Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has signed an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three new hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands. The milestone announcement marks Hilton’s plan to double its presence in Oman and introduces the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand to the Sultanate for the first time.
All three hotels will be part of Barr Al Jissah, a renowned waterfront development along Muscat’s coastline. Set amid rugged mountains and private beaches, the destination is expected to attract leisure travellers, families, and business visitors alike. The properties are scheduled to open in January 2026, bringing a new era of luxury hospitality to the region.
Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside the new Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton properties, marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the Sultanate. Oman’s rich culture, heritage, and natural landscapes continue to attract discerning travellers. These new properties will enable us to meet that growing demand across both leisure and business segments – supporting Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12 million tourists annually to the Sultanate by 2040. Together with The Zubair Corporation, we are proud to bring this transformative destination to life and strengthen Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub.”
Niels Bormans, group chief executive officer, The Zubair Corporation, added: “The collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision for Oman’s tourism future. By combining Hilton’s global expertise with our commitment to preserving the Sultanate’s heritage and natural beauty, Barr Al Jissah stands as a world-class destination that reinforces Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub in the region; not as an aspiration, but as a reality shaped by excellence, authenticity, and global confidence.”
The Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn will feature 180 luxury rooms and suites, five dining venues, and the signature Waldorf Astoria Spa. The Hilton Muscat Al Bandar will offer 198 rooms and suites, six restaurants, a grand ballroom, and a wellness spa. Meanwhile, the DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha will cater to families with 302 rooms and four dining outlets. Collectively, the three hotels will include 15 dining venues offering international cuisine and extensive leisure facilities, including 600 metres of private beach, a 500-metre lazy river, six pools, and a dive centre.
Hilton currently operates three hotels in Oman, Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair, Hilton Salalah, and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum. The addition of the Barr Al Jissah properties marks a significant step in Hilton’s regional expansion strategy.