Latest news with #MinistryofHeritageandTourismforTourism
Tourism Breaking News
20 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development invests AED 764.5million in Oman's integrated tourism complex project, Salalah
Post Views: 52 Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Integrated Tourism Complex project in Salalah, Oman, with a total investment of AED764.5 million, underscoring its ongoing commitment to enabling key development projects in the tourism sector. The project aligns with the Fund's broader strategy to foster sustainable growth in partner nations through high-impact projects that promote economic diversification and strengthen tourism infrastructure. Spanning across a total area of 2.5 million square meters in Jinawf, Oman, the development aims to significantly enhance the city's tourism infrastructure and capacity through the construction of world-class hospitality facilities. Additionally, the project promotes the national goal of economic diversification and reinforces Oman's position as a leading tourism hub regionally and globally. Attending the investment's groundbreaking ceremony ceremony was attended on the Omani side by His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and the Manager of Dhofar Municipality. Representing Abu Dhabi Fund for Development were Eng. Rashid Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Investment Sector, and Eng. Mohammed Al Hamedi, Technical and Admin Support Manager. Reinforcing the project's role as one of the most significant UAE investments in Oman's tourism sector. The first phase of the project spans approximately 604,000 square meters, including the construction of a luxury resort which comprises over 120 rooms and chalets, as well as the developments of the marina, the rehabilitation of coastal and beachfront areas, and the implementation of essential infrastructure works, including roads and public utilities. These integrated components aim to deliver a seamless visitor experience, enhancing Salalah's tourism profile and contributing significantly to the sector's sustainable development. H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, stated: 'This project is a testament to the deep-rooted strategic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. It reaffirms ADFD's ongoing commitment to supporting the development strategies of partner nations through investments that enable economic growth and generate a positive, sustainable impact for local communities. The project also reflects our vision of economic diversification and our proactive approach to advancing sustainable development through meaningful regional partnerships and shared prosperity.' H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism in Oman, emphasized that the project is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect job opportunities while stimulating growth across key economic sectors. He added that it will enhance local capabilities through the integration of SMEs in key projects and offering training and capacity-building programs for Omani nationals in the fields of hospitality and tourism. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a central aspect for economic diversification, particularly in regions with abundant natural resources such as Dhofar. Aligned with ADFD's strategic investment goals, the project goes beyond enabling Oman's economic and tourism development. It also will bolster the tourism's sector's contribution to Oman's GDP, generate employment opportunities and support infrastructure development, further solidifying the country's position as a leading tourism hub in the region. This landmark initiative is a testament to decades of productive bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Oman, defined by diversified economic relations and robust strategic partnerships. Aligned with sustainable development goals and regional integration, the project aims to shape a prosperous economic future that advances the shared vision of both nations and their communities.
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Foundation stone laid for RO 80 million 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 RO 80 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, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasized 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. 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. — ONA
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop seeks to strengthen governance of heritage and tourism
MUSCAT: A national workshop focused on improving the governance of heritage and tourism development with Oman's governorates kicked off on Monday, May 26, in Muscat. The four-day event brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies; and a host of experts in governance, planning and tourism. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit; and other public and private entities, the workshop aims to enhance institutional integration, promote decentralisation and find sustainable solutions to key challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. The effort aligns with broader goals to boost public-private partnerships, empower local communities and raise institutional performance. Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, noted that the initiative is part of a series of specialised workshops designed to address sector-specific challenges. 'Our objective is to develop effective governance mechanisms that not only support the national economy but also strengthen Omani cultural identity,' he said. The workshop focuses on three strategic pillars: 1. Governance and Institutional Integration: Enhancing coordination among entities to achieve unified development goals. 2. Investment and Tourism Development Governance: Improving the investment landscape to unlock growth opportunities. 3. Development of Tourism Facilities and Public Services: Advancing infrastructure and services to improve visitor experience and support long-term planning. Participants will also explore best practices and models for tourism management governance to ensure sustainable resource use and balanced development. Discussions are shaped in part by feedback from governors and high-level officials, emphasising the importance of inclusive, locally driven solutions. The workshop features visual presentations on the role of governorates in tourism development, the Ministry's responsibilities and the benefits of decentralisation. It is part of a broader initiative to support Oman Vision 2040 by fostering integrated development across all governorates. — ONA
Observer
29-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar from June 21, Global Village to be new attraction
Muscat: The activities of Khareef Dhofar 2025 will begin on June 21 and continue until September 20, coinciding with the astronomical start of the khareef season, according to Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. He revealed that Heritage Village will be transformed into a global village on similar lines such as Khan Al Khalili (Egypt), Souq al Hamidiya (Syria), and Souq Waqif (Doha) The Ittin Square will be a hub for global events, featuring an integrated shopping area, an open theater, a modern gaming area, and revamped lighting and laser shows. The Awqad Park will be dedicated to family entertainment, while Salalah Public Park will be dedicated to various sporting activities throughout the Khareef season. Al Murooj Theater will host cultural events with local and international participation. Events will feature a new look that embodies aspects of traditional Omani life from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman The Chairman of Dhofar Municipality indicated that the municipality will work to expand the scope of events to include some of the governorate's coastal wilayats affected by the Khareef season, with a variety of cultural, sports, and commercial activities. His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, revealed the growth of the tourism sector in the Sultanate of #Oman, in addition to its ability to attract investments, noting that efforts are continuing to raise the sector's contribution to the tourism sector's GDP from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. This was during the press conference being held now to reveal the events of the #Dhofar_Khareef_Season for the year 2025, on the sidelines of Oman's participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2025. Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the tourism sector's GDP is expected to increase from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. He said a few new hotel facilities will open this year and the Dhofar Governorate currently has 83 hotel facilities with 6,537 licensed rooms of various categories. Earlier updates The Ministry of Labor in the Dhofar Governorate has said that employers or businesses will be granted temporary work permits to bring in expatriate workers during the khareef season. These facilities aim to regulate the labor market and support employers in dealing with the increased demand for services during the Khareef season. They also aim to avoid violations and penalties for employing illegal expatriate workers, and to support the temporary activities offered by Dhofar Municipality during the Dhofar khareef season. It may be noted that Khareef season in Dhofar attracted around 1,048,000 visitors between June 21 and September 21, 2024, reflecting a 9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the number of visitors reached 962,000.
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman announces plans for Dhofar Autumn Season 2025
Muscat: The Dhofar Autumn season in 2025 will begin astronomically on 21 June. His Excellency Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, announced at a press conference on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai that the activities and events for the Dhofar Autumn Season in 2025 will commence with the astronomical start of the season on 21 June and continue until 20 September annually. "The Attin Square site will be a global events hub, featuring a comprehensive shopping area, an open-air theatre, a modern gaming area, and a revamped lighting and laser show," the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality stated. His Excellency indicated that Awqad Park will be dedicated to family entertainment through its activities, while Salalah Public Park will be designated for various sporting activities throughout the autumn season, and Al Marooj Theatre will be dedicated to diverse cultural events with local and international participation. His Excellency stated, "The 'Return of the Past' events this season will feature a new look that embodies aspects of traditional Omani life from across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates," noting that the event site has undergone extensive development work to enhance its heritage character. His Excellency the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality indicated that the municipality will work to expand the scope of activities to include some of the governorate's coastal wilayats affected by the autumn season, with a variety of cultural, sporting, and commercial activities. "Dhofar Municipality has implemented development projects in cooperation with government and private entities, including enhancements to natural viewpoints and some tourist sites, the paving of internal roads, and the beautification of cities to improve the visitor experience and enhance the tourism infrastructure." His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism indicated that several new tourism and hotel facilities will open this year. Dhofar Governorate has 83 hotel facilities with 6,537 licensed rooms across various categories, ready to accommodate visitors. "The Ministry has begun implementing a number of promotional programmes and activities for the Dhofar Autumn Season, starting with participation in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, advertising campaigns in various Arab media outlets and social media platforms, and direct marketing campaigns in Gulf and regional markets," His Excellency added.
