Ministry of Heritage and Tourism Signs Integrated Tourism Complex Licence Agreement with OMRAN Group for Sultan Qaboos Port Waterfront Development

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed an integrated tourism complex agreement with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) for the development of the Sultan Qaboos Port Waterfront, enabling the transformation of the project into an integrated destination combining hospitality, leisure, culture and contemporary lifestyles within a sustainable urban environment that respects the site’s historic and heritage character. The development is set to further enhance the position of Wilayat Muttrah as one of the Sultanate of Oman’s leading tourism and cultural destinations.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism by His Excellency Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and on behalf of OMRAN Group by Eng. Ayad bin Ali Al Balushi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group.

Located in the heart of Wilayat Muttrah, the project covers a total area of approximately one million square metres, with more than 400,000 square metres designated as developable area.

The development aims to repurpose the Sultan Qaboos Port waterfront and transform it into an integrated destination that brings together the area’s historical and cultural assets with tourism, hospitality and contemporary lifestyle offerings. It is designed to enrich the experience of visitors and residents while creating opportunities for quality investments and strategic partnerships that contribute to the destination’s competitiveness.

The project will be developed across three phases, with the master plan comprising four main districts. These include Port Souq, featuring retail facilities and a diverse range of shopping and leisure experiences; Port Gateway, which will comprise a hotel, retail and public spaces; Al Shatifi, featuring residential and hotel accommodation, a waterfront promenade, open spaces, restaurants and cafés; and Al Shatifi Hills, which will accommodate a mountain resort.

The project will also include a range of integrated facilities and services, alongside public spaces designed to create a vibrant destination bringing together accommodation, retail, leisure, cultural experiences and waterfront enjoyment.

The development forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Wilayat Muttrah’s position as a waterfront, cultural and tourism destination by leveraging its rich historical assets and strategic location. It also reflects a commitment to sustainability and the preservation of Muttrah’s architectural and heritage identity, while introducing new tourism facilities and experiences and attracting quality investments and strategic partnerships. These efforts are expected to enhance the destination’s competitiveness, generate sustainable economic value, and maximise the project’s economic and social benefits.