Between new openings in the capital Muscat, mountains to explore, desert camps and the relaunch of Dhofar, the Sultanate focuses on quality, authentic and sustainable tourism
For many tourists and travelers the Sultanate of Oman there still remains a mystery to be discovered. For centuries, if not millennia, this corner of the Arabian Peninsula surrounded by mountains and deserts has been a true crossroads between Asia and Africa.
A country with climates ranging from temperate to desert to tropical. UNESCO sites to discoverancient fortresses and itineraries such as the incense route; but also a country that looks to the future with new structures and development projects, and does so with a precise line of thought that differentiates it from neighboring countries: preserve their identity and culture.
Muscat, the new born from tradition
Let’s start from the capital, where contemporary elegance is grafted onto Omani tradition. He tells it well Mesathe Portuguese restaurant opened in February in a historic house a few steps from Muttrah Souqin the heart of the old city.
He also tells it Al Mouj seafrontwhere the I speak Muscat Al Moujten minutes from the airport. And the upcoming projects tell this: the Anantara and Four Seasons resorts and the Al Bustan complex, which in four years, with 150 million Omani riyals of investment, will bring a hotel, luxury residences, a marina and a yacht club.
But Muscat also looks at nature. 35 kilometers from the city it is about to open the Oman Botanic Garden: 420 hectares, the largest botanical garden in the Arabian Peninsulacreated to celebrate the country’s biodiversity according to the vision of Sultan Qaboos.
It will host only native species, on a journey through Omani mountains and deserts. And to see the city from above, the cable car is expected by the end of 2026 Muttrah Teleferikwhich will connect the port, a viewing station and Rose Bay.
From the “green mountain” to the dunes
Just leaving the coast completely changes the scenario in which you find yourself. Jabal Akhdarthe “green mountain”, is a real pearl. There are now 95 accommodation facilities, for over 1,060 rooms, and international visitors have increased by 9% compared to 2024.
In 2027 the district will be Tourism Capital of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Here the welcome has the flavor of adventure: a charming refuge in the Hajar mountains, in Wajmah, a glamping inaugurated in September and the premiere panoramic zipline of the mountain, the second longest in the Sultanate. In 2027 it will be the turn of Jebel Shamsthe highest peak in Oman, with a wellness resort.
The desert, on the other hand, is lived in movement. The Malkai offers a very high level traveling trip with three luxury camps, in Barka near Muscat, in the Hajar mountains and on the dunes of Sharqiya Sands, where the Kel 12 mobile camp is also located, with tents designed together with the Italian Ferrino.
The South and sporting events
Further south the Dhofarwith Salalahis experiencing a true tourist renaissance in the name of sustainable eco-tourism and respect for the environment. The regional development plan envisages a five-star resort in Mirbat and, in 2027, the Sultanate’s first Rixos hotel. Since July there is also a glass balcony on the coast, lo Shaat Glass Viewpoint.
A choice recognized by critics, given that Lonely Planet crowned Oman first in the Places category for Africa and the Middle East in Best in Travel ranking 2027rewarding those seeking authentic experiences, far from mass tourism.
The next few months will also be dedicated to sport. Muscat hosts the first on December 5 IRONMAN full distance and February 6 the IRONMAN 70.3; The Himam Trail Run Race (11-13 December) takes place between mountains and dunes and the Oman Desert Marathon (January 9-13), followed by the Muscat Marathon and Tour of Oman by bike.
How to get there
Reaching the Sultanate from Italy is simple: from 10 November Oman Air flies directly from Milan Malpensa (five frequencies per week) and from Rome Fiumicino (four). But there is also a new collaboration between Oman Air and ITA Airwayswhich will also allow you to depart from 14 other Italian cities, with a single stopover and a single ticket.
