Oman hilltop resort set to open in December

A new luxury hilltop resort in Oman is set to open in December with construction currently ahead of schedule, officials have said.

Omran, the sultanate's tourism-related development, hospitality management and investment company, said the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort project has passed the 60 percent construction mark.

Set to open its doors in December 2013, the 2,000 metre-high project is currently eight percent ahead of schedule, said Nasser Al Maqbali, chief operating officer at Omran.

He said that the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort is set to become a "pinnacle in the sultanate's budding tourism sector".

Commenting on the progress, Al Maqbali said: "The planned construction of the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort for this period was to complete 51.73 percent. Today, we have successfully passed this target thanks to the efforts and dedication of our staff and contractors."

With the majority of raw materials being sourced directly from local suppliers wherever possible, the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort has demonstrated Omran's commitment to building projects that have a direct economic return on the local community.

Set among a rugged landscape that overlooks a dramatic valley with views of the Hajar Mountains, the luxury resort and spa development will feature 86 suites and spa facilities, alongside a cliff-side restaurant and pool.

Alila Hotels and Resorts have been selected to be the strategic partners for Omran.

Oman's hotel sector is set to grow by more than 60 percent if all 4,613 rooms in the country’s total active pipeline open, according to new data.

STR Global said the sultanate was poised to grow the most in the Middle East and Africa (63.9 percent), with five other countries in the region set to expand by more than 30 percent.