Muscat National Development & Investment Company (ASAAS), unveiled its second mega-project this year announcing its plans to build a 4-star Hotel and Urban Park managed and operated by Hilton Worldwide under the brand Hilton Garden Inn. The project, a result of an agreement with Muscat Municipality to develop a 16,000 sqm plot in the bustling heart of Al Khuwair, broke ground in February 2016 with plans for the hotel to welcome its first guests in the first quarter of 2019.
ASAAS sealed the management agreement with Hilton Worldwide at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel and trade show, in the presence of HE. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, HE. Khalid bin Sulaiman Ba Omar, Ambassador of Oman to Germany and Oman Air CEO. Representing ASAAS was CEO, Eng. Khalid Al Yahmadi and Hilton Worldwide was Simon Vincent, President Europe, Middle East & North Africa.
With the leading global hospitality company at the helm, the 232 room hotel is expected to bring economic and social benefits to the community. Located on Dohat Al Adab Street, the seven-story Hilton Garden Inn Muscat will be an architectural landmark. Respecting the surrounding area, the hotel design utilizes elevation and section techniques to minimize close views into neighboring buildings and will feature meeting spaces and a 24-hour business center. Food and beverage options at the hotel will include the signature 24-hour pavilion pantry for sweet treats and savory snacks.
ASAAS had appointed AEDAS, one of the world’s top five leading global architecture and design firms to conceptualize the hotel and urban park. A collaboration of this kind with a renowned agency is a testament to ASAAS’ commitment to setting new benchmarks in quality project management and execution in Oman.
Cascading from the hotel arrival plaza will be the Urban Park. Spanning 12,000 sqm, it will include a variety of sports, entertainment and natural venues such as a square and water plaza, secret gardens, a children’s playground, and a wellness trail for jogging and cycling. It will also have a second food and beverage pavilion open to the general public. Drawing inspiration from Oman’s ancient heritage and natural beauty, the dynamic landscape will boast several water features including a falaj, reflective ponds and water fountains.
Speaking at the signing, Eng. Khalid Al Yahmadi, CEO of ASAAS, remarked: “The tourism sector in Oman is a key contributor to the economic growth of the country and has the potential to yield even greater returns aided by strategic investments within its supply chain. Our aim is to establish a long-term partnership with Muscat Municipality, achieve profitable results, serve the community and raise the quality of projects in the tourism sector.”
He added, “The number of keys available in the Sultanate is insufficient to serve the growing demand in the tourism industry and generate the targeted economic outcomes. In fact, there are many world-leading hospitality brands that are not available in Oman despite the availability of natural, historical and social attractions.  This Hilton Garden Inn will bring us one step closer to this target and enhance the quality of life for people in Al Khuwair and the greater Muscat community.  Its unique component mix will provide green recreation areas as well as a range of modern lifestyle amenities.”
Noting the advantages of the new hotel’s location and outlining its wide-ranging facilities, Simon Vincent, President Europe, Middle East & North Africa for Hilton Worldwide, praised Oman’s burgeoning tourism industry and historic reputation as a global trading hub, adding: “Muscat continues to develop its infrastructure in response to steady increases in business and leisure arrivals. The Sultanate welcomes almost 3.5 million visitors each year and with Muscat’s expanding airport capacity, as well as the opening of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre this year, we look forward to supporting this growth and developing Hilton’s presence in the country.”
A lead master developer, ASAAS will oversee all aspects of the site preparation and infrastructure development, financing, marketing and asset management, ensuring the aspirations for the project are fully realized and the people of Oman reap its benefits and rewards.