Al Dakhiliyah Governorate Witnesses Rapid Tourism and Infrastructure Growth

Al Dakhiliyah Strengthens Position as Major Tourism Destination in Oman

Nizwa:  Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is witnessing continued development activity that includes infrastructure projects, the enhancement of heritage sites and tourist attractions, and the expansion of tourism, entertainment and service investments, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 in the areas of sustainable cities, economic diversification and quality of life.

The governorate continues to strengthen its position as one of the Sultanate of Oman’s leading tourism and development destinations through a range of quality projects and investments aimed at improving the visitor experience, enhancing quality of life and supporting the local economy.

According to data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the tourism sector in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate recorded notable growth during 2025. The number of hotels increased from 156 establishments in 2024 to 209 hotels in 2025, while the number of guests rose from 277,000 visitors to more than 340,000 visitors, representing growth exceeding 22 percent.

The governorate remains a year-round tourism destination, with Jabal Al Akhdar, Jabal Shams and the Eastern Mountain areas among the most prominent attractions during the summer season due to their moderate climate, mountain landscapes, terraced farms and agricultural products linked to local identity.

Tourism seasons, particularly the rose season, continue to support small and medium enterprises and productive families while stimulating commercial and tourism activity across the governorate.

Recently, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate signed five investment agreements with Omani companies valued at a total of RO 11 million to implement tourism and service projects in the wilayats of Jabal Al Akhdar and Bahla on areas exceeding 60,000 square metres, with investment periods ranging between 15 and 50 years.

In Jabal Al Akhdar, the governorate signed an agreement to establish and operate an integrated commercial complex in the Hail Al Yaman area. The project includes a three-star hotel, educational park, entertainment centre and commercial market at a cost of RO 7.8 million.

In Bahla, an integrated tourism project is being developed in the Al Badou area, including a resort, water park and zoo, with investments estimated at RO 2.5 million.

The governorate is also implementing projects related to urban development and improving public spaces, including the enhancement of state entrances, establishment of parks and gardens, and the development of facilities supporting tourism and quality of life.

Among the strategic tourism projects is the Jabal Shams Waterfront project, which extends over more than 145,000 square metres with an estimated investment of around RO 11 million. The project aims to establish an integrated tourism and investment destination with multiple facilities and services.

The 32-kilometre Jabal Shams road project also represents one of the governorate’s major infrastructure initiatives, supporting tourism movement and improving access to mountain destinations at a cost exceeding RO 20 million.

Al Dakhiliyah Governorate currently includes 35 parks and public gardens distributed across its nine wilayats, covering a total area exceeding 1.35 million square metres.

Recent projects included the opening and development of several public parks, including Nizwa Public Park, Jabal Al Akhdar Park and the rehabilitation of the public park in Al Maamoura area in Bahla.

In Al Hamra, the completion rate of the Eastern Mountain Oasis project has reached approximately 50 percent. The project includes tourism and service facilities such as an investment restaurant, outdoor theatre, pedestrian walkways and open recreational spaces.

The governorate also continues efforts to rehabilitate heritage and archaeological sites through projects exceeding RO 3.78 million in cooperation with relevant authorities, contributing to increased visitor numbers and supporting heritage tourism.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is implementing an integrated road and infrastructure network with investments exceeding RO 100 million, including strategic and internal roads supporting tourism, urban development and economic activity.

The governorate also continues to support local content by linking tourism and development projects with small and medium enterprises, productive families, craftsmen and entrepreneurs, creating investment and employment opportunities associated with tourism seasons and events.