Frankfurt am Main / Muscat, Oman, February 18, 2026 | The Hilton Muscat, Barr Al Jissah Resorts, proudly announce the appointment of Gurkan Gozyilmaz as Executive Chef. He will lead the culinary activities at the DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha, the Hilton Muscat Al Bandar, and the Al Husn Hotel Muscat.

The Hilton Muscat Barr Al Jissah Resorts are located on Oman's picturesque coast and are among the Sultanate's most renowned destinations. The resort destination is known for its diverse culinary experiences, expansive beach, and attractive leisure and luxury offerings. With the appointment of Chef Gozyilmaz, Hilton once again underscores its commitment to culinary excellence and an elevated guest experience at this destination.

Chef Gozyilmaz brings over 20 years of international experience in luxury hospitality and was recently recognized as “Hilton's Top Executive Chef” for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions. He received the “Hilton F&D Rockstar Award,” an internal accolade that celebrates outstanding culinary leadership and operational excellence across the region. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at the five-Forbes-star Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre.

His career also includes more than two years as Head of Culinary Operations before and after the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. During this time, he played a pivotal role in establishing luxury dining concepts, large-scale banquet events, and high-performing culinary teams. He possesses extensive experience in leadership positions in the Middle East and Asia and boasts a strong track record in managing multiple restaurants, complex pre-openings, and major events within globally recognized luxury brands.
In his new role, Chef Gozyilmaz will focus on strategically guiding the resorts' culinary vision. He will enhance the quality of food and beverages, foster innovation in dining concepts, and ensure consistency and excellence across more than 14 restaurants, as well as the resort's extensive banquet and group dining operations. Furthermore, he will play a key role in nurturing culinary talent, strengthening operational standards, and supporting sustainable, locally inspired dining experiences in the daily resort operations.  

As Executive Chef, Gurkan Gozyilmaz will play a central role in hosting large-scale banquets and bespoke event dining. He will ensure exceptional culinary standards, seamless execution, and innovative food concepts, elevating everything from high-profile corporate events to significant social celebrations to a new level.

“I am thrilled to join this iconic destination, the Hilton Muscat, Barr Al Jissah Resorts, at such a dynamic time. I look forward to collaborating with the talented culinary teams to celebrate local flavors, introduce creative dining experiences, and deliver the highest standards of quality and hospitality to our guests,” said Gurkan Gozyilmaz, Executive Chef.

The three resorts offer an extensive and diverse culinary selection with over 14 restaurants, including five specialty restaurants, two all-day dining restaurants, and six pool and beach restaurants/bars. The three hotels are also known as a premier venue for large-scale events such as weddings, celebrations, conferences, and group events in Oman. The resorts feature an exceptional selection of venues, including a grand ballroom for up to 850 guests, various multi-purpose and meeting rooms, an open-air amphitheater, a helipad for up to 2,000 guests each, and a 500-meter private beach that can host events for up to 500 guests.  

“With his international experience, leadership style, and passion for culinary excellence, Chef Gurkan is a valuable addition to our resort management team,” said Matthew Mullan, Resort General Manager. “We are confident that his vision and expertise will further strengthen our food and beverage offerings and provide our guests with unforgettable culinary experiences across all three hotels.”

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Press contact Hilton Muscat Resorts:

Steffen Hager & Anna Heuer
BZ.COMM GmbH
Hanauer Landstrasse 136 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main
HiltonMuscatResorts@bz-comm.de 
+49 69 256 28 88 26

About the Hilton Muscat, Barr Al Jissah Resorts   
The Hilton Muscat, Barr Al Jissah Resorts, are Oman's legendary beachfront resort destination, boasting over 20 years of tradition among the country's most prestigious hotels. The award-winning coastal complex is situated in a secluded cove overlooking the Gulf of Oman and combines three unique properties: the DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha, the Hilton Muscat Al Bandar, and the Al Husn Hotel Muscat, a partner hotel of Waldorf Astoria.
In total, the resorts feature 680 guest rooms and suites, as well as 14 unique restaurants offering a diverse selection of culinary experiences – from casual beachfront dining to international favorites and refined, upscale gastronomy. The complex caters to families, leisure travelers, business guests, and discerning luxury connoisseurs alike, providing tailored experiences across its three distinct categories.
Guests have access to a 500-meter private beach, multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, and a splash pad, as well as extensive wellness facilities, including two spa and fitness centers and four tennis courts. The location is also known as a leading venue for groups, incentives, conferences, and events, offering over 12,000 square meters of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. This includes a grand ballroom, an amphitheater, and a helipad that can be used for bespoke events.
Combining authentic Omani hospitality with Hilton's global standards of excellence, the Hilton Muscat, Barr Al Jissah Resorts continue to set benchmarks for premium and luxury experiences on the coast of Oman.