Pictures: Fraser Suites opens first Oman property in Muscat

Luxury serviced residences operator Fraser Suites has opened a 120-key property in Muscat, its first in Oman.

Located in the Landmark mixed-use complex, Fraser Suites Muscat is a serviced residence property offering one to three-bedroom apartments.

Amenities include a rooftop pool, 24-hour gym, spa, all-day dining restaurant and children’s play area. A grand ballroom that can seat 800 people is also available for events and conferences.

The property, which opened on August 1, is owned by Amer Al Suleimani, Ammar Al Suleimani and Ahmed Al Suleimani, a statement said.

Currently prices start at OMR40 ($104) per night, according to the website.

Frasers Hospitality currently has six properties in the Middle East, and plans to increase its portfolio to 13 properties in the region.

It entered the region with the launch of Fraser Suites Seef, Bahrain in 2009. Since then, it has also opened Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area – also in Bahrain and Fraser Suites Dubai. Its properties have an average occupancy rate of over 85 per cent, the statement said.

Vincent Le Gorrec, general manager of Fraser Suites Muscat said: “Countries in the Middle East have several cultural tourism prospects, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and UAE. As part of Oman’s diversification efforts, there has been growth and expansion in various sectors, such as tourism, manufacturing, transport, and logistics. This will subsequently result in the increase of demand for high-quality accommodation for travellers.

“We also hope to play our part in enhancing the Sultanate’s tourism sector and the execution of the country’s economic diversification plan.”

Oman, which is looking to boost its tourism sector, recently introduced a cheaper visa option.

The new visa will allow those wanting to stay in the sultanate for less than a week and a half to pay the original price of OMR5 ($13).

Read more: Oman introduces cheaper tourist visa

The country, which received 4.7 per cent more international tourists last year to 3.3 million, has sought to lure more travellers through the recent easing of visa restrictions on Chinese and Russian passport holders.

Read: Oman adds China, Iran, Russia to visa on arrival list

It also introduced new visa rules in March including an online application process.