MUSCAT : Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. will take over operations of the Bar al Jissah Resort in Muscat from January 1, 2026, as part of a management agreement with Zubair Corporation, marking the debut of the Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman.

The rebranded complex will include Waldorf Astoria Muscat, Hilton Muscat al Bandar, and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat al Waha, doubling Hilton’s footprint in the sultanate, the company said in a statement. The move underscores Hilton’s strategy to expand across both established and emerging destinations in the Middle East.

“The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the sultanate,” said Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s vice president for development in the Middle East and Africa. “These new properties will help meet rising demand from leisure and business travelers, supporting Oman Vision 2040, which targets 12 million annual visitors by 2040.”

Al Husn Hotel Muscat will undergo a full renovation before reopening as Waldorf Astoria Muscat, while Hilton Muscat al Bandar will feature 198 rooms, six restaurants, and extensive meeting spaces. DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat al Waha will offer 302 rooms designed for family stays.

Collectively, the three hotels will house 15 dining venues spanning Asian, Mediterranean, and Arabic cuisines, along with shared leisure and recreation facilities.

Niels Bormans, CEO of Zubair Corporation, said the partnership with Hilton “reflects a shared vision for Oman’s tourism future,” combining global expertise with the sultanate’s cultural and natural assets.

Hilton currently operates three hotels in Oman — Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair, Hilton Salalah, and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum.