Muscat, 4 October, 2015: A fanatical attention to detail will ensure beauty and serenity for guests at the 5 Star Jumeirah Hotels within the new Saraya Bandar Jissah development, currently under construction on the outskirts of Muscat. The Senior Design Manager for Saraya Bandar Jissah; Ashraf Mahmoud talks about how the two upcoming hotels will deliver an authentic Omani experience for guests, coupled with Jumeirah's luxurious reputation for hospitality. Great effort has been made in blending together a sleek and individual contemporary design with the surroundings of Bandar Jissah mountainous topography, incorporating traditional Omani architectural themes and design elements.

Commenting on the two landmark Jumeirah Hotels rapidly taking shape in Bandar Jissah bay, Ashraf Mahmoud notes, "On the foreshore of Saraya Bandar Jissah are the resort and boutique hotels. The resort hotel will have 206 keys while the boutique hotel will offer 112 keys. Having Jumeirah make their debut in the Sultanate at Saraya Bandar Jissah significantly raises the bar in terms of what Oman's tourism industry will have to offer. The Jumeirah Group is known for their high-end, luxurious and distinctive properties, and the two hotels are a perfect fit for their brand ethos."

Ashraf Mahmoud, a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) oversees the design and technical aspects of the unique development, with the two beachfront hotels offering a distinct choice of Boutique or Resort style guest experiences, operated by the pioneers in the hospitality business, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.

Authentic Omani Architectural Themes

The Jumeirah Group has been involved in the development of the hotels from day one, in order for Saraya Bandar Jissah and Jumeirah to achieve the highest possible design and construction standards, working in a partnership manner to achieve the high end destination. The team of international consultants have hands-on experience in developing high-end luxury properties, with the emphasis for Saraya Bandar Jissah to be designed in a way that preserves the topography of the site and the environment, and to maintain its stunning natural beauty.

The design teams from Saraya Bandar Jissah and Jumeirah Hotels first travelled across the Sultanate, drawing inspiration from historical buildings like forts and castles, ancient cities like Misfat Al Abriyeen and adopting the Omani and Islamic architectural traditions and design approach. Understanding the historical significance of the site and existing archaeological ruin and integrating them as part of the story line with the new development urban design was one of the design challenges.   

The Sultanate is known for its well-integrated villages; with the country's pristine blend of mountain, coastal and agricultural marvels and, Saraya Bandar Jissah and Jumeirah Group wishes to take guests at the hotel on a sensory journey with a balance of all Omani inspirations. Tourists will feel cocooned from the bustle of the city in their luxury suites, while having easy access to Muscat city's most prominent tourist sites like the Muttrah Souk and Corniche.

Ashraf also adds that from an environmental and sustainability standpoint, the hotels will have green roofs along with solar panelling for water heating. "We have carefully selected the construction material in line with the international sustainability requirements. We are working to ensure that the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as the geological treasures of the landscape are protected during construction and after commissioning. Additionally, over half of the development materials such as cabling and wiring, window materials and marble are locally-sourced, positioning Saraya Bandar Jissah as a proudly Omani development."

It should be noted that Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG), the highly reputed construction company, is the main contractor undertaking the structural and civil works, fit-out and interior works, final finishes and fixtures and equipment (FF&E), along with MEP, and External Finishes, roads, car parking and landscaping.

A Bright Future for Oman's Tourism Industry

Tourism has been a key economic driver, creating job opportunities and encouraging further investment into the country. The traditional industries in Oman continue to play a vital role in the country's economy, and developers have been keen to boost the non-oil sectors of real estate and tourism.

The Oman of today is a country with a fine-tuned vision for its tourism industry and is forging ahead with plans to build a premium destination which targets discerning travellers and investors. With this in mind, the Sultanate is investing in a wide-range of top-quality hotels and resorts, supported by world-class infrastructure development companies like Saraya Bandar Jissah.

Once the development is operational, hundreds of employees will be working at the two hotels as well as Saraya Bandar Jissah as the management company. The project will provide direct employment to roughly 800 people and both Saraya Bandar Jissah and the hotel operator Jumeirah have placed a special emphasis on job training and creating meaningful employment opportunities to members of the local community wherever possible.

Saraya Bandar Jissah

The USD600 million project has 398 exclusive residential units spread over five residential zones as well as two luxury 5 Star Jumeirah operated hotels perched on the beachfront of Bandar Jissah bay, with the development covering a site area of 2.2 square kilometres. The architecture and fit-out of the properties are unique and are a true showcase of the very best material finishes and technology the world has to offer.

Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG)

The renowned construction company, will undertake structural and civil works, fit-out and interior works, final finishes and fixtures and equipment (FF&E), along with MEP, and External Finishes, roads, car parking and landscaping. Habtoor Leighton Group's building expertise encompasses hotel developments, commercial and retail developments, residential developments, hospitals and healthcare facilities, education and cultural developments, industrial facilities, sports facilities and government/defence buildings. HLG's capabilities ensure that the development will add real value to the local tourism industry and adhere to the standards set by Saraya Bandar Jissah and Jumeirah.

Jumeirah Group

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Baku, Bodrum, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Mallorca (Spain) and Rome in Europe; the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah LivingTM with properties in London and Dubai; the new contemporary lifestyle hotel brand VenuTM; the wellness brand TaliseTM; Jumeirah Restaurant Group DubaiTM; Wild Wadi WaterparkTM; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality ManagementTM; and Jumeirah SiriusTM, its global loyalty programme. Future openings include luxury and lifestyle hotels in China, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Russia and the UAE. www.jumeirah.com

© Press Release 2015