Oman Balloons to make Oman a regional Balloon Tourism hub
In a bold step towards placing Oman on the global hot air balloon tourism map, Oman Balloons has successfully completed a trial flight in Cappadocia, Turkey, ahead of its plans to launch commercial balloon rides in North Sharqiyah later this year.
The first flights, operated by balloon A4O-OHS, will take off from Bidiyah, offering breathtaking views of the desert and surrounding terrain.
'This marks the beginning of Oman's journey to becoming a major hot air balloon destination in the region,' said Salim Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, in an exclusive interview with Muscat Daily. 'We established the company in 2023 and signed an agreement with Turkish manufacturer Pasha Balloons to become their exclusive agent in the Gulf.'
Oman Balloons completed its maiden flight over Cappadocia's famed landscape on June 3. The company plans to officially launch the service in Oman in October, operating from Stars Gate Camp in the Al Wasit area of Wilayat Bidiyah.
According to Abri, the balloon has been certified by the Civil Aviation Authority and is equipped to handle Oman's unique weather conditions. It can accommodate up to 20 passengers, will be piloted by a certified balloonist, and accompanied by an onboard assistant.
Abri emphasised that the sultanate's diverse terrain – including golden sand dunes, majestic mountains, ancient forts, and lush valleys makes it an ideal destination for balloon tourism.
'Floating silently over Oman's natural and historical landmarks at sunrise offers a serene and unforgettable experience,' he said.
The project, launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is part of broader efforts to diversify Oman's tourism offerings and enhance the country's appeal on the regional and global travel map.
Beyond tourism, the initiative is expected to deliver both economic and social benefits.
'Each balloon creates 12 direct jobs, not to mention the indirect opportunities in hospitality, transport, and support services,' Abri disclosed. 'As we expand our fleet, we also plan to introduce new technologies and inspire Omani youth to explore this modern and exciting industry.'
Abri highlighted that hot air ballooning is widely considered one of the safest forms of aviation. 'It offers a unique and tranquil way to experience the world from above. Balloons operate in a controlled environment, typically avoiding high-speed manoeuvres and complex navigation. Flights are conducted in calm, clear weather with light winds, both at ground level and aloft. Pilots monitor weather forecasts closely before, during, and after flights to ensure a safe and smooth experience,' he explained.
'As with all aviation activities, safety is paramount,' Abri stressed. 'We've worked closely with certified professionals and regulatory authorities to ensure our ballooning operations in Oman meet the highest safety standards.'
The company has ambitious plans, including establishing a hot air balloon maintenance facility in Oman to serve the wider Gulf region and, eventually, setting up a local factory to manufacture balloons with Omani expertise.
'The road was not easy,' says Abri. 'But through persistence, vision, and lessons learned from our visits to the United States and Turkey, we have developed a product tailored to Oman's environment.'
Expressing gratitude to the Civil Aviation Authority for supporting the training of personnel and raising awareness about ballooning regulations, and to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for sponsoring the launch event in Turkey, Abri held out a message for young Omanis – 'Believe in your ideas and study your projects carefully. Believing in your own capabilities is the first step to success.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
Oman and Mongolia strengthen investment ties
ULAANBAATAR: Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority, led a delegation to Ulaanbaatar for high-level discussions with Gombojav Zandanshatar, Prime Minister of Mongolia. During the meeting, the Mongolian Prime Minister welcomed the opportunity to bolster ties with the Sultanate of Oman, underlining Mongolia's keenness to forge a practical partnership grounded in mutual benefit, particularly in facilitating investments across priority sectors. Al Murshidi highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation not only in investments but also in all areas of shared interest. The Omani delegation held a series of official meetings with several Mongolian officials, including Damdinnyam Gungor, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources; Batkhuu Edesh, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Development; Ganbold Bata, Advisor and Head of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; V Enkhbaatar, Director General of the Investment and Trade Agency; and T Munkhtor, Advisor to the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industries. Discussions focused on investment prospects in mining, energy, agriculture, and food production. Both sides examined possibilities for joint projects, trade facilitation, and the creation of a conducive environment for long-term investment. The two parties also agreed to intensify technical-level dialogue in the near future, aiming to establish executive frameworks for bilateral cooperation. The official visit underscored the mutual desire of Oman and Mongolia to establish a broad and sustainable strategic partnership, reflecting the considerable potential for cooperation across economic and development sectors. The meetings were attended by Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al Hinai, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior officials from both nations. — ONA
Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
Oman–China strategic cooperation: Anchoring the future through people, partnership, and purpose
As global markets shift and geopolitical dynamics evolve, Oman and the People's Republic of China have steadily forged a partnership that exemplifies strategic foresight, economic complementarity, and cultural affinity. This evolving relationship, grounded in history and propelled by shared ambitions, has grown into one of the most significant bilateral frameworks in the region. Recent developments—most notably the Third Session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025 in Salalah—reaffirm the commitment of both nations to elevate their cooperation into a model for sustainable and diversified development. The transformation of this partnership is visible not only in its diplomatic momentum but also in the depth of its economic engagement. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China into Oman has grown remarkably, rising from RO 627 million in 2022 to RO 1.1 billion in 2023, and further reaching RO 1.3 billion in 2024. With this upward trajectory, China now ranks fourth among Oman's top FDI source countries. These figures reflect an evolving economic synergy—one that is well-aligned with Oman Vision 2040's aspirations for greater diversification, industrial sophistication, and global integration. Trade dynamics have also advanced in scope and complexity. In 2024, Oman's exports to China totaled RO 9.3 billion, making up 40% of the nation's total exports. Crude oil remained the dominant commodity at RO 9 billion, followed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at RO 110 million and methanol at RO 44 million. Conversely, Omani imports from China stood at RO 1.8 billion, accounting for 11% of total imports, and included vital infrastructure materials such as oil pipelines. With such numbers, China holds the position of Oman's fourth-largest trade partner among Arab and global nations. Yet beyond trade and investment, the true strength of the Oman–China relationship lies in its people-to-people connectivity and institutional cooperation. Partnerships do not thrive solely on numbers—they are sustained through dialogue, shared values, and collaborative learning. The forum in Salalah, held under the theme 'Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals,' was emblematic of this ethos. It brought together business leaders, experts, and institutional stakeholders to explore ways of aligning China's developmental experience with Oman's long-term vision. Importantly, the forum was not merely a ceremonial gathering; it was a platform for business-to-business engagement, project exploration, and cultural understanding. Organisations such as the Oman-China Friendship Association (OCFA) are central to cultivating this connective tissue. Acting as an enabler of cross-sector cooperation, OCFA supports initiatives that span economic, cultural, and humanitarian domains. From business forums and bilateral exhibitions to cultural programs and exchange initiatives, the association ensures that the Oman-China relationship remains vibrant at both grassroots and strategic levels. By championing informal diplomacy and trust-building efforts, OCFA helps convert high-level agreements into practical, people-centered outcomes. The private sector, in particular, stands to benefit immensely from this robust bilateral framework. Chinese investors have shown sustained interest in Oman's Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, particularly those in Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah, where joint ventures in manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy are gaining momentum. Omani firms, in turn, are increasingly exploring opportunities to tap into China's manufacturing capabilities, technology ecosystem, and vast consumer markets. This mutual engagement is not only fostering economic resilience but also expanding the industrial base of the Sultanate. One of the most promising sectors in this regard is manufacturing, which is fast becoming a cornerstone of Oman's economic diversification strategy. Over the past four years, the manufacturing sector has achieved an average growth rate of 7.3%, reaching a value of RO 3.6 billion in 2024, equivalent to 9% of Oman's GDP. Export figures from this sector are equally impressive, totaling RO 6.2 billion. Meanwhile, FDI into manufacturing surged from RO 1.7 billion in 2021 to RO 2.5 billion in 2024, and Chinese capital is expected to further catalyse this momentum. With enhanced collaboration in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and technology transfer, the sector is poised for accelerated expansion. This dynamic is further supported by Oman's strategic location at the crossroads of major global trade routes, modern logistics infrastructure, and transparent investment frameworks. As China continues its outward economic engagement—driven by the Belt and Road Initiative—Oman is well-positioned to serve as a critical link between Asia, the Gulf, East Africa, and beyond. The alignment of China's manufacturing strength with Oman's logistics potential presents a compelling value proposition for businesses on both sides. But even as the Oman-China relationship advances on commercial and strategic fronts, it is the human element that will ensure its endurance. Skills development, training programs, academic exchange, and joint innovation hubs are vital for fostering shared competencies. Thousands of Omanis have already participated in China-led capacity-building efforts, and expanding this cooperation to cover new fields—such as fintech, agritech, and AI—can build a knowledge ecosystem that supports long-term national transformation. In a time marked by uncertainty and fragmentation in the global economy, partnerships with high-growth, high-capacity economies like China are not simply desirable—they are essential. China, with a GDP exceeding USD 20 trillion and a population of 1.5 billion, offers not only market access and investment capital, but also valuable developmental experience. Oman, with its unique geographic positioning and clear national vision, offers stability, opportunity, and an open invitation for strategic collaboration. The road ahead calls for more structured cooperation—defined projects, clear timelines, and institutional partnerships that bring the private sector to the forefront. By weaving together economic opportunity with cultural understanding and human development, the Oman–China partnership is steadily laying the foundations for a prosperous, resilient, and forward-facing future.
Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
With licensed smart apps, Oman's taxis are secure, transparent
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology launched the campaign called 'It Makes a Difference' based on the results of a consultation conducted on the experiences of licensed taxi apps. The campaign aims to encourage taxi drivers to join licensed apps as part of efforts to regulate the sector and improve service quality and passenger safety through secure and transparent digital solutions. The transportation sector in the Sultanate of Oman is undergoing a significant transformation with the increased use of licensed smart apps, aligning with national trends towards digitisation and technology in vital sectors. Within this framework, the ministry continues its efforts to regulate the sector and ensure its sustainability. To contribute to the development of taxi apps that meet aspirations, enhance community participation and advance digital transportation services in Oman, the ministry evaluated the experiences of licensed taxi apps from June 22 to July 22 of this year. The ministry aims to regulate taxi activity in Oman and has announced that taxi applications licensed by the ministry are available on demand, whether through instant or pre-booking, after meeting the requirements and provisions of the Land Transport Law's regulations. Studies conducted by the ministry have shown that regulating the taxi sector has directly improved drivers' incomes by providing them with more stable employment opportunities. It has also led to more efficient and convenient transportation services for users. Passengers can now benefit from advantages such as tracking their journey, knowing fares in advance, and easily accessing taxis at any time and place, increasing safety and transparency in this vital sector. The smart on-demand applications provide a system for tracking and monitoring the journey's route, with fixed prices determined before the trip, while ensuring user privacy and security. The applications also allow users to message the driver through the app and cancel requests with ease. They also offer various services, including basic trips, economical trips, monthly contracts and an independent system for processing taxi requests for institutions and companies. Starting in early April of this year, all white and orange taxis are required to join electronic platforms, register and operate through approved vehicle booking applications to improve service quality and provide secure digital solutions. This initiative aims to modernise the public transportation system, improve taxi services and enhance transparency in fare pricing. Additionally, this transformation will increase passenger access to taxis through digital platforms, ushering Omani taxis into a new era of digital transformation.
