Startup builds thriving hospitality brand

Omani startup Nomad Inn expands through franchising after rapid local growth

Nomad Inn Oman, founded by Asaad Saud Al Akhzami, is scaling up through a franchise model after growing from a single four-room guesthouse in Tiwi to four properties and multiple signed franchise deals. The company opened its first property in October 2023, added an eight-room property in Nizwa in September 2024, launched a second eight-room lodge in Nizwa three months later, and opened a fourth eight-room branch in Tiwi in September 2025. A franchise agreement signed in cooperation with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will enable expansion to seven locations in the next phase, and the brand has already secured three franchise partners covering projects in Sur, Nizwa and the Sharqiyah region.

“Today’s tourists are looking for more than accommodation. They want to connect with local culture, heritage and nature. Our goal is to offer genuine Omani hospitality combined with immersive experiences that showcase the country’s unique identity,” said Asaad Saud Al Akhzami, Founder and General Manager of Nomad Inn Oman.

Al Akhzami, who brings more than 12 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, launched Nomad Inn to fill a niche for boutique, community-rooted accommodation. The properties are deliberately sited in wadis, mountain settings and heritage destinations to offer immersive local experiences rather than conventional hotel stays. The flagship Nomad Inn Tiwi features dome-style accommodations overlooking canyon scenery, designed to blend with dramatic natural landscapes and provide guests a mix of comfort, adventure and connection to place.

Early-stage challenges included securing financing, building brand trust and attracting qualified staff. “We overcame these challenges by focusing on service quality, listening carefully to guest feedback and continuously improving our operating procedures. Building a team that believes in the company’s vision was equally important,” Al Akhzami said.

The franchise programme is positioned as the operational turning point for Nomad Inn. By documenting systems and procedures, the company aims to replicate its operating model while maintaining consistent service standards across partner-managed sites. The initial traction includes three franchise agreements in Oman and a broader plan to roll out seven locations in the immediate phase following the OCCI-backed agreement.

• First property: four-room heritage guesthouse in Tiwi, opened October 2023
• Nizwa expansion: eight-room property in September 2024, plus a second eight-room lodge three months later
• Fourth branch: eight-room Tiwi property opened September 2025
• Franchise deals: agreement with OCCI; three partners signed for Sur, Nizwa and Sharqiyah
• Growth target: 15 hotels and resorts under the Nomad Inn brand by 2030

Looking ahead, Al Akhzami aims to grow Nomad Inn to 15 hotels and resorts by 2030 through franchising and management agreements before exploring selected regional markets. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to “start with a clear vision, focus on quality and build strong systems,” and to “embrace the Omani identity,” which he believes is a competitive advantage for brands seeking regional and global relevance.