MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology announced that 133 licences for marine tourism trips were issued from January to August this year, enabling marine companies to operate and expand services across Oman’s coastal areas.
The ministry reported that eight companies currently manage and operate marine tourism piers across Musandam , Al Batinah South, Muscat and Dhofar governorates. These piers collectively serve as vital gateways for marine tourism, welcoming more than 450 yachts and over 4,700 pleasure boats, with passenger numbers surpassing 800,000.
Muscat Governorate boasts five key tourist piers managed by leading tourism and development companies: Saraya Bandar Al Jissah (Muscat Bay); Muriya Tourism Development Company (Jebel Sifah); Barr Al Jissah Resort Company; Al Mouj Muscat and Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) — Marina Bandar Al Rowdha.
In the Musandam Governorate, the Al Marsa Travel and Tourism Company operates the primary tourist pier. In Dhofar Governorate, the Muriya Tourism Development Company manages the Hawana Salalah pier. In Al Batinah South Governorate, Omran — Oman Sail operates the tourist pier at Barcelo Musannah.
Mohanna bin Musa bin Baqer, Director-General of Ports at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to raising the operational efficiency of ports by aligning them with international maritime safety standards. The ministry has signed concession agreements with global companies specialising in port management and development.
He added that five licences for commercial dock operations were issued between January and October 2024, involving four companies operating in Al Sharqiyah South and Musandam governorates. Notably, Oman LNG in Qalhat, Oman India Fertilizer Company (OMIFCO), Al Shurooq Handling and Maritime Company, and Musandam Rocks Company are key players in these sectors. These companies processed 74 ships, handling over 12.17 million tonnes of goods by the end of September 2024.
The ministry encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to invest in the maritime sector by facilitating activities such as organising tourist cruises, renting boats and yachts, conducting diving trips and operating marine workshops for yacht and boat maintenance.
Future plans include establishing eco-friendly ship recycling centres, developing Shannah and Masirah ports, and constructing a yacht berth in Qurayat’s Daghmar area. These projects aim to enhance Oman’s position as a maritime tourism and logistics hub while promoting sustainable economic growth.
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