Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel: Legacy meets modern luxury

Al Bustan Palace lobby lounge.
Updated 03 October 2018
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Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel: Legacy meets modern luxury

Marking a new era in its legacy, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, reopens following a period of extensive enhancements that includes redesigned rooms and suites, refreshed Ritz Kids experiences, and new culinary options.

An iconic symbol of Omani culture and hospitality, the palace hotel has been reimagined to embrace the needs of families and the modern global traveler, offering new and inspiring experiences that bridge heritage with state of the art technology and modern design.

“Oman continues to welcome record numbers of international visitors thanks to our commitment to offering world-class experiences for the modern global traveler that honor and celebrate our beautiful natural surroundings, rich culture and history,” commented Maitha bint Saif Al-Mahrouqi, undersecretary for the Ministry of Tourism of Oman. 

“The renovation of Al Bustan Palace fully supports this vision and we are confident that the hotel will continue to contribute to the sultanate’s thriving tourism industry.” 

Royal Estates Royal Court Affairs in Oman carried out the design of most of the refurbishment works, while renowned luxury integrated design firm WATG and affiliated design studio Wimberly Interiors provided some of the other architecture and interior renovation under the supervision of the Royal Estates. Undergoing a dramatic transformation, the Palace’s hotel rooms and suites seamlessly combine decor inspired by Oman’s culture and heritage with refined design and state-of-the-art technology. While the rooms retain their original elegance, an enhanced level of modern luxury is now provided by rich furnishings, lush materials and neutral metallic tones. New artwork pays homage to Oman’s artisans with contemporary digital prints incorporating images of traditional Omani silverware, jewelry, khanjars, and coffee pots.

“Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel has been an iconic property in Oman for more than 30 years and we are delighted to introduce the newly reimaged hotel to the local and global community,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East & Africa (MEA) for Marriott International. 

“With our established and expanding presence in the Sultanate, we remain committed to being a part of Oman’s development and look forward to setting new hospitality benchmarks across the country.”

Capturing Oman’s spirit of adventure and its love of the outdoors, the hotel presents a refreshed Ritz Kids program and a new outdoor Family Aqua Land. Ideal for families and multigenerational travel, young adventurers can now ride a zipline, splash through their own dedicated pool, or slide from a large Omani traditional boat, all surrounded by lush gardens, golden sands and sensational views of Al Hajjar Mountains. 

A variety of enriching dining experiences can now also be enjoyed on the shores of the Gulf of Oman. With a newly extended two-level terrace providing dazzling views of the fifty meters long infinity pool and the ocean, Al Khiran Kitchen highlights the best of the country’s natural beauty alongside cuisine that showcases the freshest local produce and flavors from farms across the Sultanate. Beach Pavilion Bar & Grill captures the spirit of the surrounding sea with an expansive deck overlooking the seafront and features simple yet elegant, locally-inspired seafood dishes and grills. Already celebrated as one of Oman’s finest Asian restaurants, China Mood now offers an elegant terrace from which to enjoy its authentic Chinese cuisine and unique tea sommelier show. 

The Grand Ballroom and meeting rooms have also undergone a renovation, making Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat’s premier destination for the most prestigious wedding celebrations and events. The new event experience has been created to touch on guests’ five senses and incorporates modern technology with the very best of Omani hospitality, alongside the legendary Ritz-Carlton service.

True to its commitment to the people of Oman, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, welcomes visitors who wish to spend a day at the hotel with a Beach Day Pass that offers access to the private beachfront and facilities. Recreation Memberships have also been re-created for residents and families who wish to enjoy exclusive, year-round access to the hotel’s palatial facilities and beachfront.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.