Oman's $596M Resort Push Backs a 12.6% Tourism Spike

Oman's tourism numbers are, honestly, climbing fast. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) confirmed 752,474 arrivals in January,February 2026, up from 668,205 in the same stretch last year , a 12.6% jump that's holding steady despite regional geopolitical noise. The growth isn't accidental, it's the direct result of years of targeted investment under Oman Vision 2040.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Omran Group signed off on a $596 million mixed-use complex in Al Qurm in March 2026 , two 4-star hotels, 400+ rooms and a $390 million Four Seasons-integrated site at Al Bustan with a marina attached, turns out that one's on a four-year build timeline. Add a $520 million wellness village, Club Med Musandam and 45 LEED-certified properties expected operational by end-2026 and Oman's luxury-eco pipeline is, frankly, enormous right now.

Who does this affect? Tourists get the obvious upside: more high-end options, expanded Muscat airport capacity and brands like Nobu landing in market. Digital nomads and remote workers don't have a dedicated visa here, which is the frustrating part, but a multiple-entry tourist eVisa (valid up to 10 years, 30-day stays per entry) covers short-term stays reasonably well and some tourism complex investments unlock a 2-year investor residency. Expats still need employer sponsorship for standard residence , that hasn't changed.

What to do:

• Apply for a tourist eVisa via the Royal Oman Police (ROP) portal; fees run $0,$53 for single-entry (30 days) up to $130,$150 for multiple-entry
• Passport must be valid 6+ months at entry; no local sponsor needed for the eVisa
• Investor residency through tourism complexes requires property ownership plus approval , not a quick process, plan accordingly
• Book early for late-2026 openings; the new LEED properties are filling pre-launch interest fast

Oman isn't cheap compared to Southeast Asia, but the infrastructure gap is closing quickly, the safety record is strong and the eco-resort angle is real rather than greenwashed marketing. Worth watching closely.

Read our full Oman guide for the complete picture and check nomad news for the latest visa updates across the region.