Around 47 Omani staff members who are living off-property have also not been paid.

The hotel closed down on March 17 according to a former executive. 'Since the hotel closed on March 17 I am ashamed to say that we have been living like beggars. Electricity supply was cut off for three months until it was restored last week with the help of the trade union association. We did not have water for the majority of that time. During this time we were forced to sleep outside our rooms because they were just too hot. There are mosquitoes snakes scorpions and stray dogs in the area. We would be able to get some sleep only just before dawn when the temperature was cooler.'

He said that they were able to eat thanks to the support from their respective embassies the trade union association former Omani colleagues and their families and villagers and fishermen of Sawadi. 'They know of our predicament and give us fish. It got so bad that we had to look for crabs on the beach to feed ourselves' the staff member added.

The hotel still gets walk-in guests as well as those with Internet bookings. 'We obviously refer them to other properties as there is no water here the pool is empty the grounds are unkempt and garbage is piling up.'

Syed Asad Ali director of Al Tatawur Development the company operating and managing Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa confirmed that the hotel was closed. 'We're finalising negotiations to get a partner on board. We plan to reopen the property in three to four months after renovations and upgrades.'