United Arab Emirates has announced a Dh764 million venture to bolster tourism within the city of Salalah, Oman.
Abu Dhabi has announced a significant investment strategy for tourism development in Salalah, Oman, worth approximately $208 million. The project, led by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), aims to construct a large-scale integrated tourism complex spanning 2.5 million square meters in Jinawf, Salalah [1][2][5].
The first phase of the project will focus on a luxury resort with over 120 rooms and chalets, covering about 604,000 square meters. Additionally, the development will include a marina and the rehabilitation of coastal and beachfront areas. Essential infrastructure such as roads and public utilities will also be implemented [1][2].
The strategic investment is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate growth in various economic sectors, and foster tourism-related skills through training and capacity-building programs for Omani nationals, particularly supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector [1][2].
This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes tourism as a critical driver for economic diversification, especially in Dhofar. The project also aims to increase tourism's contribution to Oman's GDP, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen regional ties between the UAE and Oman [1][2].
In 2020, the UAE and Oman established investment partnerships worth Dh129 billion across several sectors, including renewable energy, railway, green metals, and technology. The project in Salalah is a testament to the deep-rooted strategic ties between the two countries [3][4].
In fact, the UAE and Oman will establish an industrial and energy mega project valued at Dh117 billion, which will include solar and wind projects, and green metal production units [3][4]. The project in Salalah is also aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development's vision of economic diversification and sustainable development [1][2].
Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman, expects the scheme to create hundreds of job opportunities and stimulate growth across key economic sectors [1]. The project is designed to bolster Oman's status as a tourism hub in the region and globally [1].
The project's significant funding injection from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will support essential infrastructure works, including roads and public utilities. The development will also include the development of a marina and the regeneration of coastal and beachfront areas [2].
These partnerships were announced following Sultan Haitham's state visit to the UAE in April 2021 [4]. During the Khareef season (June to September), monsoon rains transform the desert landscape into a vibrant sea of lush greenery, attracting large numbers of holidaymakers, making Salalah a popular tourist destination, particularly for travellers within the Gulf [6].
Sources: [1] Khaleej Times. (2021, April 21). Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to invest $208m in Salalah tourism project. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/abu-dhabi-fund-for-development-to-invest-208m-in-salalah-tourism-project
[2] Zawya. (2021, April 21). Abu Dhabi Fund for Development announces $208m investment in Salalah tourism project. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/press-release/companies-news/abu-dhabi-fund-for-development-announces-208m-investment-in-salalah-tourism-project-20210421142000/
[3] Gulf News. (2021, April 21). UAE, Oman to establish $32bn industrial, energy mega project. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/energy/uae-oman-to-establish-32bn-industrial-energy-mega-project-1.78004189
[4] Arab News. (2021, April 21). UAE, Oman announce $32 billion industrial and energy mega project. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1854081/business
[5] WAM. (2021, April 21). UAE and Oman agree on $32 billion industrial and energy mega project. Retrieved from https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302827613
[6] Visit Oman. (n.d.). Salalah. Retrieved from https://www.visitoman.om/en/destination/salalah/29
- The investment strategy in Salalah, Oman, worth approximately $208 million by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) will construct a large-scale integrated tourism complex, boosting Oman's status as a regional and global tourism hub.
- The project will incorporate a luxury resort with over 120 rooms and chalets, a marina, and the rehabilitation of coastal and beachfront areas, while promoting tourism-related skills and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Oman.
- In 2020, the UAE and Oman established investment partnerships totaling Dh129 billion across several sectors, including renewable energy, technology, and railways, as well as an industrial and energy mega project valued at Dh117 billion.
- The Salalah project aligns with both Oman Vision 2040 and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development's vision of economic diversification and sustainable development, while it is anticipated to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional ties between the UAE and Oman.
- During the Khareef season (June to September), Salalah transforms into a vibrant sea of lush greenery, attracting large numbers of holidaymakers, making it a popular tourist destination, particularly for travellers within the Gulf.
