Hilton has announced it’s going all in on Muscat, signing an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three brand-new hotels, including the debut of the Waldorf Astoria brand in the Sultanate. The line-up also features a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property and a DoubleTree by Hilton, all set within the breathtaking Barr Al Jissah coastal enclave.
This power move effectively doubles Hilton’s footprint in Oman, just as the country’s tourism sector is hitting a new stride. With Oman’s Vision 2040 mapping out plans to welcome 12 million tourists annually by 2040, there’s no mistaking the direction of travel — quite literally.
The trio of hotels will transform Barr Al Jissah, a waterfront gem just 40 minutes from Muscat International Airport, into a glittering hub of world-class leisure, wellness and business travel. Framed by rugged mountains and calm turquoise coves, this is where “desert meets decadence”, with a distinctly Omani soul.
Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, 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’s Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12 million 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.”
The timing couldn’t be better either. Oman’s government has been rolling out generous investment incentives, smoother licensing frameworks, and a renewed focus on sustainable, high-value tourism. The aim here, of course, is to make Oman an incredibly attractive and investment-friendly destination.
Niels Bormans, Group Chief Executive Officer at The 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.”
So what can we all look forward to with the line-up?
Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn
Currently known as Al Husn Hotel Muscat, this jewel is getting the full Waldorf treatment, complete with a top-to-toe renovation and rebrand. Expect 180 artfully designed rooms and suites, five haute dining venues, and the Waldorf Astoria Spa, a sanctuary of calm and indulgence. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to a private cove, making it a true coastal retreat. Ooh-la-la!
Hilton Muscat Al Bandar
Opening in January 2026, this flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts property will feature 198 rooms and suites, six restaurants, and event facilities fit for sultans (and CEOs). Add a full-service spa with vitality pools, steam rooms, and even a snow fountain, and you’ve got the perfect mix of business and bliss.
DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha
Also opening January 2026, this family-friendly DoubleTree promises comfort with character. With 302 rooms and suites, four vibrant restaurants, and that famous warm-cookie welcome, it’s designed to keep both kids and parents smiling from check-in to check-out.
Between them, the three hotels will serve up 15 dining venues covering everything from Spanish tapas to Arabic feasts, and Italian comfort to fresh Asian flavours. The shared facilities read like a dream resort checklist – 600 metres of private beach, a lazy river, six pools, four tennis courts, a kids’ club, mini-golf, and a PADI-certified dive centre for when you fancy swapping cocktails for coral reefs.
And if you’ve been watching Oman quietly climb the global travel charts, this move by Hilton is no coincidence. The Sultanate has been investing heavily in infrastructure, opening up new adventure, wellness and cultural tourism circuits, parks, sustainable cities, and making it easier for travellers in the region to pop over for a weekend or a long stay.
With the way traveller interests and trends are heading, Oman’s offering of raw, rugged beauty and refined hospitality is no doubt hitting the mark, and so Hilton’s timing couldn’t be sharper.
