A New Chapter for a National Landmark

Few hotels in Oman have witnessed the country’s modern history as closely as Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Set between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Sea of Oman, the landmark property has long been more than a luxury hotel, serving as a stage for diplomacy, state occasions and defining moments in the Sultanate of Oman’s development.
Its most significant recent role came on January 11, 2020, when, following the passing of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Defence Council convened at Al Bustan Palace to open the sealed letter naming his successor. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik then took the constitutional oath before an emergency session of the Council of Oman, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s history.

This was no coincidence. Since opening in 1985 to coincide with the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Muscat, Al Bustan Palace was designed as a venue capable of hosting heads of state, dignitaries and major international events. Over the decades, it has hosted GCC meetings, Arab League gatherings, ministerial conferences and state visits, as well as more recent events such as the 19th Arab Ministerial Tourism Council in 2016 and the GCC–European Union Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting in 2023.

Today, the landmark is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and redevelopment project led by Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), following the announcement on June 22. The hotel temporarily closed for renovation works beginning July 1, 2026, as part of a planned upgrade aimed at enhancing Oman’s tourism infrastructure and strengthening the property’s long-term competitiveness.

The redevelopment includes extensive enhancements to guest rooms and suites, restaurants, spa and wellness facilities, public areas and core infrastructure, alongside upgraded technology and operational systems aligned with international hospitality standards. OMRAN described the project as part of a broader strategy to preserve key tourism assets while ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness, with the property set to reopen with a renewed identity that honours its legacy while embracing the future.

The timing reflects a shifting luxury hospitality landscape in Muscat, where new international brands and contemporary resort concepts have raised expectations for design, wellness and guest experience. While Al Bustan Palace continues to be praised for its setting, architecture and service, guests in recent years have also noted the need for renewal as newer properties enter the market. Properties such as Mandarin Oriental Muscat and St Regis Al Mouj Muscat have introduced a new generation of luxury hospitality to the capital, while several other international brands continue to eye Oman for expansion.

With 250 rooms and suites, including presidential suites for heads of state, the hotel remains one of Oman’s most recognisable hospitality landmarks. Its grand 38-metre lobby, private beach, landscaped gardens and iconic pool have long defined its identity, alongside restaurants, wellness facilities and a beachfront spa that have hosted generations of guests.
The ongoing renovation marks more than a routine upgrade. It is the renewal of a landmark deeply woven into Oman’s modern story. As it moves through this next phase, Al Bustan Palace continues its legacy as a symbol of Omani hospitality, history and national identity for years to come.