Tourism sector vital for Oman
Al Alawi added: “Royal Decree no. 122016 has allowed non-Omanis to own lands and units in the integrated tourism complexes that are certified by the related entities in the Sultanate. The ownership is granted for two purposes: residence and investment, by any free ownership means, as long as it doesn’t violate the country’s regulations on the subject.
“The tourism industry is one of the most vital economic sectors in the world, playing a significant role in developing a country’s economy, providing job opportunities, and supporting the government’s revenue schemes.
“The tourism industry currently contributes 10% of the gross domestic product in the world, and provides one job out of every 11 around the world and is one of the most vital industries in Oman, especially after the issuance of the royal decree 61/2004 to establish the Ministry of Tourism and assign a Minister.
“The Ministry of Tourism is keen on creating a sustainable tourism industry in Oman through the continuous establishment of all types of tourism aspects and by raising the awareness between citizens and residents of the nation.
“The ministry is also enhancing the collaboration between the public and private entities in order to develop the tourism sector. However, there is a need to study the influence of the various entities on the tourism sector, and the ministry is working towards collecting data relevant to tourism attractions in Oman,” he said.
Diyar Ras Al Hadd Project will have 700 residential properties, while Omagine Project in Seeb will have more than 2,000 homes available.
The Omagine Project in Seeb will have hotels, a boutique mall, an open air amphitheatre, exhibition venues, a harbour and ma- rina area, offices, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Naseem A’Sabah in Seeb will have more than 1,200 residential units, five star hotels, retail zones and a yacht club, as well as leisure zones and restaurants. The project on the northern shore of Mawaleh in Seeb will cover a total area of 400,000sq m and has been designed to accommodate more than 1,200 residential units and hotel rooms.
Al Nakheel Project in Barka will include hotels and hotel apartments, 1,436 residential apartments, villas and houses which will be available for ownership for all nationalities and citizens. It will also include a mall, a souq, restaurants, an aqua park and other facilities.
Welcoming these steps, real estate members say that this would open up the real estate market. “We hope more investments will come to market,” Country Manager of Eqarat, Salman Jalil, said.
T. Bhaskaran Nair, Convener of the Indian Social Club’s Malayalam Wing, was eager to welcome the move. “This is a good move on behalf of the government of Oman, because it means more expats will look to invest in property here,” he said.