Omran makes major progress in JW Marriot Hotel project
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), has made great strides in the development of JW Marriott hotel project at Madinat Al Irfan, ahead of its anticipated soft opening in third quarter of 2019.
The hotel is being built next door to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) as part of OCEC development final phase.
Located within Madinat Al Irfan, the 304 room five-star hotel is the first JW Marriott branded hotel in Oman and will play a vital role in boosting the meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) sector in the Sultanate attracting business travellers and tourists. One of the unique selling points of the property is defined by its direct connection to the Convention Centre and the state-of-the-art 3,200-seat Rose Theatre, offering convenient access for conference participants and visitors
The project was reviewed during a site visit by Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of Omran, Peter Walichnowski, CEO of Omran and senior officials of the company. The project development team, led by Eng. Said Al Qasmi, Senior VP, OCEC Project at Omran briefed the officials on the progress and various facilities of this upcoming landmark hotel.
Following the tour, CEO of Omran said: “The addition of the JW Marriott hotel to Omran’s portfolio, a global brand icon in hospitality, is another milestone that will further contribute to the competitiveness of OCEC as fullfledged events destination in the region. It will give rise to further investments for the Madinat Al Irfan, as well as contribute to the national agenda of economic diversification.”
“The completion of the JW Marriot reinforces our position as the largest hotel investment company in the Sultanate and given the size and quality of our portfolio, we are exploring ways to share ownership of this portfolio with the private sector. We want to give local and international investors a chance to invest in the growth of the Omani tourism sector in a convenient and cost effective way,” Walichnowski added.
The hotel will feature six food and beverage outlets, two ballrooms, a business centre, meeting rooms and a spa and fitness centre. Al Sunaidy, Chairman of Omran said: “Since its inauguration in October 2016, the OCEC has contributed to the advancement of the exhibitions and conventions sector in the Sultanate. The hotel developments within Madinat Al Irfan will play a significant role in attracting delegations, businessmen and investors as well providing more job opportunities for Omanis and SMEs.”