Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), the master developer of major tourism, heritage and mixed-use projects in Oman, is on track to deliver three new hotels in Muscat, providing more than 900 additional rooms in 2017/18.

The hotels include the five-star W hotel, currently under construction alongside the expansion of the Royal Opera House in the heart of the capital as well as the five-star JW Marriott and four-star Crowne Plaza, both located at Omran’s Madinat Al Irfan master development.

These hotels are set to increase the Omran’s business and luxury room supply, supporting the sultanate’s strategic expansion of its leisure tourism and Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) industries, especially focusing on the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the country’s new iconic business hub.

Said bin Mohammed Al Qasmi, chief project officer, Omran and head of the OCEC development, said: “The new Madinat Al Irfan Urban Centre is going to be extraordinary – a new urban fabric will be introduced into Muscat, offering a multitude of opportunities in Oman for residents and visitors alike. The opening of both JW Marriott at Crowne Plaza next year will continue the initial stage of Phase One of this development, adding another dimension to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.”

The two properties on the OCEC site – the JW Marriott and the Crowne Plaza – are being built to the highest sustainability standards and, as with all projects under construction by Omran and within OCEC, are designed to meet the criteria for the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) certification by the US Green Building Council.

Also conforming to Leed certification is the W Hotel which will have 290 rooms. The W is part of Starwood’s portfolio and will bring the brand’s signature of combining the energetic, vibrant, forward-thinking and artistic attitude with the unique individuality of the destination.

The three hotels are to open in 2017 and 2018, following the opening of exhibition halls of the OCEC later this year.