Al Mouj Muscat: A Catalyst for Oman’s Thriving Tourism Sector

The Sultanate’s premier oceanfront destination, Al Mouj Muscat, looks to further boost tourism sector growth with over 2000 keys within the next three years.

Oman’s travel and tourism sector continues to demonstrate significant economic expansion, predicted to grow four times faster than the national economy over the next 10 years and increase its GDP contribution to more than OMR 3.3 billion in 2024, representing 7.6% of the country’s economy according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.  In 2023, the Sultanate welcomed close to four million international arrivals – up by a third on the previous year – and was ranked among the top 20 global destinations. International market research company Fitch Solutions predicts that there will be a significant increase in visitor numbers until 2028, a forecast that aligns with Oman’s ambition to raise the growth rate in the tourism sector to 5% by 2030 and 10% a decade later.

Al Mouj Muscat has proven to be a key player in that ongoing success story, not only overcoming the challenges posed by two financial crises and a global pandemic, but also positively thriving as a vibrant integrated tourism development. By attracting more than four million domestic, regional and international visitors and tourists annually, Al Mouj Muscat owes its success to its key tourism assets including its premium residential offerings, luxury hotels, world-class marina and 18-hole championship golf course. This perfect blend of amenities not only keeps pace with such impressive visitor figures but actively drives growth.

A substantial driver for tourism in Oman, drawing sports enthusiasts, leisure seekers and food connoisseurs alike, Al Mouj Muscat boasts world-class amenities such as the 400-berth Al Mouj Marina, the largest in the country; Al Mouj Golf, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman and ranked second in the region; 2km of beach; and more than 85 retail and dining experiences. It is also host to major global sporting events such as the America’s Cup (sailing), European and Asian tours and Oman Open (golf), and Al Mouj Muscat Marathon (athletics), firmly placing the Sultanate on the global sports tourism map.

Upon completion, Al Mouj Muscat will feature seven major hotel complexes with a total of 1,056 hotel rooms. The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, Kempinski Muscat and Mysk Al Mouj by Shaza are fully operational with a combined total of 1023 hotel room keys. Four more hotel developments are at planning stages, providing additional 1,000 keys bringing the location total to more than 2,000.

The development is also home to over 265,000 square metres of green space and 18 community parks, while Al Mouj Muscat’s long-term commitment to the environment includes the introduction of a 40,000 square metres artificial coral reef in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries.

Al Mouj Muscat’s financial figures are an equally impressive feat. Since inception Al Mouj Muscat has attracted more than US$ 883 million (OMR 340 million) in foreign direct investments, with expectations for continued growth as international investors’ appetites expand. Assets have grown by 777% and are projected to reach US$3.5 billion (OMR 1.35 billion) upon project completion.

Throughout its 18 years, Al Mouj Muscat has given back to the surrounding community through various corporate social responsibility outreach programs and activities, totalling OMR 4.5 million, with more than 100 SMEs operating within its community. It has created more than 2,200 permanent jobs, of which over 75% of these positions are occupied by Omani nationals. Upon project completion, this number is expected to rise to 5,500 permanent positions.

“Placemaking is at the heart of what we do and we are proud that our comprehensive sustainability framework is generating a positive socio-economic impact that is fully aligned with national directives and priorities,” said Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat. “Our vision of creating a vibrant community that is inspired to live life to the fullest has become a reality and with every passing day, it is exciting to see the development evolve to its full potential.”

He added, “With talent, vision, imagination, we have set the standard for developments to come. Not only as premier world-class lifestyle destination​ but as an active contributor to national efforts to build a more diversified and sustainable economy.”

In partnership with Oman’s Government, represented by Omran and Tanmia, Al Mouj Muscat expects its own successes as a leader in ITC development to continue while realising the ambitions of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify and strengthen the national economy. Today, Al Mouj Muscat has achieved its own status as a truly sustainable community which more than 8,000 residents from 85 nationalities proudly call home.