Abu Dhabi company to reopen Sheraton Muscat

Muscat An Abu Dhabi-based group has joined the National Hotels Company in Oman to restart operations at the Sheraton Muscat, which has been closed since January 1, 2007 for renovations.

"We [partners] are keen to open [Sheraton Muscat] as soon as possible since it is important to be operational soon," said Dr Omar Khader, Managing Partner of Tawasel International Trading Company, which operates a number of hotels in the UAE.

He added that Tawasel had entered into a five-year agreement with National Hotels, owned by the Al Hashar Group, to manage the Sheraton Muscat.

The 230-room five-star hotel is a landmark edifice centrally located in Muscat since 1985. Its renovation has been delayed since it was closed in 2007 for refurbishment ahead of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC Summit.

"Renovation is continuing around the clock," Dr Omar pointed out, but he could not give a definite date when the hotel will reopen.

"We will soon announce the date for reopening of the hotel," he told the media after Shaikh Nasser Mohammad Al Hasher, chairman of the Al Hashar Group of Companies, and Shaikh Hamed Al Hamed, chairman of the Tawasel International Trading Company, signed the agreement.

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Martin Cramer, General Manager of the Sheraton Muscat, said that the refurbished hotel will have a much bigger ballroom

"What used to be a 200-capacity ballroom will be much bigger and will accommodate 850-1,000 people, depending on the function," he said.

He also revealed that the hotel will be the first in Oman to have an indoor swimming pool.

"What used to be a bowling alley has been converted into a gym and indoor swimming pool," he said, displaying an image of how the indoor swimming pool will look.

Also for the first time, Muscat will have a restaurant serving exclusively South American cuisine.

"Asado South American Rodizio Grill and Steak House will serve cuisine from Argentina, Uruguay and Chile," he said.

In addition, a Bavarian themed bar will have a medieval look.

"The reopening of the Sheraton Hotel will be a step in the right direction towards joining hands with the Sultanate in progressing as a preferred holiday destination," said Shaikh Nasser, in a statement issued after he signed the contract with Tawasel.

"It is great to have the responsibility of running the operation of the Sheraton Hotel Oman and turn it into a profitable holiday and recreational five-star facility," commented Shaikh Hamed.