Al Buraimi Governorate has witnessed a boost of its tourism sector for the year 2026, as the number of licensed hotels increased by 18 percent due to an emerging demand for tourist accommodation and services, and sustained efforts to develop this area.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has reported that they have registered an increase in terms of licensed tourism accommodations, which currently stands at 47, thereby contributing to enhanced availability of hotel rooms, and responding better to the surge in demand.
The authorities added that an increase was required in order to overcome the shortage of rooms, which was affecting the governorate during peak season.
The increase also aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy of offering a wider range of lodging options to suit different categories of travellers, from families and business visitors to domestic tourists seeking affordable stays.
The licensed establishments now include three tourist resorts rated between two and four stars, six one- and two-star hotels, 14 standard hotel apartment facilities, 10 green lodges operating on farms, 12 guesthouses and one luxury tourist camp. These facilities are spread across the wilayats of Al Buraimi and Mahdah, creating a more balanced hospitality network throughout the governorate.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism attributes the sector’s growth to regulatory reforms aimed at encouraging private investment. The introduction of executive regulations under the Tourism Law, along with reduced licensing and preliminary approval fees, has made it easier for entrepreneurs to establish guesthouses, green lodges and heritage-style accommodation.
Officials added that faster licensing procedures through the Oman Business Platform have simplified application processes and increased transparency for investors.
Al Buraimi’s location near key border crossings continues to support its role as a gateway for overland tourism and commercial movement. Combined with ongoing infrastructure improvements, the governorate is becoming increasingly attractive to domestic and regional visitors.
Authorities expect continued expansion in the hospitality sector to generate new employment opportunities, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and stimulate related industries such as transport, restaurants, cafés and traditional markets.
The latest figures underline Al Buraimi’s growing contribution to Oman’s tourism diversification strategy and its efforts to build a sustainable visitor economy beyond the country’s established tourism hubs.
