Oman to invest US$31bn in tourism development

The Omani authorities have announced investment plans for the development of the tourism sector. 

The Sultanate of Oman will invest US$31 billion in tourism development by 2040, said Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi, Deputy Minister of Heritage and Tourism. According to him, Oman will welcome a record 4 million foreign tourists in 2023, compared to 2.9 million in 2022, thus, the tourist flow will increase by almost 38%. 

The ministry is committed to creating an environment in which tourism can flourish and grow. Measures include simplifying visa requirements and the visa application process, and increasing investment in infrastructure and new attractions. The government has currently invested more than US$5.9 billion in 360 tourism development projects.

Residents of the United Arab Emirates have previously been given easier access to the Sultanate of Oman. Crossing the border will be much easier thanks to an agreement reached between the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group).

The two agencies signed a tourism development agreement between Ras Al Khaimah and Oman's Musandam province, a popular destination for UAE residents and water sports enthusiasts. The agreements will make it easier for travellers from around the world to visit both Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam.

UAE residents can now obtain a visa to Oman on arrival, simplifying visa procedures for them. One of the key objectives of the agreement is to facilitate access for foreign tourists to explore both destinations “in one trip.”