Muscat: Al Buraimi Governorate’s growing tourist resort and rest house sector is emerging as a key driver of domestic tourism and local economic activity, supported by government oversight and rising private investment.
According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the governorate has 18 licensed rest houses, including nine green lodges and nine guest houses, along with three small and medium enterprises licensed to operate rest house facilities.
Hamid bin Rashid Al-Zaidi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Al Buraimi, said the sector has evolved from a weekend leisure option into a significant tourism and investment pillar, offering visitors privacy, comfort and an authentic local experience.
He noted that rest houses contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, stimulating commercial activity and attracting visitors from across Oman and neighbouring countries. Facilities typically include outdoor recreation areas, swimming pools and family-oriented amenities, while also showcasing local hospitality and culture.
Al-Zaidi said the department is working with public and private stakeholders to improve tourism services, develop infrastructure and facilitate investment procedures to strengthen Al Buraimi’s appeal as a tourism destination. Authorities continue to monitor compliance with tourism standards to ensure quality and safety across facilities.
The governorate offers diverse tourism experiences, including heritage tourism centred on forts and historic markets, environmental and agricultural tourism linked to oases and aflaj systems, family recreation, adventure tourism and commercial tourism.
Among Al Buraimi’s key attractions are Al-Khandaq Fort, Al-Hillah Fort, Al Buraimi Oasis, Sa’ara Oasis and Mahdah Oasis.
Al-Zaidi added that interest in tourism investment continues to grow, with several projects under study in the resort and tourism facilities sector. The governorate is also promoting opportunities in adventure, geological, cultural and heritage tourism, including the adaptive reuse of old neighbourhoods as lodges, cafés and other tourism ventures.
The number of licensed travel and tourism offices in Al Buraimi has reached 32, while youth and community initiatives are increasingly using social media, local events and familiarisation trips to showcase the governorate’s natural and cultural attractions.
