Paving the way for local and foreign investment in the Sultanate's fastest growing economic hub

Duqm, April 23rd 2014 - Paving the way for increased local and foreign investment in the Sultanate's fastest growing economic hub, Omran officially inaugurated the Crowne Plaza Duqm hotel under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Taimur Bin As'ad Al Said, Assistant Secretary General for International Relations, The Research Council. The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of a high profile delegation as well as senior management teams from various public and private sector institutions.

The 4-star Crowne Plaza Duqm features 213 guest rooms, including sixteen junior suites, two 1-bedroom suites, two 2-bedroom suits, and one royal suite, and offers a range of dining facilities, a fitness centre, swimming pool, business centre, ballroom and meeting and conference facilities.

On the occasion, H.H. Sayyid Taimur bin As'ad Al Said, said, "With Duqm being positioned as the Middle East and North Africa's most accomplished industrial and economic stronghold offering a world-class multi-business and commercial proposition, the Wilayat requires high quality hospitality infrastructure capable of supporting increased demand. The creation of tourism properties such as the strategically placed Crowne Plaza Duqm will complement the expansion of Oman's economic diversification centrepiece, enhance the Wilayat's tourism potential and ensure the availability of sufficient accommodation for discerning business and recreational travellers."

H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, Chairman of SEZAD added, "From the onset, Omran has been actively supporting SEZAD in transforming Duqm into a leisure endpoint and competitive business platform. We are pleased to see major projects such as the Crowne Plaza Duqm come to life, further positioning the Wilayat as a logistics centre on the Arabian Sea, a safe investment haven in the region, and a modern and attractive businesses environment and tourism destination."

The opening of the Crowne Plaza Duqm comes in line with the Sultanate's steady and sustainable development efforts said Pascal Gauvin, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) COO, India, Middle East and Africa. "Oman continues to be an important market for us in the Middle East. We have had a presence in this beautiful country since 1977 and we have been proud to be a part of its sustained growth in those years. Thanks to its focus on growing its travel tourism industry, and Omran's planned and strategic approach, the country continues to open itself up to travellers from far and wide whilst retaining its authentic charm. We are delighted to open Crowne Plaza Duqm as the town continues its exciting expansion."

Omran's Chairman, H.E. Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi, explained that one fundamental aspect of Omran's mandate has been to extend Oman's tourism infrastructure to emerging governorates such as Al Wusta. "The Crowne Plaza Duqm is the second development in Al Wusta Governorate to be handed over by Omran in the last two years following the opening of the 3-star City Hotel Duqm in 2012."

"Alongside with the Ministry of Tourism, Omran is committed to creating, managing and investing in quality hospitality infrastructure in support of the long-term sustainable development of the Omani tourism sector. The company does so to encourage future investment across the country, bring new forms of revenue into communities, give local companies new business opportunities and provide our national workforce with new sources of employment," added Al Jashmi.

About Omran
Omran is mandated by the Government of Oman to deliver major projects and manage tourism assets and investments. This is in line with the Government's vision of positioning tourism as a major economic driver of the future and as a generator of employment.

Omran's growing project portfolio includes some of the largest developments in Oman such as the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Omran is now focusing on the delivery of numerous projects spanning the country.

Omran is also a prominent asset manager and operator of tourism assets in Oman. Regional and international investors have chosen Omran as their partner in developing mega mixed used projects and master-planned communities in addition to real estate developments and niche projects under various stages of development.

In developing these projects, sustainable development is of paramount importance, with the company management systems having been certified to ISO 14001 & 9001 standards plus the OHSAS 18001 accreditation. Omran also believes firmly that local communities and its stakeholders have to be the ultimate beneficiaries of its developments and activities.  

For more information:
Sulaiman Al Maqbali
Communication Coordinator
Omran
Tel: +968 24 391181
Email: sulaiman.maqbali@omran.om

ShazaTaher
Sr. Media Relations Manager
TRACCS Oman
Tel: +968 24 649099
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net

© Press Release 2014