Plans for a multi-purpose sports arena in the capital

Muscat - The government of Oman has presented several projects for investors from across the world as part of the efforts to diversify the tourism sector in the country and increase its contribution to the economy.

Among projects that were opened for investors on Monday, the most important was the plans to establish a multi-purpose sports hall in Muscat (on the likes of the Coca-Cola arena in Abu Dhabi), which can host world championships and other mega international events throughout the year.

The authorities also sought investments in a women’s club in the capital.

There are also plans to set up a Training Centre in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, which will support talented athletes with top-quality facilities, coaching, and other services necessary to develop into world-class performers. At an investment cost of RO5, the project will include a football field, a running track, a gym, a fitness club, tennis courts, and a bicycle track.

Eng Rashid al Hinai, Director of the Oman Vision 2040 Office at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), said that the ministry will focus on tourism investment in four governorates — Dhofar, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah South, and Musandam.

Investment opportunities have been offered in many wilayats such as Khasab, Al Hamra, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Qurayat, Al Rustaq, and Saham.

MoHT aims to raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP to RO 9.5 billion by 2040 from around 11 million tourists. As of 2022, the country had around 30,332 hotel rooms on offer to welcome tourists.

Dr. Siham al Harthy, chairperson of the Tourism Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), said that the contribution of tourism to GDP increased to three per cent last year from 2.9 million foreign tourists.

The number of tourists visiting the country this year is estimated to be around 3.5 million, largely aided by incentives such as visa exemption for citizens of 103 countries for stays up to 14 days.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) said that the Foreign Capital Investment Law guarantees foreign investors ownership of projects by up to 100 per cent.