23 October 2011
MUSCAT -- The Ascott Limited, billed as the world's largest international serviced residence owner-operator, has expanded into Oman by securing a management contract for a 220-unit serviced residence in Muscat. To be named Somerset Panorama Muscat, the serviced residence is scheduled to open in 2014.
Ascott has signed the management contract with Allied Real Estate LLC, an established Omani real estate company owned by Salim bin Ali al Siyabi, who is a prominent business leader in Oman. With the addition of Somerset Panorama Muscat, Ascott will have a total of 1,085 apartment units across six serviced residences in the Gulf region.
Lim Ming Yan, Ascott's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Oman has tremendous potential for serviced residences, as it continues to diversify and strengthen its economy. With significant government investment of about $31 billion in areas such as tourism and infrastructure, Oman's GDP is expected to grow strongly over the next five years.
"Tourism is also forecasted to contribute up to 10 per cent of Oman's GDP by 2020. Hence, we expect to see an influx of corporations, expatriates and tourists into Oman. Ascott will have first-mover advantage by being the first international serviced residence operator in Oman."
Ronald Tay, Ascott's Chief Investment Officer who oversees the company's business in the Gulf region, said:
"Ascott's growth strategy for the Gulf region is to build economies of scale by securing more management contracts. We will continue to expand our presence in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and UAE, as well as look for opportunities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia."
Somerset Panorama Muscat will be part of an integrated development with retail and leisure amenities, as well as a private hospital for women and children.
Situated in the bustling Al Khuwair commercial district, the serviced residence is five minutes away from Ruwi, the central business district of Muscat where many global corporations and government ministries are located.
Ideal for travellers who are on business or holiday with their families, Somerset Panorama Muscat will offer a range of stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Guests will be able to experience the warmth of home and a balanced lifestyle through a comprehensive range of recreational facilities and residents' activities. Facilities include a gymnasium, residents' lounge, swimming pool, children's pool and playroom.
The Ascott Limited is the world's largest international serviced residence owner-operator with over 22,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region, as well as over 6,000 units which are under development, making a total of more than 28,000 units.
The company operates three brands -- Ascott, Citadines and Somerset.
Its portfolio spans over 70 cities across more than 20 countries, 13 of which are new cities in Ascott's portfolio where its serviced residences are being developed. Ascott, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, is headquartered in Singapore.
MUSCAT -- The Ascott Limited, billed as the world's largest international serviced residence owner-operator, has expanded into Oman by securing a management contract for a 220-unit serviced residence in Muscat. To be named Somerset Panorama Muscat, the serviced residence is scheduled to open in 2014.
Ascott has signed the management contract with Allied Real Estate LLC, an established Omani real estate company owned by Salim bin Ali al Siyabi, who is a prominent business leader in Oman. With the addition of Somerset Panorama Muscat, Ascott will have a total of 1,085 apartment units across six serviced residences in the Gulf region.
Lim Ming Yan, Ascott's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Oman has tremendous potential for serviced residences, as it continues to diversify and strengthen its economy. With significant government investment of about $31 billion in areas such as tourism and infrastructure, Oman's GDP is expected to grow strongly over the next five years.
"Tourism is also forecasted to contribute up to 10 per cent of Oman's GDP by 2020. Hence, we expect to see an influx of corporations, expatriates and tourists into Oman. Ascott will have first-mover advantage by being the first international serviced residence operator in Oman."
Ronald Tay, Ascott's Chief Investment Officer who oversees the company's business in the Gulf region, said:
"Ascott's growth strategy for the Gulf region is to build economies of scale by securing more management contracts. We will continue to expand our presence in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and UAE, as well as look for opportunities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia."
Somerset Panorama Muscat will be part of an integrated development with retail and leisure amenities, as well as a private hospital for women and children.
Situated in the bustling Al Khuwair commercial district, the serviced residence is five minutes away from Ruwi, the central business district of Muscat where many global corporations and government ministries are located.
Ideal for travellers who are on business or holiday with their families, Somerset Panorama Muscat will offer a range of stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Guests will be able to experience the warmth of home and a balanced lifestyle through a comprehensive range of recreational facilities and residents' activities. Facilities include a gymnasium, residents' lounge, swimming pool, children's pool and playroom.
The Ascott Limited is the world's largest international serviced residence owner-operator with over 22,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region, as well as over 6,000 units which are under development, making a total of more than 28,000 units.
The company operates three brands -- Ascott, Citadines and Somerset.
Its portfolio spans over 70 cities across more than 20 countries, 13 of which are new cities in Ascott's portfolio where its serviced residences are being developed. Ascott, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, is headquartered in Singapore.
© Oman Daily Observer 2011
