Latest news with #JanaenSalalah
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar, from seasonal escape to sustainable destination
Dhofar is no longer just Oman's monsoon hideaway. A quiet transformation is underway—one that aims to shift the governorate from a three-month seasonal destination into a vibrant, sustainable tourism hub active year-round. With upgraded infrastructure, flagship investments, and an emerging vision aligned with Oman Vision 2040, Dhofar is preparing for its next chapter. FOUNDATIONS IN PLACE Roads have been expanded, Salalah Airport upgraded, and municipal services improved to better serve both residents and the growing number of visitors. In areas like Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, and Dalkut, we're seeing new hospitality projects, retail developments, and expanded urban services—laying the groundwork for a richer tourism offering. Official data reflects this shift. Tourism contributed RO 2.7 billion to Oman's GDP in 2024, with Dhofar playing a key role—especially during the Khareef season. Still, the governorate's impact remains modest compared to its potential. Meanwhile, outbound travel by Omanis and residents reached RO 1.8 billion—a strong indication that domestic destinations like Dhofar could capture more of that spending if they delivered the right experiences. More than 3.8 million tourists visited Oman in 2024, with over half arriving from the United Arab Emirates. That market—familiar, affluent, and right next door—remains under-leveraged. TWO PROJECTS, ONE DIRECTION Among the most promising signs of Dhofar's evolution are two standout developments: Janaen Salalah, a 5.5 million square metre agritourism destination developed by Omran Group, is designed to blend farming, hospitality, and environmental learning. Coconut and papaya plantations will sit alongside eco-lodges, educational trails, a local produce village, and spaces for cultural exchange. It is a model that fuses sustainability with lifestyle—rooted in place, yet globally relevant. Just a few kilometres away in the Ittin Plain, the award-winning Boulevard al Rathath is preparing to offer something entirely different: a 470,000 m² leisure and entertainment district inspired by the interplay of mist, water, and the Omani identity. With a total investment of RO 40 million, the project includes the 'Grand Souq,' botanical gardens, canal-side restaurants, suspended walkways, open-air theatres, and retail experiences—all built around a central theme of nature in motion. The first phase will be funded by the Ministry of Finance with RO 10 million, with the remaining capital coming from the private sector. Together, the two projects are expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually and generate over 1,500 jobs, helping diversify Dhofar's economy while creating lasting value for local communities. Both are firmly aligned with Oman Vision 2040's pillars: economic diversification, sustainable cities, private sector empowerment, and local value creation. THE MISSING PIECE: INTEGRATION Despite such gains, the region's tourism landscape remains fragmented. Activities during Khareef are not yet unified under a central brand or management body. Events are often organised in silos, and promotional campaigns—though well-intentioned—lack the consistency, identity, and storytelling power required to position Dhofar competitively on the global map. If Dhofar is to become a true four-season destination, we must move from infrastructure to orchestration—from building roads and hotels to building narratives, partnerships, and systems that hold everything together. FOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE 1. Establish a central tourism authority in Dhofar to plan, brand, and coordinate all tourism seasons—Khareef and beyond. 2. Boost investment in eco-, cultural, and adventure tourism in underutilised protected areas, while maintaining environmental integrity. 3. Launch a unified digital platform for booking, navigation, real-time updates, and feedback—making every visitor's phone a smart travel companion. 4. Empower local communities not just as workers, but as owners and storytellers, bringing Dhofar's identity to life through food, crafts, hospitality, and heritage. A TOURISM VISION ROOTED IN PEOPLE At the end of the day, tourists don't come back because of how many stars a hotel has. They return because of how a place made them feel. The warmth of a honey-seller in Mirbat, the pride of a farmer planting coconut trees in Janaen, or a young guide explaining the history of frankincense under the drizzle of Khareef—these are the memories that turn visits into stories, and stories into loyalty. Dhofar's natural beauty is already world-class. What will set it apart is how it uses that beauty to foster connection—between people and place, past and future, economy and ecology. There is no shortage of effort. Ministries are supporting, investors are building, and communities are ready. But to truly elevate Dhofar, these efforts must converge. With coordination, imagination, and a clear sense of purpose, Dhofar can become more than a season—it can become a signature of what sustainable tourism in Oman looks like. The map is drawn. The first foundations are in place. What comes next will define not just Dhofar's tourism—but its legacy. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Janaen Salalah ITC project set to redefine agritourism
Muscat – Salalah is set to host a major agritourism destination with the launch of Janaen Salalah, an integrated tourism complex (ITC) project blending agriculture, hospitality and recreation in a single development. Led by Omran Group through its subsidiary Agritourism Development Company, the project is located in the Arzat area and aims to position Oman as a regional leader in sustainable agritourism. Janaen Salalah has been granted ITC status by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, allowing foreign ownership and expanding its appeal to international investors. Spanning over 5.5mn sqm, the project will feature 250 residential units, a 128-key five-star hotel, processing facilities for coconuts and papayas, and areas dedicated to eco-recreation, education and wellness. The project received a boost following a field visit on Tuesday by H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The officials reviewed the site's progress, with the visit marked by ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees – a symbolic step towards realising the project's agricultural goals. According to Omran, several key milestones under Phase 1 have been achieved. These include completion of the concept masterplan, feasibility studies confirming the project's viability and appointment of an experienced agriculture contractor. Initial plantation works have already begun. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Tourism Breaking News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
OMRAN Group announces development progress on Janaen Salalah – Oman's flagship agritourism project
Post Views: 9 OMRAN Group announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H.E. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project's key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project's agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of OMRAN Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square meters, the project's masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalization of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the project's viability, leading to a formal commitment to initiate Phase 1. Additionally, the project has secured an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) license from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism—a key milestone that allows for foreign ownership and enhances investment potential. An experienced agriculture contractor has also been appointed, and initial plantation works are now underway. Once completed, Janaen Salalah will comprise 250 residential units, a 5-star hotel with 128 keys, and purpose-built zones for eco-recreation, edutainment, and wellness. These features will be complemented by vibrant public spaces and year-round programming that highlight Oman's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes—offering a destination that balances lifestyle, learning, and leisure. 'This development reflects our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable tourism models that drive investment, support local agriculture, and create engaging visitor experiences rooted in Oman's natural heritage,' said Mundher Al Moosawi, Board of Managers Member at Janaen. The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the Competitive Economy and Environmental Sustainability pillars. It contributes to national priorities such as economic diversification, governorate development, public-private partnerships, and environmental stewardship—positioning Janaen Salalah as a model for responsible, value-driven tourism growth. As OMRAN Group approaches the launch of the next phase of the Janaen Salalah development, efforts are accelerating to position it as a model destination that embodies innovation, enhances added value, and contributes to sustainable economic returns in collaboration with our strategic partners.
Muscat Daily
15-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Janaen Salalah ITC project set to redefine agritourism
Muscat – Salalah is set to host a major agritourism destination with the launch of Janaen Salalah, an integrated tourism complex (ITC) project blending agriculture, hospitality and recreation in a single development. Led by Omran Group through its subsidiary Agritourism Development Company, the project is located in the Arzat area and aims to position Oman as a regional leader in sustainable agritourism. Janaen Salalah has been granted ITC status by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, allowing foreign ownership and expanding its appeal to international investors. Spanning over 5.5mn sqm, the project will feature 250 residential units, a 128-key five-star hotel, processing facilities for coconuts and papayas, and areas dedicated to eco-recreation, education and wellness. The project received a boost following a field visit on Tuesday by H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The officials reviewed the site's progress, with the visit marked by ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees – a symbolic step towards realising the project's agricultural goals. According to Omran, several key milestones under Phase 1 have been achieved. These include completion of the concept masterplan, feasibility studies confirming the project's viability and appointment of an experienced agriculture contractor. Initial plantation works have already begun.
Times of Oman
15-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Omran says notable progress made in its Salalah agritourism project
Salalah: Omran Group, the executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development, announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project's key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project's agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Omran Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square metres, the project's masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalisation of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the project's viability, leading to a formal commitment to initiate Phase 1. Additionally, the project has secured an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) licence from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism—a key milestone that allows for foreign ownership and enhances investment potential. An experienced agriculture contractor has also been appointed, and initial plantation works are now underway. Once completed, Janaen Salalah will comprise 250 residential units, a 5-star hotel with 128 keys, and purpose-built zones for eco-recreation, edutainment, and wellness. These features will be complemented by vibrant public spaces and year-round programming that highlight Oman's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes—offering a destination that balances lifestyle, learning, and leisure. 'This development reflects our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable tourism models that drive investment, support local agriculture, and create engaging visitor experiences rooted in Oman's natural heritage,' said Mundher Al Moosawi, Board of Managers Member at Janaen. The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the Competitive Economy and Environmental Sustainability pillars. It contributes to national priorities such as economic diversification, governorate development, public-private partnerships, and environmental stewardship—positioning Janaen Salalah as a model for responsible, value-driven tourism growth. As Omran Group approaches the launch of the next phase of the Janaen Salalah development, efforts are accelerating to position it as a model destination that embodies innovation, enhances added value, and contributes to sustainable economic returns in collaboration with our strategic partners.
