M&C to jointly manage and operate Muscat Grand Millenium Hotel

First alcohol-free 5-star hotel in Oman.

Singapore’s international hotelier, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc (M&C) continues to tap into the potential of the Sultanate of Oman with the announcement of its second hotel in the region. M&C signed an agreement with Shaza Muscat Company (SMC) to manage and operate Oman’s first Sharia-compliant five-star property named the Muscat Grand Millennium Hotel.

Muscat Grand Millennium Hotel is scheduled to open in 2014 and will be Oman’s first alcohol-free luxury hotel. This is M&C’s second hotel in Oman. The first was Millennium Resort Mussanah which opened in February 2011.

This comes at an opportune time with the recent call for Singapore companies to look at business opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman. Oman with its pristine sand dunes and abundant marine life is located in the southeastern coast of the Arabian peninsular.

Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M&C said, “There is great potential in Oman. With increasing interest in the region, Muscat has seen strong growth in their tourism numbers. The Muscat Grand Millennium hotel will cater to this growing industry and further strengthened M&C’s foothold in the Middle East.”

At the press conference to announce the agreement, Mr. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi – President & CEO of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Middle East & Africa said, "The Millennium Resort Mussanah has seen increasing popularity owing to the standards of service and the widespread amenities available to clients, within a short drive from the capital city. It is our area of expertise to create premier hospitality segments and with the signing of this agreement we are certain to create a similar atmosphere for those looking for a five star experience in the heart of Muscat."

M&C’s signing to manage and operate its second hotel in Oman comes as Singapore companies are being encouraged to look at business openings in the Sultanate of Oman.

Eng. Khamis Mubarak Al Kiyumi, Chairman of Shaza Muscat Company noted, "Muscat continues to grow as an attractive tourist destination in the region, and the way forward is to cater to this burgeoning market by offering a full lifestyle and retail experience that meets not only regional, but also global expectations. "

Describing the significance of this agreement, Eng. Mohammed Abu-Baker Al-Ghassani, Board Member of Shaza Muscat Company added, "This partnership with Millennium & Copthorne Hotels will define a one-of-its-kind hospitality destination in the heart of Muscat. The sheer investment of OMR 28 Million in the project is testament to the quality standards that it will reflect."