Buraimi – The number of licensed hotel and tourism establishments in Buraimi governorate increased 18% in 2026, with eight new properties lifting the total to 47, according to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

Hamid bin Rashid Al Zaidi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Buraimi, said the additional properties have expanded accommodation capacity and helped address room shortages during tourism seasons and official events.

The ministry is seeking to diversify accommodation categories to meet demand from different groups of visitors and residents.

Licensed properties include three tourist resorts rated between two- and four-star, six one- and two-star hotels, 14 hotel apartment establishments, ten green lodges located on farms, 12 guest houses and a one-star luxury tourist camp.

The wilayat of Mahdah has a tourist resort, a luxury camp, five green lodges and three guest houses, while the wilayat of Buraimi has two resorts, six green lodges, nine guest houses and a tourist rest house.

Al Zaidi said changes introduced through the executive regulations of the Tourism Law, including lower fees for initial approvals and licences, encouraged investment in green lodges, guest houses and heritage hotels.

The reforms have made it easier for citizens and entrepreneurs to convert agricultural and residential properties into tourism facilities, particularly projects requiring moderate levels of investment.

Digital services offered through the Oman Business Platform have also accelerated licensing by allowing investors to submit and track applications electronically.

Al Zaidi said the governorate’s location near border crossings had consolidated its role as a gateway for land-based tourism and trade. Infrastructure improvements also supported family tourism.

Further growth in the hospitality sector is expected to create employment, support SMEs and increase business for traditional markets, transport operators, restaurants and cafés.

Hotel guests fall 13% in H1 2026

Muscat – The number of guests staying in three- to five-star hotels in Oman fell 13% to 992,009 in the first half of 2026, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

Hotel revenues declined 12.3% to RO124.18mn, from RO141.52mn during the same period in 2025. Occupancy rate dropped to 46.3%, compared to 54.6% a year earlier.

Omani guest numbers rose to 395,659 from 383,783.

Europeans were the largest group of foreign guests, numbering 246,603, followed by Asians at 162,978 and GCC nationals at 69,289.

Hotels received 41,900 guests from other Arab countries, 30,546 from the Americas, 9,644 from Oceania and 6,969 from Africa.