The Sultanate of Oman is dedicated to the consistent expansion of its tourism offerings. The developments focus on eight new luxury and lifestyle hotels as well as sustainable eco-resorts, which are to be realised in the coming years. The projects include exclusive beach resorts, innovative wellness concepts and nature-based lodges in mountain and desert regions. This strategic alignment aims to establish Oman as an exclusive destination for travellers who value authenticity, luxury, tranquillity and nature, thereby reinforcing the Sultanate's character as an alternative to the denser destinations in the Gulf region.
A key player in this development is the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), the Sultanate's state development arm for the tourism sector. The OMRAN Group is involved in several key projects that reflect the diversity of the new offerings.
In collaboration with the Sri Lankan brand Santani, a wellness resort with 182 rooms is expected to be completed in the Jabal Shams region by 2027. This project focuses on holistic health and wellness programmes, including stress management, detox, yoga and weight management, while adhering to sustainability principles and nature-inspired architecture. Furthermore, the Anantara Bandar Al Khairan Resort is scheduled to open in 2027. The resort, owned by Musstir, the real estate and development company of MB Holding Company, will be located approximately 45 minutes by car south-east of Muscat on the Omani coast. It will comprise 121 accommodations, including guest rooms, chalets and villas, some with private pools and views of the Gulf of Oman.
Another hyper-luxury resort, ALI? NIVAS, is scheduled to open in 2028 in a private lagoon on the Musandam Peninsula and will feature over 30 exclusive cliff villas accessible by seaplane or helicopter. This project, developed by the OMRAN Group in cooperation with the Mohsin Haider Darwish Group (MHD Group), follows the OMRAN sustainability strategy and aims for international certifications such as “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED). The UAE-based group ENVI Lodges is entering the Omani market with ENVI Al Jabal Al Akhdar, a sustainable eco-lodge in Saiq at over 2,000 metres above sea level. The opening is planned for 2027 and includes 30 luxurious tents with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains, complemented by a farm-to-table restaurant featuring produce from its own garden.
- —Four Seasons Resort: The OMRAN Group is developing a Four Seasons Resort with 200 hotel rooms and 100 private residences on Al-Bustan beach in Muscat, including restaurants and a marina.
- —Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Muscat: In Yiti Bay, 30 minutes by car from Muscat, a resort is being built with 140 rooms and suites, as well as 30 villas with private pools, a beach club, restaurants, spa and fitness areas, and a marina. This project is also being realised with the OMRAN Group.
- —The Chedi Wadi Bausher: Chedi Hospitality, in collaboration with Rawasi Development, is planning a vertical mountain hotel at the foot of Jabal Bausher, 30 minutes by car from Muscat, which integrates architecturally into the topography and is terraced.
- —The Malkai Oman: The opening of this concept is planned for the end of 2026, offering a curated seven-day luxury journey through three different accommodations in Oman's date plantations, the Hajar Mountains and the A’Sharqiya Sands.
These projects demonstrate a clear strategy for diversifying Oman's tourism offerings. The involvement of internationally renowned luxury brands such as Four Seasons and Nikki Beach underscores the ambition to prominently place Oman on the global map of sophisticated travel. The combination of exclusive accommodations, a strong focus on sustainability and the preservation of the authenticity of the Sultanate's nature and culture represents a strategic advantage. These initiatives aim to substantially expand the tourism sector and thus solidify Oman's appeal as a destination for a discerning clientele.
