Muscat – What started as a modest four-room heritage guesthouse in the coastal village of Tiwi has grown into one of Oman’s emerging homegrown hospitality brands, with plans to expand across the sultanate through a franchise model.

Omani entrepreneur Asaad Saud Al Akhzami, Founder and General Manager of Nomad Inn Oman, has transformed his passion for tourism and hospitality into a thriving business that reflects the growing strength of Omani entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.

The journey began in October 2023 with the opening of the first Nomad Inn property in Tiwi. Buoyed by strong demand and positive guest feedback, Al Akhzami expanded the brand to Nizwa, launching an eight-room property in September 2024, followed by a second eight-room lodge in the historic city three months later. In September 2025, a fourth branch featuring eight rooms opened in Tiwi, further strengthening the brand’s footprint.

A major milestone was reached last week when Nomad Inn signed a franchise agreement in cooperation with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), paving the way for expansion to seven locations in the next phase of growth.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Al Akhzami said the concept was driven by growing demand among travellers for authentic and meaningful experiences.

“Today’s tourists are looking for more than accommodation. They want to connect with local culture, heritage and nature. Our goal is to offer genuine Omani hospitality combined with immersive experiences that showcase the country’s unique identity,” he said.

Drawing on more than 12 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, Al Akhzami identified a gap in the market for boutique accommodation that allows visitors to experience Oman through its communities, traditions and landscapes rather than through conventional hotel stays.

Located in wadis, mountain settings and heritage destinations, Nomad Inn properties are designed to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. The flagship Nomad Inn Tiwi offers guests a retreat amid dramatic canyon scenery, lush greenery and tranquil landscapes. Visitors stay in distinctive dome-style accommodations overlooking the mountains, combining comfort with adventure and nature.

Like many entrepreneurs, Al Akhzami faced challenges in the early stages, including securing financing, building trust in a new brand and attracting qualified talent.

“We overcame these challenges by focusing on service quality, listening carefully to guest feedback and continuously improving our operating procedures. Building a team that believes in the company’s vision was equally important,” he said.

He described the franchise programme as a turning point for the company, enabling it to transform operational expertise into documented systems and procedures that can be replicated by future investors while maintaining consistent service standards.

The model has already attracted franchise partners, with three agreements signed in Oman covering projects in Sur, Nizwa and one in the Sharqiyah region. 

Al Akhzami aims to establish 15 hotels and resorts under the Nomad Inn brand by 2030 through franchising and management agreements before exploring selected regional markets.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple, “Start with a clear vision, focus on quality and build strong systems. Most importantly, embrace the Omani identity. It is one of our greatest strengths and can help create brands capable of competing regionally and globally.”