The hospitality landscape in Sultanate of Oman is about to be reinforced with the official signature of Club Med Musandam project, the first Club Med Resort in the Gulf States, with an exclusive beach opening to the astounding Persian Gulf.

The official signature event held on May 2nd 2024 in Muscat counted the distinguished presence of His Excellency Mr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, His Excellency Mr. Nasr bin Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs, Her Excellency Mrs. Véronique Aulagnon, Ambassador of France in Oman, His Excellency Mr. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of Oman Tourism Development Company (“OMRAN Group”), Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, and Mr. Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President  of Club Med. 

“The history and success of Club Med lies on its pioneer approach, strongly contributing to the development of regions and areas where it has been implementing. The project of Club Med Musandam is a key milestone as it is our first presence in the Gulf States” says Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President of Club Med.

This ground-breaking development is a result of a collaborative partnership between the esteemed operators, Club Med, Royal Court Affairs and Omran Group, developers of Club Med Musandam. In line with its strong commitment to local development, this all-inclusive Resort is poised to make contributions to the region, ushering in opportunities for job creation and sustainable growth. 

“This collaboration with Club Med is an important step that is in line with the objective of Omran vision 2040 aiming at bringing 11 million tourists in Oman to boost the inflow of international tourists to the Sultanate” says H.E. Mr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.

 Club Med, the renowned pioneer in all-inclusive sun and snow holidays, has been offering unparalleled holiday experiences around the world since 1950. Through its commercial partnership with dnata Travel Group, Club Med has already been growing fast in the last few years in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries offering premium all-inclusive beach and mountain holiday experience for the families. The company serves both Leisure travellers and Meetings &Events (MICE) corporate customers based across GCC.

Omran Group is committed to create sustainable and authentic tourism assets, lifestyle communities and destinations that drive economic growth and contribute to the diversification of Oman’s economy. “Our mission is to bring Oman’s beauty, peace, and warm hospitality to the eyes of tourists around the world. We are proud to support the growth of the tourism industry in Oman and Club Med Musandam will contribute to deliver this vision”. Says Dr. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group. 

Sustainability at the centre of the project

Over 400 direct jobs and an additional 800 indirect jobs will be generated by Club Med Musandam, invigorating the local economy and empowering individuals and families with work opportunities. During its realization, the project will also employ around 1,000 employees in multiple execution phases including construction, providing a significant boost to the job market in Oman and in Musandam Governorate in particular. 

Supported by Oman debt funders and equity partners, Club Med Musandam represents an investment exceeding 100 million dollars under the enterprise of Omran Group. The construction period is estimated to be 26 months, commencing in early 2026 with the resort opening scheduled during 2028.

Club Med commits to eco-certifying the construction of all its new Resorts with BREEAM or their local equivalent. BREEAM is one of the most recognized international and independent eco-construction certifications in the world. In Oman, the aim is to achieve « very good » rating for this development.

Regarding the Musandam Resort's operations, Club Med will adhere to Green Globe standards: an international and independent sustainable tourism certification. This standard rewards establishments in the tourism sector that are committed to improving the environmental and social management of their activity in 4 fields: sustainable management, economic/social, cultural heritage and the environment. 100% of Club Med Resorts are Green Globe Certified. 

Sustainability is a key consideration to Club Med and this project embraces environmental stewardship by spearheading the "Bye Bye Plastics" movement, which looks at progressively cutting the usage of plastic water bottles and single-use plastics in resorts, a commitment already successfully implemented in the brand’s resorts around the world. Echoing this, another eco-commitment by Club Med aims to achieve food waste reduction across all Resorts by 2030.

The “Norway of Arabia” with the world’s only desert fjords 

The strategic location of Club Med Exclusive Collection Musandam adds to its charm and beauty. Nestled on the Musandam Peninsula at the extreme Northeast of the Arabian Peninsula, the location has a unique geography, culture and history that sets it apart from its Arabian neighbours. Jutting out into the narrow Strait of Hormuz, Musandam’s jagged coastline has earned it the nickname ‘Norway of Arabia’. While its fjords are indeed impressive, the expansive Musandam mountains are equally worthy of exploration.

The Hajar Mountains embrace the Strait of Hormuz to give magnificent panoramas. The place stands out with its quaint coastal villages, historic forts, unique culture, and incredible marine life. Khasab is the central city and capital of Musandam province in Oman, the location is surrounded with stunning -natural scenery, it is one of the few places to see the authentic Bedouin lifestyle and traditions.

The Resort is 5 mins boat ride away from Khasab city and 2 and half hours away via Dubai International Airport, making it an attractive destination for both local and international travellers.

Club Med Musandam promises a memorable beach experience, providing guests with the opportunity to reconnect with nature. The Resort will give exclusivity and intimacy while immersing its clients into the Oman traditions, Musandam wonders with a total holistic well-being concept.

An Exclusive Collection surrounded by nature, clear water and mountains   

Club Med Musandam will be carrying a strong flair of the Oman culture, the resort interiors, entertainment and even food and beverages will be inspired by the location, climate, and cultures of the region.

The 300 rooms’ resort will be an Exclusive Collection, the most exclusive and premium line of product of the Club Med portfolio. It offers a refined and authentically luxurious way of living, free from pretension and ostentatiousness while still catering to the standards and needs of an elevated clientele.

The Club Med Exclusive Collection currently consists of 20 properties including: 5 Exclusive Collection Resorts, 10 Exclusive Collection Spaces, 4 Villas and Chalets, and 1 Sailing Yacht, the Club Med 2.

Fun family activities creating a warm and inclusive environment together with quiet private spaces will co-exist in a complete vacation offer. For families, this will translate into world-class kids' clubs with tailored facilities and certified staff for children of all ages, from 4 months old, inspiring curiosity, fun, and friendship.

Activities and sports are an integral part of the Club Med DNA and expertise, and active guests can expect a diverse array of land and water activities. One will find sporting sites and professional staff (called G.Os “Gracious Organizers”) who aim to have you discover new sports or improve your skills. With an all-inclusive holiday at Club Med Musandam, holidaymakers can enjoy tennis, paddle tennis, beach tennis, archery, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking and paddling over the water.

For those looking for a wellness retreat, the Resort will offer a full holistic well-being experience with a real sanctuary to reconnect yourself with an indulgent spa, a fitness centre with several classes every day, a yoga school and an adult-only Zen pool and bar where guests can find the perfect peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

The Resort Centre will offer a shopping experience as well as gourmet food and beverages at either the restaurant, bar, or the wine corner. In this location, entertainment, artistic performances, and live music will happen both during daytime and evening. In addition to the idyllic beach experience, guests at Club Med Musandam can also discover the magnificent rocky universe from Oman tradition, as well as the exceptional fjords in the surroundings.

With Club Med Musandam set to reinforce the Oman hospitality landscape, it is poised to become a symbol of transformation, empowerment, and sustainable growth for the region and the country.

About Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group)

Growth Through Tourism 

OMRAN Group, the Sultanate of Oman's executive arm for tourism development, is committed to creating sustainable and authentic tourism projects, residential communities, and destinations. These initiatives are key in driving economic growth and supporting the diversification of Oman's economy. The Group’s multifaceted and collaborative approach enables it to work independently or as a catalyst, combining governmental strength with private sector innovation.

OMRAN Group’s partnerships span various stakeholders, including government bodies, private entities, local communities, SMEs, and more. This collaborative approach ensures its initiatives positively impact the environment, social fabric, and local economy while preserving Oman's rich cultural heritage and environmental values.

Inspired by Oman's stunning beauty, peaceful harmony, and gracious hospitality, OMRAN Group endeavours to share these treasures globally, thus enriching the country's vibrant tapestry of experiences and opportunities.