Latest news with #OmranGroup
Muscat Daily
25-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Art on track: Al Hoota's old train gets vivid makeover
Muscat – In a unique blend of public art and tourism promotion, the out-of-service train at Al Hoota Cave has now been transformed into a vibrant graffiti mural, thanks to the creative vision of Omani street artist Abdulmalik Sultan al Maskari. The 19m-long train, previously installed at the entrance to one of Oman's most iconic natural attractions, now stands as a vivid gateway, adorned with images of the cave's dramatic rock formations and native wildlife. Speaking exclusively to Muscat Daily, Maskari said, 'The idea was not easy at all. The train was long, unused, and the surface was difficult to work on. But I love challenges, so I decided – along with a group of my friends – to turn it into a visual delight that supports national tourism.' The project began on October 10, 2024, and was completed on November 10, 2024. The transformation unfolded over several weekends with support from Maskari's brothers and close friends. Backed by Omran Group – particularly its Youth and Cultural Projects Department – the initiative aimed to enhance the visitor experience by merging art, nature, and culture into one compelling installation. The final artwork draws inspiration from the natural colours and terrain of the cave, encouraging visitors to interact, take photos, and share their experience. 'Graffiti art grabs attention instantly,' Maskari said. 'When visitors see the train, the vivid images spark curiosity. It's an invitation to explore the cave's hidden beauty.' Creating the artwork under Oman's sweltering summer sun posed major challenges. 'Transforming a metal train in that heat was no easy task,' he noted. 'We had to use special tools and materials to ensure that the colours adhered properly to the metal surface. We also coordinated closely with the site's management to avoid disrupting visitors.' Maskari added, 'When we get permission to spray outdoors, there is always a message in the murals. I personally put deep thought into my work. I prefer quiet colours – especially shades of blue – because I want the public to feel calm rather than overwhelmed. Art should relax, not stress.' With his graffiti journey that began in 2007, Maskari has participated in numerous major art initiatives, both locally and abroad. These include creating a large-scale mural in Mina Zayed, UAE, in collaboration with international artists, as well as landmark projects in Oman at hotel W Muscat, Al Mouj Marina, commercial venues, gyms, and various public spaces. He had also taken part in the Frankincense Tree Exhibition at Zubair Foundation. Looking ahead, Maskari hopes this project will inspire a broader movement to promote Oman's diverse landmarks through public art. 'My dream is to expand this initiative to other sites – castles, old souqs, natural reserves – anywhere that showcases the richness of Oman's culture and heritage. Art is a universal language, and through it, we can tell the world about the beauty of our country.' Maskari expressed gratitude to his brothers – Abdulsalam Sultan Said al Maskari and Abdullah Sultan Said al Maskari – and his friends Qusai Ali Saif al Musallami and Saeed Salem Said al Naabi, whose support and dedication were instrumental in bringing the project to life.
Newsweek
07-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
How Trump Middle East Hotel Planned For 2028 Will Look
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Donald Trump's signature brand has announced plans for a new hotel to be built in Oman as part of the company's expansion in the Middle East. The Trump Organization has partnered with Oman's state-run tourism department, the Omran Group, to design and build the Trump International Oman Hotel before the end of the decade. Newsweek contacted the Trump Organization for more information via email. The Context The Trump Organization is investing heavily in Middle Eastern construction over the next decade, with major construction projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. By 2031, the company hopes that three new structures will be operating in the region, which is billing itself as a new hub for tourism and international investment in order to diversify the regional economy away from oil exports. A rendering of the hotel entrance of the Trump Interational Oman Hotel. A rendering of the hotel entrance of the Trump Interational Oman Hotel. Dar Global What To Know The new hotel, designed by luxury real estate developer Dar Global, will be built in Oman's capital, Muscat. Like many of the Trump Organization's other buildings, the hotel will borrow heavily from its namesake's reputation for opulence, using the same white-gold color scheme present in Trump Tower, New York and the two planned towers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Rendered images of the project's future released by Dar Global show that the hotel will house a swimming pool, a nightclub, and a viewing deck for the Gulf of Oman, as well as an international golf course, all Trump-branded. A rendering of a hanging bedroom in the Trump Interational Oman Hotel. A rendering of a hanging bedroom in the Trump Interational Oman Hotel. Dar Global One of the most ambitious parts of the hotel, if built correctly, will be a series of hanging suites that face the coast, with wall-to-ceiling windows for views. The hotel has a reported price tag of $500 million, with construction expected to be finished by the end of 2028. However, the first phase of building work is set to be done by 2027. What People Are Saying In a statement seen by Newsweek, the Omran Group said: "Oman is quickly becoming one of the most prominent commercial and cultural hubs in the region and is rapidly becoming a prime investment destination due to its attractive benefits. "From its favorable tax environment and its strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa, Oman offers countless opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive." A rendering of the loby of the Trump Interational Oman Hotel. A rendering of the loby of the Trump Interational Oman Hotel. Dar Global Eric Trump, who manages the Trump Organization with his brother Donald Jr., said in December: "This collaboration embodies our shared vision of creating landmark developments that exude luxury, quality, and sophistication. Together with Dar Global, we are setting new benchmarks for excellence, aiming to meet the demand for iconic properties in key markets." What Happens Next Dar Global and the Trump Organization have said that the hotel will be fully constructed by December 2028.
Trade Arabia
04-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Omran seeks consultancy bids for key Mutrah Waterfront project
Omran Group, Oman's leading entity for tourism development, has invited tenders from top global consultancy groups for design and supervision of utilities infrastructure and detailed design services for its prime development Souq Al Mina – Mutrah Waterfront. Souq Al Mina, a new market district next to the cruise ship harbour, is a central element of the new Muttrah project. One of city's most popular tourist destinations, Muttrah is known for its traditional souq, ancient mosque and seaport. The deadline for sending the bids has been set at June 25. -TradeArabia News Service
Muscat Daily
31-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omran earns RO25.2mn profit; RO156mn FDI in 2024
Muscat – Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) has reported net profit of RO25.2mn and revenues exceeding RO58.3mn for 2024, driven by increased operational efficiency and investment activity. The figures reflect the group's growing impact on Oman's tourism sector and its broader contribution to economic diversification. The performance update was shared during a recent Board of Directors meeting, where members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Omran's role as a leading force in tourism investment and development. Omran secured over RO156mn in foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, underscoring its ability to attract strategic global partnerships. The inflow of capital supports national efforts to increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, a press release stated. A total of 820,365 guests stayed across Omran's hotel portfolio in 2024 – a 6% increase from the previous year. The average occupancy rate reached 45%, up by 2.6 percentage points year-on-year. A key milestone was the official opening of JW Marriott Muscat, adding to the sultanate's luxury hotel offerings. The group announced several new projects to strengthen Oman's position in high-end tourism. These include the Middle East's first Club Med Resort in Musandam and a partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts to develop wellness tourism in Dakhliyah. Omran also reported a 40% In-Country Value Index in 2024, with RO19mn directed towards small and medium enterprises. SME spending accounted for 34.7% of total procurement. Additionally, the group created 370 new jobs for Omani nationals. As part of its corporate governance goals, Omran introduced an Environmental, Social and Governance Framework to align with international sustainability standards and improve transparency across its operations. 'Omran's results underline its role as a key driver of tourism and investment in Oman. Through strategic partnerships, large-scale projects and a focus on sustainability, the group continues to position itself at the centre of the sultanate's economic diversification strategy,' the press release added.
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Omran Group pulls in $405mln in FDI in 2024
The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) has announced strong financial and operational results, underscoring the Group's sustained efforts and corporate excellence in advancing tourism development and supporting sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman, in close collaboration with key stakeholders. In 2024, the Group recorded a net profit of RO 25.2 million and total revenues exceeding RO 58.3 million, reflecting operational efficiency and the high standards of excellence embraced across its business operations. These achievements were presented during the Group's recent Board of Directors meeting, where the Board reaffirmed its continued commitment to reinforcing the Group's role in advancing economic diversification and amplifying its impact as a key catalyst for tourism development and investment in the Sultanate. Demonstrating its ability to attract high-quality investments, Omran Group secured over RO 156 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during 2024. This achievement aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the national efforts to boost FDI inflows and enhance the contribution of various economic sectors to the GDP. In the hospitality sector, the Group continued to demonstrate operational excellence, welcoming 820,365 guests across its hotel portfolio in 2024 — a 6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The portfolio achieved an average occupancy rate of 45 per cent, marking a 2.6 per cent increase year-on-year. A major milestone was achieved with the official opening of JW Marriott Muscat, further enriching the luxury hospitality landscape in the Sultanate of Oman. As part of its efforts to position Oman as a premier luxury tourism destination on the global map and to attract the world's leading hospitality brands, Omran Group announced several strategic projects, most notably the Middle East's first Club Med Resort that will be developed in Musandam, and the signing of a strategic partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts to introduce wellness tourism in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and local value creation, the Group achieved a 40 per cent In-Country Value Index in 2024, with total spending exceeding RO 19 million in support of SMEs, which accounted for 34.7% of overall procurement spending. Furthermore, the Group created 370 new job opportunities for local talents, achieving an Omanisation rate of 94% within Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC and 53 per cent across the Group, highlighting its dedication to empowering national talent and supporting the local economy. In line with its vision to enhance corporate governance practices, Omran Group launched its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework during the year, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability standards, transparency, and excellence across all its operations and projects. The positive results achieved by Omran Group in 2024 reaffirm its leading role as a catalyst for tourism development in the Sultanate of Oman. Through pioneering projects, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the Group continues to strengthen its position and contribute to Oman's journey towards a diversified and sustainable economy 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
