Tourism ties between Oman and Rwanda poised to grow

KABEER YOUSUF
MUSCAT, SEPT 8
The number of Omanis visiting Rwanda has been on the rise, and with the new MoU’s signed between the two, the number would shoot up, according to travel and tourism experts.
Speaking to the Observer, a source from the office said that the existing MoUs between the two nations are spread over multiple sectors and bilateral air services agreement which has entered into force, an MoU in the Field of ICT which was signed on April 8, 2025 to boost cooperation in ICT and digital economy, another MoU in transportation to launch direct Oman Air flights between Muscat and Kigali starting in June 2026, besides an MoU in airport city investments which is a cooperation between RDB and Oman Airports Management Company.
“Additionally, there are MoUs in logistics for collaboration on inland port development, operations, and supply chain services, and another MoU in ICT & Innovation for cooperation between Rwanda’s and Oman’s ICT ministries on data hosting, cloud services, and data centre development, and we are looking for more areas for bilateral cooperation,” she added.
“With these MoU’s taking effect, the bilateral tourism and travel relations as well as the trade and commercial ties would surge as the demand for Rwanda tourism spots has been of great demand among Omanis, not just for familial connections but for tourism reasons as well,” said Sunil D'souza, ‏Executive Director, Oneic Travel Group, who validated the reasons behind Rwanda becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for Omanis.
With direct flights now connecting Oman to East Africa, Rwanda is emerging as a new and unexpected destination for Omani travellers seeking adventure beyond beaches and deserts.
Starting in July 2026, SalamAir began operating twice-weekly direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, with Oman Air set to launch its own service in June 2026. The new route makes it possible to reach Rwanda’s volcanic highlands in under 5 hours — opening a gateway to wildlife, culture, and eco-tourism.
For Omanis used to mountains, wadis, and coastlines, Rwanda offers something completely different: rainforests, gorillas, and classic African safaris.
“The country’s headline attraction is ‘gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park’ as one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live here. Visitors hike through misty bamboo forests to spend one unforgettable hour with a gorilla family — an experience travel companies are already packaging alongside Oman’s beach resorts as an “adventure + relaxation” honeymoon,” he adds.
Culture lovers can explore Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest capitals, visit the 15th-century ‘King’s Palace Museum’, and learn about Rwanda’s heritage at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. Tourism officials from both countries say the new air link is designed to boost two-way travel. While Omanis head to Rwanda for wildlife and green landscapes, Rwandans can experience Oman’s desert adventures, historic forts, souqs, and luxury beach resorts.
With sustainability at the heart of both Oman Vision 2040 and Rwanda’s tourism model, the partnership also opens opportunities for eco-tourism packages focused on conservation.
Travel and tourism operators opined that 'As connectivity grows, Rwanda may soon become Oman’s closest taste of the African wild.'