Mandarin Oriental Group has announced its plans for a new resort and branded residences in the port capital of Oman.

Scheduled to open in 2021, Mandarin Oriental, Muscat will be the latest addition to the vibrant capital. Muscat is rich in heritage with a variety of golden beaches, mountainous heights, and golden sand dunes. Among its popular attractions are the National Museum, the Muttrah Souq, the Al Jalali Fort, and the magnificent Grand Mosque.

“Muscat is an entrancing destination with character, charm and an abundance of visitor attractions”

“Muscat is an entrancing destination with character, charm and an abundance of visitor attractions. We are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our brand presence on the Arabian Peninsula with this exciting project in partnership with Eagle Hills,” said James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental. “We look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service standards to Muscat.”

Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company, is responsible for the development of the property. It will be located on the beach, in a prime city location, and the low-rise architectural design will take full advantage of the views over the Arabian Sea.

Mandarin Oriental, Muscat will offer 150 guestrooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, a Spa at Mandarin Oriental and an outdoor swimming pool. A variety of banqueting and meeting spaces will also accommodate social and business events, to help attract MICE and business travellers from around the globe.

Aside from the hotel, the new property will manage 155 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, which will feature select private apartments in the capital, ranging from 75 to 260 square metres.

“The property will set new benchmarks for tourism and residential living in Muscat”

Low Ping, the CEO of Eagle Hills is confident that the property will set new benchmarks for tourism and residential living in Muscat. He added: “We are proud to be entering the Omani market with our first project in the country. As we take this step, we are pleased to be working in partnership with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, one of the most prestigious names in hospitality.”

Mandarin Oriental, Muscat is a 20-minute drive from the airport and is based in a district with a mix of retail and leisure facilities including the nearby Royal Opera House, the Grand Mosque, and Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world.