Latest news with #RO3bn
Muscat Daily
16-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's tourism sector attracts RO2.59bn in investments
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has attracted investments worth RO2.59bn in the tourism sector during the period 2021–25, reinforcing Oman's goal of becoming a leading tourism destination in the region. Amira bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the ministry, said the investments are part of a national programme that aims to secure RO3bn in private sector funding for tourism by the end of 2025. As part of this strategy, the ministry has increased the signing of usufruct contracts for tourism-related land in different governorates, allowing long-term use by investors. These agreements are seen as a key tool to drive investment and improve the quality of tourism services across the sultanate. Amira noted that these efforts align with Oman's Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–25) and wider sustainable development goals. From January 2024 to the end of May 2025, the ministry signed 45 usufruct contracts, including 14 this year alone. Amira bint Iqbal al Lawati In Muscat, a luxury tourist camp will open in Quraiyat near Ras al Shajar Nature Reserve, promoting eco-tourism in an area known for its diverse landscape and wildlife. Dakhliyah will see multiple projects, including a luxury camp in Al Hamra; two three-star hotels in Jabal Akhdar's Sayh Qatnah and Al Shayf; a five-star resort in Sa'al, Nizwa; and three more resorts in Al Hamra ranging from three to four stars. In South Batinah, a three-star resort has been planned in Al Awid, Musannah, to be developed alongside other facilities to attract visitors. North Sharqiyah will have a luxury camp in Al Raka, Bidiyah, making use of the desert landscape for adventure tourism. A three-star hotel is also planned for Sinaw. In Dhofar, a resthouse will be built in Rakhyut, complementing services along Mughsail Beach, a popular site in the governorate. A resthouse has also been planned in Wadi al Jizzi, Buraimi, designed to integrate with the area's natural surroundings. Amira said the ministry's approach includes expanding accommodation and promoting eco-tourism, mountain tourism and adventure tourism, to attract both local and international visitors and support long-term economic growth. She underlined the importance of small and medium enterprises in the tourism value chain. 'By creating jobs and supporting entrepreneurship, the ministry aims to ensure the benefits of tourism reach local communities,' she said.
Muscat Daily
24-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
$7.8bn boost to Oman's tourism sector by 2030
13 integrated tourism complex projects currently under development, 12 more in pipeline Muscat – Oman is set to invest RO3bn (US$7.8bn) in tourism with the aim of increasing the sector's contribution to the GDP to 3.5% by 2030, according to H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Speaking at a Majlis A'Shura session on Monday, H E Mahrouqi highlighted tourism sector's growing economic role, noting that its direct contribution to the national economy rose from RO873mn in 2019 to RO1bn in 2023. Total tourism production increased from RO1.8bn to RO2bn in the same period, while domestic tourism saw an upsurge, with local visits rising from 10mn in 2019 to 13mn in 2023, and local spend growing from RO732mn to RO830mn. The minister stated that integrated tourism complexes play a key role in attracting foreign investments. 'Thirteen projects are currently under development, with another 12 in the pipeline,' he said, adding that a tourism economic cluster in Dakhliyah is the model Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) aims to replicate in other regions. Several key tourism sites are undergoing development and rehabilitation, including Jabal Abyad, Wakan Village, Wadi Shab, Bandar al Khairan and Ras al Hadd. Efforts are also underway to preserve world heritage sites such as Qalhat, Bat and the archaeological site of Dibba. Proposals have been submitted to include Bisya and Salut in Unesco's World Heritage List. As part of a broader cultural strategy, MHT is developing museums, including the Maritime History Museum in Sur and relocating the Natural History Museum to Oman Botanic Garden. The 5,400sqkm Al Hajar Geological Park, spanning three governorates, is also expected to become a major eco-tourism attraction. On the much-anticipated GCC Unified Visa, the minister acknowledged ongoing discussions but said implementation has been delayed due to security concerns and differing perspectives among GCC nations, particularly regarding travellers from politically unstable regions. In Dhofar, nearly RO800,000 has been allocated to enhance tourism facilities with the goal of positioning the governorate as a year-round destination. Addressing development in Masirah Island, H E Mahrouqi said, 'Land is available for investment, and we have welcomed dozens of investors from Russia, Egypt and the GCC states. However, we need to develop the airport and other facilities to attract further investments, and necessary exemptions will be provided. A special office will be set up to promote Masirah.' The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving Oman's architectural heritage, stating that 370 monuments have been restored to date. A periodic maintenance programme is in place, prioritised based on financial resources, while private partnerships are being explored to enhance investment potential.
Muscat Daily
25-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MHUP holds forum on draft master plan for Saham Agricultural City
Muscat – Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) held a forum on Tuesday to review progress on the Saham Agricultural City project, which is a step towards strengthening food security and driving economic diversification. The forum brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives from public and private sector entities, and the local community. The event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders. An official from MHUP stated that the forum aimed to assess findings from the project's data collection and analysis phase. Participants were invited to share insights to help shape the city's design and refine its development strategy. Preliminary discussions were also held on the draft master plan for the city. Saham Agricultural City is positioned as a vital project due to its rich natural resources, including fertile soil and abundant water supply. Once operational, the city is expected to support food security for more than 25,000 people annually through high agricultural output. Spread over 94sqkm, the project is a joint effort of MHUP and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR). It forms part of a broader strategy to develop sustainable agricultural cities that foster economic growth and promote self-sufficiency in Oman. The project aligns with modern agricultural practices and aims to offer investment opportunities while ensuring long-term sustainability. It supports Oman's broader vision of building a resilient and diversified economy. In addition to the Saham project, MHUP and MAFWR have announced plans to develop two other agricultural cities – one Dhahirah and the other in the Najd region of Dhofar. The three agri city projects, with a combined investment of RO3bn, are expected to play a key role in enhancing food security and contributing to Oman's economic diversification goals.
