From L-R: James Hewitson - general manager, Hisham Ahmed Ali - guest service center agent, Nasser Al Zedjali - stewarding supervisor, Imad Salim Al Marhoon - guest service agent, Taher Salim Al Nadeef - room attendant, Khalfan, Mohammed Al Harthi - guest service agent, Fatma Al Sinawi - director of human resources, Naifa Rabea Salmeen Bait Mabrook - chef, Koukab Sebti Ghabran Bait Salim – guest service center agent.
The soon-to-open Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has employed more than 70 local Omanis to make up the pre-opening roster. As the resort’s launch date draws closer, the property continues to expand its team of professionals by adding a growing number of Omani nationals.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has employed more than 50% of the 140-person strong team from the local community and aim to keep up the high percentage when they reach their full staff of 314 over the next few months.
The resort will be employing Omanis not only to assist with hospitality roles such as housekeeping and concierge, but also to help with on-site activities and tour programmes.
Anantara will be offering pre-opening training programs in their resorts across Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and Chiang Rai to offer employees the opportunity to hone their skills and improve by training in their respective departments prior to the resort’s opening this summer.
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Dr. Mohamed Al-Barwani, founder and chairman of MB Holding/Musstir, said: “The resort is making great progress towards its opening date during the Khareef season and we are pleased with the initial interest and support from the Dhofar community. We wanted to develop a resort that will help attract luxury travelers to Salalah and the progress shows that we are on track to achieve our goal.”
Omran's chief operating officer Ali Al Rasbi commented: "With the recently announced growth in tourist arrivals to Oman, Omran and its partner Mohammed Barwani are sure that this beach hotel will drive further premium tourism into the region. The new world class Salalah airport is ready, the hotel will also be ready for the influx of Khareef visitors, followed by the winter sun tourists from Europe".
In line with Anantara’ s ongoing commitment to the local community in each of its destinations, the resort team’s goal is to provide long-term employment and development opportunities for the residents of Dhofar.
Ahead of the opening this summer, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara will be sending eight new Omani employees to Thailand to learn about hospitality from Anantara's headquarters. From HR to operations, guests services to administration, the local employees will be provided with the necessary training and work experience needed to understand the Anantara culture and ethos.
The resort's upper level management is also working closely with the Omani Government as well as the Omani tourism college to recruit local citizens as part of its Omanisation efforts.
James Hewitson, general manager of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, said: “We are delighted with the level of interest to join the pre-opening team from the local labour force here in Salalah which has given us a great base to start with and shows the commitment of the people of Dhofar to support this iconic resort in order to deliver a new level of luxury to the destination. We are also working with several local businesses who will provide tours and excursions to the many wonderful sites and attractions that Salalah has to offer."
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