Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Integrated Tourism Complex in Salalah, Oman

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman has celebrated the foundation stone laying ceremony for an integrated tourism complex in the Junuf area of Salalah, a significant development in the country's tourism infrastructure. The project, invested at an estimated RO 80 million, is a partnership between the Ministry and Al-Wathba Hospitality Company, aiming to support small and medium enterprises, generate job opportunities, and enhance local content in the tourism sector. The complex, scheduled for completion in 30 months, will feature a five-star hotel, a marina, beach club, health club, and main entrance gate, solidifying Oman's position as a prime tourist destination.

Key Takeaways:

  • The integrated tourism complex in Salalah has an estimated investment of RO 80 million, aiming to develop tourism infrastructure in the Dhofar Governorate.
  • The project is a partnership between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Al-Wathba Hospitality Company, under a usufruct agreement signed in February 2025.
  • The complex will include a five-star hotel with 124 guest units, a fully equipped marina with restaurants and cafes, a beach club, a health club, and a main entrance gate.
  • The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, emphasized the project's importance in supporting small and medium enterprises and generating direct and indirect job opportunities for Omani citizens.
  • The project aims to provide training and qualification programs for Omani citizens in tourism and hospitality, enhancing local content and quality.
  • Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the new tourism project is among the most prominent in the governorate in terms of investment volume and diversity of components.
  • Dhofar Governorate witnessed a 9% increase in visitor numbers during the 2024 Khareef (monsoon) season, and an 18% rise in the winter season compared to the previous year.

Statistics:

  • Estimated investment: RO 80 million
  • Project duration: 30 months
  • Guest units in the hotel: 124
  • Number of visitors in Dhofar Governorate (2024 Khareef season): 9% increase
  • Number of visitors in Dhofar Governorate (2024 winter season): 18% rise

Sources:

  • "28 Jul 2025 (Oman News Agency) The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism celebrated today the laying of the foundation stone for an integrated tourism complex in the Junuf area of Salalah..."