MUSCAT, May 9 - Five more hotels of international brands are expected to come up at Al Mouj Muscat in the coming years. “An agreement with Rotana has already been signed last year. Details of two more hotels will be unveiled by the end of this year,” said Nasser bin Masoud al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat. With the opening of the new properties, the total number of hotels to be set up at Al Mouj Muscat will rise to seven, he said while announcing its annual sustainability report at a press conference on Tuesday. This year already witnessed the opening of the Mysk Al Mouj with 195 rooms and Kempinski Muscat with 310 rooms hotel.
Apart from the new hotels, a new community hub for both residents and visitors to enjoy and a number of new dining offerings set to open later this year. According to Al Sheibani, Al Mouj Muscat has generated over 6,000 jobs directly or indirectly with 63 per cent Omanisation. He said that over 94 per cent of its spending is on locally based suppliers and 34 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are operating within Al Mouj. While Al Mouj Muscat supports over 150 direct and indirect CSR initiatives with more than RO 2.5 million raised, the company is one of the first ITCs in the region to reach 70 million man-hours without a lost time incident (LTI).
“As part of its contribution to international sports tourism, 2018 has already experienced great successes,” Al Sheibani (pictured) said. The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon saw a 600 per cent growth in runners from 2017 and the first ever European Tour event – NBO Oman Open taking place at Al Mouj Golf was screened in 150 countries. Over 5,000 residents from more than 70 nationalities live in Al Mouj Muscat community. Al Mouj Muscat also recently launched the Jewel of Muscat memorial on Marsa Promenade, the first piece of public art by a private development, highlighting a key moment in Oman’s maritime history, for visitors from all over the world to enjoy.
“For those who have visited Al Mouj Golf, it is probably no surprise to hear that more than 170 species of birds have been seen there – either using it as a permanent residence or as part of their migration patterns,” he said. The Golf Course, has been awarded GEO Environmental Certification and like much of Al Mouj Muscat, has strict waste management KPIs with water, energy and waste reduction all areas that have their own dedicated programmes.
In addition Al Mouj Marina has received a number of environmental awards in recognition of its sustainability credentials — including International Clean Marina Accreditation. “Whilst we have big ambitions for what we want to achieve here, we also want to make sure that we are growing in the right way. I am personally very passionate about supporting SMEs and local businesses, respecting and appreciating Omani traditions and cultures, and having a solid environmental programme in place to ensure that we are protecting this beautiful destination,” Al Sheibani added.
SAMUEL KUTTY
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