “Oman has been an important market for Emirates since the beginning of operations, providing flexible connections through Dubai to the wider world, for both passengers and air freight. Over the last three decades, we are …

SalamAir commenced weekly flights to and from Fujairah starting yesterday. This expansion not only broadens travel possibilities, but also links customers from Fujairah through Muscat International Airport to a number of global destinations on SalamAir’s network. This marks a significant milestone for the Oman-based low-cost carrier as it expands its network and continues to offer affordable fares while adding tourist and regional-friendly destinations to its network. Passengers from Muscat can look forward to four weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays, providing easy access to Fujairah’s stunning scenery and rich culture, making it perfect for a quick getaway. Passengers from Fujairah now have options of non-stop flights to Muscat and onwards to over 39 destinations to choose from. SalamAir is committed to offering passengers a comfortable and enjoyable experience. “We are thrilled to offer our passengers more travel options as SalamAir continues to grow and expand our network,” said SalamAir CEO Captain Mohamed Ahmed. “We see Fujairah as an important destination for us with much potential for passenger movement, and we are proud to add it to our network giving customers from Muscat and Fujairah more choice, convenience, and value for money travel.” The event held at Muscat International Airport ushered passengers to Fujairah with a cake-cutting ceremony followed by welcoming them onboard the flight with the distribution of traditional Omani Halwa and Coffee. Media and Airport officials were delighted to be part of these connecting routes between Muscat to Fujairah. The inaugural flight to Fujairah was met with excitement and celebration as passengers from Muscat were welcomed with traditional Emirati hospitality upon arrival. The event was attended by senior officials from both SalamAir and Fujairah International Airport, who expressed their excitement …

Aloft Hotels opened in Muscat marking the brand’s debut in the Sultanate of Oman. Anchored in design, culture, and music, the 193-guestroom hotel brings the brand’s bold modern style to the capital and its vibrant social scene with buzzing open spaces to connect. Each of the urban inspired, loft-style guestrooms feature high ceilings, plush platform beds and 50-inch LED TVs. The modern bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers and custom Aloft bath amenities. “Oman is a thriving leisure destination for travellers who seek original experiences and warm hospitality,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President – Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Driven by bold design Aloft Muscat is a place for creative self-expressers to meet and mingle.” “With this first venture into the hotel market, we were eager to apply the knowledge and expertise we have gained from 35 years in real-estate development to create an exciting, fresh new destination,” said Mr. Aadil Thomas Alexander, Owner and Executive Director. “Aloft Muscat represents a space where style is necessary, connectivity keeps up with you, social scenes are vibrant, and the only direction is forward. As well as being a hot spot in its own right, the hotel will act as a wonderful base to explore the dynamic city of Muscat and the intriguing expanses of the rest of Oman.” The hotel’s signature public spaces are designed as innovative, comfortable places to socialize and relax. At the sleek Re:mixSM lounge, guests can enjoy a game of pool, with day-to-night lighting and music to switch up the vibe. Dining destinations include the brand’s signature bar W XYZ®, an outdoor space to enjoy a meal at Arcade, which offers global craft …

To establish direct air connectivity with one of the world’s popular destinations, Oman’s SalamAir announced the introduction of a direct flight between Muscat and Kuala Lumpur with two flights per week beginning on July 3, 2023. Flights from Muscat to Kuala Lumpur are scheduled for Monday and Friday. The route serves both sides’ high demand for leisure and business tourism. Kuala Lumpur, SalamAir’s first destination in Malaysia, marks the airline’s further expansion into Southeast Asia. For people living in Oman and those wanting to take connecting flights, it’s a convenient non-stop flight to Southeast Asian country for leisure, shopping, or business purposes. Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said, “The new service marks another milestone in our network expansion strategy. We are delighted to launch flights between Muscat and Kuala Lumpur, providing our customers with a perfect value-for-money product that allows them to be flexible, save on airfare with our competitive pricing, and add services they prefer. The flights will boost tourism, economic relations, business opportunities, and student movements between Oman and Malaysia and serve the overall Oman 2040 vision of supporting the inbound tourism sector as one of the main contributors to the national GDP of the Sultanate of Oman.  We are committed to connecting more destinations along new sectors to establish a strong pan-international presence.” The journey between Muscat and Kuala Lumpur will take about seven hours. With the high demand for unique tourist destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, SalamAir looks forward to welcoming customers onboard these new flights soon. Air tickets for this route and other flights of SalamAir can be purchased on the official website of the airline www.salamair.com, mobile app, call center, as well as …

Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah is preparing for a 60% rise in stays during the ‘Khareef’ season. Unravelling in mid- June until 31 August, the province will transform into an oasis with light drizzles and cool air. Guests can enjoy the only Monsoon season in the GCC during the summer, while exploring the rolling landscapes, exquisite marines and a plethora of waterfalls. The five-star luxury resort is prepared to embrace the dewy season with experiences and activities in anticipation of attracting new tourists that have never visited the Sultanate before. This is following the recent announcement of visa-free entry for over 100 countries. “With the gaining popularity of the Salalah area, and the incredible transformation that Khareef brings, I am confident that this coming Khareef season will see an unprecedented influx from both GCC visitors, and also new markets. The marvel of Khareef is definitely one to be experienced, and with our once-in-a-lifetime experiences portfolio that highlights the wonders of the season, we are looking forward to welcoming guests from all over to share this with us.” said Juan Paolo Alfonso, General Manager, Alila Hinu Bay. Perched just by the shore in a secluded location which overlooks the shores of Oman’s southwest coast, the resort promises a tranquil escape for all. Alila Hinu Bay delivers a ‘Surprisingly Different’ experience, where guests can enjoy an intimate weekend staycation or a family holiday. For those looking for a refreshing getaway, the resort offers expansive rooms and spacious villas, equipped with a private pool and tranquil outdoor bathtub. Guests can also dine with fresh local produce and ingredients used across the menus at Sea Salt and The Orchard restaurant. The luxurious Alila Spa …