Oman is moving ahead with a massive new tourism development in the mountains of Muscat, and the numbers behind it are pretty huge. The country recently signed an agreement for a new integrated tourism complex called “Rawasi”, which will come up in the Jabal Bousher area overlooking the capital. The investment stands at around Dh5.3 billion, or RO558 million, and officials expect the project to take shape slowly over the next 15 years.
Oman Plans Huge Dh5.3b Mountain Tourism Project In Muscat
That’s a long timeline. But the project itself is also massive, spanning nearly 993,000 square metres in the mountainous area.
What Will The Rawasi Project Include?
From what authorities have shared so far, the development will combine tourism spaces, homes, hotels, and leisure facilities in one place. The location seems to be a big part of the idea, too. Jabal Bousher sits in a higher part of Muscat, so developers plan to use the cooler mountain setting and views as a major attraction.
For many people in the Gulf, mountain destinations already hold appeal during cooler months. Oman appears to be leaning further into that.
Officials believe the project could help bring more visitors into Muscat while also creating new business and investment opportunities around tourism and property.
Why Is Oman Investing So Much In Tourism?
Tourism has become a much bigger focus for Oman in recent years. The country has pushed several projects tied to hospitality, travel and entertainment as it tries to reduce dependence on oil revenues.
This latest project fits into that wider plan.
Also, integrated tourism complexes usually attract both local and foreign buyers because they combine residential living with hotels, restaurants and visitor facilities in one area. Some buyers see them as holiday homes, while others treat them as investment properties.
But projects of this scale also take time before people actually see results on the ground. Four separate phases will roll out over the coming years, according to officials.
Can Oman’s Mountain Tourism Plans Change Muscat?
Maybe. At least partly.
Muscat’s coastline, culture and winter weather already attract tourists. But mountain tourism still feels less developed compared to some neighbouring destinations. Rawasi could help change that if the project moves ahead as planned.
That said, a 15-year plan means progress will likely happen gradually rather than all at once.
Still, the government clearly wants tourism to play a bigger role in Oman’s economy. And this project shows how serious that push has become.
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Oman Mountain Tourism Project: Key Details
Authorities plan to complete the Rawasi project in the Jabal Bousher heights in four phases over 15 years. It combines residential, hospitality and leisure spaces inside one large mountain destination.
Cover Image Courtesy: OmanMHT/X
FAQs
What is the Rawasi project in Oman?
Rawasi is a new integrated tourism complex planned for the Jabal Bousher area in Muscat.