The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has entered an agreement with the ministry of tourism from the Sultanate of Oman to acquire the full management of Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, Oman.

The landmark property, which is set against a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and overlooks the Gulf of Oman, will be rebranded under The Ritz-Carlton portfolio.

“The Omani capital has long been a key aspiration for The Ritz-Carlton and we have waited a long time to find the perfect opportunity to add to our collection,” said Ritz-Carlton president Herve Humler.

“It is an honour to be selected to manage such an iconic hotel as Al Bustan Palace and we look forward to retaining its premier position in the regional and international marketplace.”

To ensure the smooth transition of operations and level of service to the guests, “all the current employees will be retained by The Ritz-Carlton under the new management,” added Humler.

“The Ritz-Carlton is also strongly committed to all the Omani ladies and gentlemen at the hotel and we welcome the existing Al Bustan Palace team to The Ritz-Carlton family.

“I know that we shall do our utmost to make them feel comfortable within our corporate culture.”

Commenting on the agreement, His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, the Oman minister of tourism said: “Our agreement with one of the biggest and most prestigious hotel management company in the world reflects our total commitment to preserve the position of Al Bustan Palace as one of the most esteemed and luxurious hotels in the region.

“The new management aims at introducing the concept of luxury and hospitality philosophy in our present time while maintaining the prestigious stature of the hotel.”

Noted architecturally for its 38-meter high domed atrium lobby, Al Bustan Palace has recently undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment to both the interior and exterior that only enhances its well-earned reputation as the “jewel of the Sultanate.”

Home to visiting heads of state and members of royalty, the hotel showcases new furnishings that artistically fuse elements from both local traditions and art deco influences, blending the richness of Arabian culture, art and history.

Intricate handcrafted wall coverings and original carvings bring an essential sense of place to the 26-year resort that was originally built to host the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 1985.

City.Mobi

Also in the Middle East today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Muscat. 

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Muscat.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.