Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi Shares Insights on Opportunities in Oman's Tourism Sector at AHIC in Dubai

Dubai-UAE: 6 May, 2013

His Excellency Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of Sundus Investments and Vice Chairman of National Bank of Oman, today highlighted the growth prospects of Oman's hospitality sector, as part of a session titled: "Why Build a Hotel in Oman? Tapping into the Decision Making Process of a Hotel Owner", at the 9th 'Arabian Hotel Investment Conference' (AHIC), currently taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

An experienced investor in real estate and finance, Mr. Al Ardhi shared outcomes of his strategic research and financial analysis on the investment opportunities in Oman. Sundus Investments' role in furthering the nation's ambitions of serving as a premier global tourism hub was also highlighted during the address on 6 May at the Middle East's annual meeting point for the region's most prominent and experienced hotel investors, developers, operators and advisors.

Ahead of his talk at the conference, His Excellency Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi said: "In a dynamic economy such as Oman's, tourism is a vital sector that offers lucrative investment opportunities. Sundus Investments is fortunate to have received an overwhelming support from government departments in its efforts to consolidate the country's tourism offerings. We have recently signed an agreement with Rotana Hotel to shape iconic entertainment and retail developments and expand the hospitality landscape in the region. We are confident that Sundus and Rotana's symbiotic partnership will significantly contribute towards achieving Oman's Vision 2020."

The Sultanate of Oman's plan; Vision 2020, reinforces the government's commitment to boosting the tourism sector to diversify the economy and stimulate comprehensive development. As part of these efforts, prestigious projects are currently underway with plans to add nearly 2,000 hotel rooms to the country's three, four and five-star hotel inventory by the end of 2013.

Mr. Al Ardhi added: "AHIC offers a strategic platform to highlight Oman's strategic course in the tourism sector over the next few years. We at Sundus Investments also look forward to gaining fresh industry insights from the noted panellists at the conference."

AHIC is a leading hotel investment conference that gives business leaders from international and local markets the opportunity to connect across the region. With an advisory board that boasts over 40 regional industry leaders, this year's event is themed 'Connecting the Dots' to reiterate AHIC's core mission of 'bringing together people and delivering knowledge'.

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Sundus Investments Projects LLC, pioneers in mixed-use development in the Middle East. Rotana currently manages a portfolio of 70 properties throughout the Middle East & Africa

For Further Information, please contact:
Suzanne Samaan
Head of Media Relations, Arab Region
APCO Worldwide
Dubai, UAE
Email: ssamaan@apcoworldwide.com
Mobile: +971 55 9548682

© Press Release 2013