Oman Invests Over $31 Million in New Al Hamra and Marbat Hotel Projects

Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced plans to develop two new hotel projects, a 4-star resort in Al Hamra and a 5-star hotel in Marbat. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman confirmed these plans, which aim to significantly expand the country's tourism infrastructure and enhance its appeal as a global destination. The total investment for these two projects is set to exceed 12 million Omani Rials, equivalent to over US$31 million. This substantial investment shows the Sultanate's commitment to bolstering its hospitality sector. The resort in Al Hamra will be strategically located in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, a region known for its historical sites and natural beauty. Meanwhile, the hotel in Marbat will be situated in the Governorate of Dhofar, near the city of Salalah, a popular coastal and cultural hub.

New Hotel Developments Detailed

The larger of the two developments in terms of investment is a 4-star resort in Al Hamra, located within the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This resort will occupy a substantial land area of 25,000 square meters, providing ample space for its facilities and guest amenities. The investment designated for the Al Hamra resort is approximately 9.9 million Omani Rials, which translates to US$25.7 million. This significant financial commitment notes the expected scale and quality of the resort, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors.

The second project is a 5-star hotel situated in Marbat, in the Governorate of Dhofar. This hotel will cover a more expansive area, spanning 55,000 square meters, offering a luxurious experience for its guests. Its investment totals 3 million Omani Rials, equivalent to US$7.8 million. The Marbat hotel is meticulously designed to include 121 rooms for guests, ensuring a comfortable and high-end stay. Beyond accommodation, the property will feature a full array of amenities, including various restaurants and cafes to cater to diverse culinary preferences. Additionally, it will offer dedicated conference halls, making it suitable for business events and large gatherings. For leisure and recreation, the hotel will provide sports courts and multiple swimming pools, further enhancing the guest experience.

Tourism Investment Context

Oman's tourism sector has seen significant investment activity, reflecting a national push to diversify its economy. In May 2026, the Sultanate announced plans for a US$10.4 million tourism park in Salalah, further illustrating its commitment to developing varied visitor attractions. This initiative notes the country's broader strategy to enhance its visitor attractions and create new points of interest across different regions.

The hotel industry has also demonstrated strong performance, as evidenced by strong revenue figures. Hotels rated 3- to 5-stars in Oman collectively generated 141.2 million Omani Rials, equivalent to US$367 million, in the first half of 2025. These impressive figures indicate a strong financial landscape for higher-tier accommodations within the Sultanate, strongly supporting further development efforts in the sector. The ongoing investments in new projects, such as those in Al Hamra and Marbat, reflect a continued focus on expanding and diversifying Oman's tourism offerings to meet growing demand.

Ministry's Strategic Goals

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism stated these projects are integral to its ongoing tourism investment program. This full program is designed with several key objectives in mind: to create new employment opportunities for Omani citizens, to significantly expand the country's hotel capacity to accommodate a growing number of tourists, and to contribute substantially to economic diversification away from traditional sectors. These efforts align with Oman's broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a premier tourist destination on the global stage. The country's hotel industry has demonstrated a strong financial performance, with revenues for 3- to 5-star hotels in the first half of 2025 showing a notable increase of 18.2% year-on-year. This significant growth in revenue shows the positive trajectory of the sector and the effectiveness of current tourism policies. The new hotel developments in Al Hamra and Marbat are expected to further support these strategic goals by adding new, high-quality accommodation options and attracting more visitors to both the Al Dakhiliyah and Dhofar Governorates, thereby boosting regional economies.