Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed two usufruct agreements to develop a four-star resort in Al Hamra and a five-star hotel in Mirbat, in a combined investment exceeding 12 million Omani rials (US$31 million), as part of efforts to expand the country’s tourism infrastructure.
The agreements were signed by Minister of Heritage and Tourism Sayyid Ibrahim Al Busaidi on behalf of the government, with representatives of the private sector companies involved in the projects.
According to the ministry, the developments aim to boost Oman’s hospitality capacity, attract both domestic and international tourists, and support economic diversification away from hydrocarbons.
The first project is a four-star resort located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in the A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, covering approximately 25,000 square metres with an investment value of around RO 9.87 million.
It is expected to serve as an integrated tourism destination combining adventure, leisure and eco-friendly experiences, while promoting sustainable tourism practices in the region.
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The second project is a five-star hotel in the Wilayat of Mirbat in the Dhofar Governorate, with a total investment of about RO 3 million and spanning 55,000 square metres.
The hotel will include 121 rooms, restaurants, conference facilities, sports courts and swimming pools, positioning it as a major hospitality hub in southern Oman.
Officials said both projects are designed to leverage the natural and cultural attractions of their respective regions, including mountain landscapes, valleys and coastal environments, to diversify tourism offerings.
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The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the agreements are part of a wider investment programme aimed at strengthening the tourism sector across all governorates.
A senior ministry official, Amira Al Lawati, said the projects will contribute to job creation, increase hotel room supply and support local communities through economic activity linked to tourism growth.
She added that the initiatives align with Oman’s broader national strategy to diversify income sources and enhance the role of non-oil sectors in the economy.
The government has been actively promoting tourism as a key pillar of its long-term economic vision, with a focus on developing new destinations and upgrading infrastructure to attract higher visitor numbers.
Analysts say Oman’s continued investment in mid-to-high-end hospitality reflects a regional trend in Gulf economies seeking to position themselves as global tourism and leisure destinations, alongside traditional energy-based industries.
The Al Hamra and Mirbat projects are expected to contribute to expanding Oman’s tourism footprint while supporting local employment and private sector participation in the hospitality industry.
