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.

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.