Latest news with #MinistryOfHeritageAndTourism
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Foundation stone laid for $207mln tourism complex in Salalah
Salalah: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism celebrated on Monday the laying of the foundation stone for an integrated tourism complex in the Junuf area of Salalah, with an estimated investment of OMR80 million, as part of efforts to develop tourism infrastructure in the Dhofar Governorate. The project is considered a landmark tourism venture due to its prime location and comprehensive facilities in tourism and hospitality. It is being implemented in partnership with Al-Wathba Hospitality Company under a usufruct agreement signed in February 2025. The first phase of the project, scheduled for completion within 30 months, includes the construction of a five-star hotel with 124 guest units, a fully equipped marina with restaurants and cafes, a beach club, a health club, and a main entrance gate for the complex. Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasised the project's importance in supporting small and medium enterprises, generating direct and indirect job opportunities, enhancing local content, and providing training and qualification programs for Omani citizens in tourism and hospitality. He added that the project represents a qualitative addition to efforts aimed at developing tourist destinations in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in Dhofar, which boasts rich natural and environmental diversity. He noted that such projects reflect the government's commitment to economic diversification through investment in the tourism sector. On his turn, Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated in his speech that the new tourism project is among the most prominent in the governorate in terms of investment volume and diversity of components. He explained that the first phase will include a five-star hotel and a yacht marina, one of the largest in Oman, along with a fully integrated beachfront, contributing to the enhancement of the governorate's tourism infrastructure. He highlighted the efforts made by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in recent years to promote Dhofar as a tourist destination by opening new tourism markets and direct flight routes, which contributed to a 9% increase in visitor numbers during the 2024 Khareef (monsoon) season and an 18% rise in the winter season compared to the previous year. The ceremony featured a promotional video showcasing Dhofar Governorate and another presenting the project's components, followed by the laying of the foundation stone by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism. It is worth noting that the project represents a significant addition to Oman's tourism sector, offering integrated facilities, promising investment opportunities, and strengthening public-private partnerships, all of which contribute to boosting tourism activity in Dhofar Governorate. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Foundation stone laid for over $208mln integrated tourism complex in Salalah
Salalah – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism laid the foundation stone for an integrated tourism complex (ITC) in the Januf area of Salalah on Monday, signalling a major step in efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure in Dhofar. With estimated investment of RO80mn, the project is being developed in partnership with Al Wathba Hospitality under a usufruct agreement signed in February 2025. It has been designated an ITC allowing foreign ownership and positioning it to attract international investors. Phase 1 of the development, expected to be completed in 30 months, includes a five-star hotel, 124 serviced apartments, a marina with restaurants and cafés, a beach club and a health club. Speaking at the ceremony, H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism, said the project will support SMEs, create direct and indirect employment opportunities, and provide training and qualification programmes for Omanis in tourism and hospitality. He described the development as a significant addition to ongoing efforts to diversify the national economy and develop Dhofar as a key tourism destination. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the project is among the most prominent tourism investments in the governorate in terms of scale and components. He noted that the planned yacht marina would be one of the biggest in Oman and complement a fully integrated beachfront area. Abri highlighted the ministry's ongoing promotion of Dhofar as a year-round tourism destination, which resulted in an increase of 9% in visitor numbers during 2024 khareef and 18% in winter compared to the previous year. The foundation laying ceremony included visual presentations showcasing the project and Dhofar's natural and cultural assets. In a statement, the ministry described the development as a strategic addition to Oman's tourism sector, offering integrated facilities and attractive investment opportunities while strengthening public-private partnerships and enhancing Dhofar's appeal to domestic and international tourists. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman launches $208mln Salalah tourism project
Oman has laid the foundation stone for an integrated tourism complex in the southern Salalah province, with an estimated investment of 80 million Omani rials ($208 million). The project is considered a landmark tourism venture due to its prime location and comprehensive facilities in tourism and hospitality. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in partnership with Al-Wathba Hospitality Company under an agreement signed in February 2025. The first phase of the project, scheduled for completion within 30 months, includes the construction of a five-star hotel with 124 guest units, a fully equipped marina with restaurants and cafes, a beach club, a health club, and a main entrance gate for the complex, the official Oman News Agency reported on Monday. Azzan Qasim al Busaidi, the Ministry's Under-Secretary, said the project represents a qualitative addition to efforts aimed at developing tourist destinations in Oman, particularly in Dhofar, which boasts rich natural and environmental diversity. He noted that such projects reflect the government's commitment to economic diversification through investment in the tourism sector. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Foundation stone laid for OMR80mn tourism complex in Salalah
Salalah: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism celebrated on Monday the laying of the foundation stone for an integrated tourism complex in the Junuf area of Salalah, with an estimated investment of OMR80 million, as part of efforts to develop tourism infrastructure in the Dhofar Governorate. The project is considered a landmark tourism venture due to its prime location and comprehensive facilities in tourism and hospitality. It is being implemented in partnership with Al-Wathba Hospitality Company under a usufruct agreement signed in February 2025. The first phase of the project, scheduled for completion within 30 months, includes the construction of a five-star hotel with 124 guest units, a fully equipped marina with restaurants and cafes, a beach club, a health club, and a main entrance gate for the complex. Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasised the project's importance in supporting small and medium enterprises, generating direct and indirect job opportunities, enhancing local content, and providing training and qualification programs for Omani citizens in tourism and hospitality. He added that the project represents a qualitative addition to efforts aimed at developing tourist destinations in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in Dhofar, which boasts rich natural and environmental diversity. He noted that such projects reflect the government's commitment to economic diversification through investment in the tourism sector. On his turn, Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated in his speech that the new tourism project is among the most prominent in the governorate in terms of investment volume and diversity of components. He explained that the first phase will include a five-star hotel and a yacht marina, one of the largest in Oman, along with a fully integrated beachfront, contributing to the enhancement of the governorate's tourism infrastructure. He highlighted the efforts made by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in recent years to promote Dhofar as a tourist destination by opening new tourism markets and direct flight routes, which contributed to a 9% increase in visitor numbers during the 2024 Khareef (monsoon) season and an 18% rise in the winter season compared to the previous year. The ceremony featured a promotional video showcasing Dhofar Governorate and another presenting the project's components, followed by the laying of the foundation stone by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism. It is worth noting that the project represents a significant addition to Oman's tourism sector, offering integrated facilities, promising investment opportunities, and strengthening public-private partnerships, all of which contribute to boosting tourism activity in Dhofar Governorate.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Heritage Ministry inaugurates Meteorite Corner at Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launches the Meteorite Corner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Muscat Governorate. This initiative aligns with the Ministry's efforts to utilize geological heritage and enhance the tourism and cultural experience in the Sultanate of Oman. The corner features a collection of rare meteorite samples from the "Jiddat Al Harasis" strewn field, offering hotel guests a unique opportunity to view them up close and learn about their history and scientific value. It also highlights Oman's commitment to preserving these meteorites as an important cultural legacy. Among the exhibits is a distinctive sample from Jiddat al Harasis 091, which represents the largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman to date. Its strewn field extends approximately 52 kilometres, with over 700 collected pieces totaling around 4,600 kilograms. Documented scientific studies indicate that this fall at its original site occurred over 12,600 years ago. The corner also includes a meteorite sample from Jiddat al Harasis 073, classified as an L6 chondrite stony meteorite. This is considered the second-largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman so far. Scientific studies suggest that this meteorite traveled through the asteroid belt in space, weighing over 20 tonnes, and is estimated to have fallen at its original site 15,600 years ago, during the Paleolithic era. A total of 3,638 pieces from this fall have been documented, with an aggregate weight of 620.9 kilograms and a strewn field extending 25.8 kilometres. The display of these meteorites aims to educate hotel guests, both local and international, about the significance of meteorites, their scientific and historical value, and the legal frameworks and legislations governing them under the Cultural Heritage Law. This initiative emphasizes meteorites as crucial evidence of the solar system's formation, while also showcasing Oman's efforts in collecting, preserving, and studying meteorite samples. This pioneering initiative represents a step towards fostering more partnerships between the government and private sectors to showcase Oman's unique natural treasures on diverse and modern platforms. It aligns with the country's vision to integrate culture and science into a comprehensive and holistic tourism experience.
