Latest news with #ShattiAlQurum
Zawya
06-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HH Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad Al Said to honour winners of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 on Tuesday
Muscat: The awards ceremony of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad Al Said, Assistant Secretary-General at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers. Launched by Muscat Municipality, this international competition aims to set new benchmarks in urban development by enriching Muscat's urban landscape, safeguarding cultural heritage, and elevating the city's standing as a leading global destination. The award ceremony will take place on the morning of Tuesday, 8 July 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Shatti Al Qurum (Al Thuraya Hall). The event will be attended by a distinguished group of experts from the judging panel, as well as several CEOs of major real estate development companies in the Sultanate. The Muscat Municipality Design Competition serves as a premier platform for the exchange of visionary ideas, with five leading international architectural design firms competing for the award. Each firm will present its concept for a multi-use civic building that harmoniously blends Omani identity with contemporary global urban design, integrating the latest sustainable technologies. In preparation for the ceremony, Muscat Municipality has designated Monday, 7 July 2025, for the project presentation sessions. This provides a dedicated platform for the finalists to present their designs before the judging panel. The initiative reflects the Municipality's ongoing commitment to strengthening Muscat's visual identity, promoting sustainability, and encouraging architectural innovation that responds to both people and place.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
19-05-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Why The Mandarin Oriental Muscat Is A Must-Visit Escape
Set in a prestigious central location, Omani hospitality, curated experiences and local touches elevate the offering at the new Mandarin Oriental Muscat As the sleek limousine purrs through Shatti Al-Qurum, with its white villas and prominent flags, you know you're in an expensive neighbourhood. Flanked by embassies, within a short walk to the Muscat Opera House and hugging the coastline, the much-anticipated Mandarin Oriental Muscat has found a very special address. From the moment you are ushered into the lobby, where high-powered meetings and genial ladies' gatherings are taking place with pretty patisserie in the Sawa Lounge and Mandarin Cake Shop, one can see that this new property has already carved its place among the city's elite. There's something very reassuring about staying at a hotel that has established itself – and is frequented by – its own community. Its location is key. This is a hotel for those who want to be in the heart of the city, to immerse themselves in the Sultanate's culture and to take advantage of the bespoke excursions the hotel curates, from rose-picking visits to the Jabal Akhdar mountains to a trip to celebrated local artist Alia Al Farsi's Al Rusayl warehouse gallery and a tour of the evocative Muttrah souk scented with spice and frankincense. You'll also see her painted motorbike on the property, and be able to learn about how the hotel's symbol – its iconic fan – has been commissioned as an artwork featuring 11 Omani women in traditional, diverse dress. The 150-room and suite property has already become a top pick among the business community who find the central location indispensable. But as more of its leisure offerings are unveiled, it's attracting a wider range of families and tourists, too. Those looking to unwind find the swimming pool – a focal point at the heart of the property – a sanctuary to escape to. And the promenade on the waterfront is ideal for picturesque walks. Gastronomic offerings are another big draw for both hotel guests and visitors; all-day dining is provided at Rawya, which charms with its indoor-outdoor aesthetic, Silk Road-inspired story and sumptuous buffet breakfasts. Italian Essenza's terrace is the go-to for dinner. Classics are done with aplomb – burrata-topped Margherita pizzas, rich lasagne and veal Milanese all accounted for – but the culinary cognoscenti should opt for some of the more niche offerings; a flavourful penne fish ragu was a revelation. After a day basking in the sun or discovering local sites and natural treasures, returning to the sophisticated rooms is a welcome delight. Through artwork, French designer Xavier Cartron has infused a gentle local touch into the sprawling spaces (even entry level options start at 55sqm), while keeping the understated luxury stamp that the Far Eastern brand is known for. Our corner suite had a separate dining and seating area, was flanked by balconies overlooking the sea and pool and had a huge walk-in closet connected to the bathroom, complete with stand-alone tub. The Mandarin Oriental is of course known for its spas. The Muscat incarnation lives up to their world-famous reputation, with a traditional hammam, eight treatment rooms and a slew of rituals – like the rose quartz massage that evokes being surrounded by sand – that incorporate local beauty traditions. There are also international brands showcased, with facials using Biologique Recherche, and a collaboration with haute perfumerie house Amouage. There are many plans yet to be unveiled; we spotted shops and restaurant outlets by the waterfront, space for a Kids' Club and a programme of ideas for community initiatives that will create an even more vibrant environment; one that further infuses Omani tradition into the lives of lucky guests who get to stay here.
