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Hilton to manage Bar al Jissah resort; Shangri-La to exit

26 Oct 2025 Hilton to manage Bar al Jissah resort; Shangri-La to exit

Muscat – Shangri-La will cease operating the Bar al Jissah property from January 1, 2026. The resort will be managed by Hilton under the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton brands.

Hilton announced the signing of an agreement with the Zubair Corporation to open the three hotels in Muscat, doubling its footprint in the sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region, a press release stated.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Chief Development Officer for the Middle East and Africa, said, “The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside the new Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton properties, marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the sultanate. Oman’s rich culture, heritage and natural landscapes continue to attract discerning travellers. These new properties will enable us to meet that growing demand across both leisure and business segments – supporting Oman Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12mn tourists annually to the sultanate by 2040. Together with the Zubair Corporation, we are proud to bring this transformative destination to life and strengthen Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub.”

Niels Bormans, Group Chief Executive Officer of Zubair Corporation, added, “The collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision for Oman’s tourism future. By combining Hilton’s global expertise with our commitment to preserving the sultanate’s heritage and natural beauty, Barr al Jissah stands as a world-class destination that reinforces Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub in the region; not as an aspiration, but as a reality shaped by excellence, authenticity and global confidence.”

Al Husn Hotel Muscat is set to undergo an extensive renovation ahead of its rebranding as a Waldorf Astoria – marking the iconic brand’s debut in the Omani capital.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand will debut in Muscat with the opening of Hilton Muscat al Bandar in January 2026. ‘The impressive hotel will cater for both leisure and business visitors with 198 guest rooms and suites, six diverse dining venues, extensive meeting and event facilities.’

DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat al Waha will mark the brand’s second hotel in Muscat, providing a family-friendly stay with 302 contemporary guest rooms and suites.

Collectively, the three hotels will offer 15 dining venues spanning Asian, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and international cuisines, as well as a wealth of shared recreational facilities.

Hilton currently operates three hotels across Oman – Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair, Hilton Salalah and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum.

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