OMRAN Group and Muriya Inaugurate Hawana Hospitality Centre in Salalah with Launch of Second Edition of Midhyaf Program

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Muriya Tourism Development, has inaugurated the Hawana Hospitality Centre at Salalah. Developed by Muriya and operated by the Oman Tourism Academy, the centre will serve as a dedicated hub for hospitality skills development. Marking its first program delivery, OMRAN Group also launched the second edition of Midhyaf , its flagship tourism and hospitality training initiative designed to empower Omani youth and prepare them for careers in the sector.

As the first program to be delivered at the new centre, the second edition of Midhyaf  will see 70 Omani trainees embark on a six-to-nine-month curriculum designed by Oman Tourism Academy. Tailored for high school graduates, the program combines classroom learning with practical training in three key disciplines: culinary arts, food and beverage service, and front office operations. To enrich their learning journey, participants will also gain hands-on experience at leading hospitality destinations, including hotels of Hawana Salalah Resorts — Club by Fanar, Fanar Hotel & Residences, Rotana Resort, and Juweirah Boutique Hotel — as well as Alila Hinu Bay, City Hotel Duqm, Crowne Plaza Duqm, and Crowne Plaza Salalah.

This joint initiative, developed with the support of the Ministry of Labour, Muriya Tourism Development, Oman Tourism Academy, and hotel partners in Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates, reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Omanization in hospitality and building a strong pipeline of future leaders for the tourism sector.

H.E. Dr. Mahad Said Baawain, Minister of Labour in the Sultanate of Oman, said: “This initiative contributes to creating a promising pathway for Omani youth to acquire new skills and secure job opportunities in one of Oman’s most promising sectors. It also reaffirms our commitment to aligning training programs with market needs and enhancing the participation of national talent in the workforce.”

Dr. Salim Al Flaiti, Group Head of HR Business Partners at OMRAN Group, said: “The opening of the Hawana Hospitality Centre and the launch of the second edition of Midhyaf  together mark a pivotal moment in our efforts to develop national talent. Through this program, we are building the skills and capabilities that will contribute to the sustainable growth of tourism, inspire young Omanis to join the sector, and advance our human capital development strategy under the #IAmTourism umbrella.”

Engineer Wael al Lawati, CEO at Muriya Tourism Development, developer of award-winning destinations Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah commented: “We are proud to have developed the Hawana Hospitality Centre at Hawana Salalah, which is operated by the Oman Tourism Academy to deliver world-class training programs,  reflecting our commitment to empowering local talent, creating pathways to employment, and supporting the long-term growth of Oman’s tourism sector.”

Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al- Muhrzi, Dean of Oman Tourism College, noted: “Midhyaf reflects the power of collaboration between education and industry. With this program being the first at the new Hawana Hospitality Centre, we are helping create a new generation of Omani professionals who will raise service standards and contribute to the sector’s growth.”

Graduates of the program will be offered employment opportunities across OMRAN Group’s hospitality portfolio, directly contributing to job creation, workforce development, and Oman’s Vision 2040 goals of human resources development.