Oman has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East, boasting one of the highest per capita GDPs in the region. The oil and gas sector has long been the backbone of the Omani economy, contributing over 25% of its GDP. However, heavy reliance on oil has made the country vulnerable to global price fluctuations.

To reduce this dependency, Oman has embraced economic diversification, which is reshaping the nation into a tourism and business-friendly hub. For travelers, this means better infrastructure, world-class attractions, and sustainable tourism options. For entrepreneurs, Oman now offers unprecedented investment opportunities with relaxed ownership laws and tax benefits.

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How Tourists Will Benefit from Oman’s Diversification

The Omani government has identified tourism as a key pillar of Vision 2040, investing heavily to make the country a premier global destination. For visitors, this translates to:

Enhanced travel infrastructure.
World-class entertainment hubs.
New eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
A more welcoming environment for international travelers.

New Theme Parks in Oman

Oman already has popular parks like Wadina Water Park, Marah Land, and Al Naseem Park, but new projects are set to raise the bar:

Hayya Al Sharq Park – Scheduled to open in 2026, this will be Oman’s first leisure and entertainment mega-park. It will include hotels, dining areas, and residential clusters built to international standards.
The park will position Oman as a top destination for family tourism in the Middle East.

Oman Botanical Garden Project

Located in Al Khoudh village near Muscat, this massive 430-hectare botanical garden will feature:

Diverse ecosystems from desert habitats to monsoon cloud forests.
Native plant species preserved in a sustainable environment.
Educational and eco-tourism opportunities for visitors.

This project will make Oman home to one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, showcasing the country’s biodiversity.

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Business Opportunities from Diversification

Foreign Ownership and Investment Incentives

Oman’s new economic policies allow 100% foreign ownership in multiple sectors, eliminating the need for a local partner. Key benefits for investors include:

5-year tax exemptions for companies established between January 2021 and December 2026.
Reduced land rents and license fees for industrial activities.
Streamlined procedures to start and expand businesses.

Priority Investment Sectors

Tourism & Hospitality.
Renewable Energy.
Logistics & Transport.
Healthcare & Education.
Food Security & Agriculture.

Oman and Sustainable Tourism

As climate change becomes a global priority, Oman has committed USD 1 billion towards sustainable tourism projects. This includes:

Eco-friendly resorts.
Solar-powered tourism facilities.
Protection of natural reserves and wildlife.

This balance between environment and economy positions Oman as a leader in green travel in the Middle East.

Why Now is the Best Time to Visit Oman

New attractions like theme parks and botanical gardens.
Government incentives making Oman more tourist-friendly.
Cultural preservation blended with modern development.
An expanding market for adventure and eco-tourism.

Conclusion

Oman’s shift from an oil-dependent economy to a diverse, tourism-driven destination is creating new opportunities for both visitors and investors. With sustainable projects, new attractions, and favorable business laws, Oman is ready to welcome the world.

If you want to explore Oman during this exciting transformation, don’t wait. Apply for your Oman Visa Online today and experience the future of tourism and business in Oman.