The Sultanate of Oman is a country located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. It is approximately 309,500 sq. km. in size, with more than 3,000 km of coastline. It also has a desert, fjords, mountains, caves and waterfalls.
Oman is quite a politically stable and safe country. Sultan Heissam bin Tariq has been in rule since 2020, and before then, Oman was ruled for 50 years by Qaboos bin Saeed Al Saeed. In 2019, Oman was ranked second in the world in two categories: The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 and the Global Wellness Index 2019.
There are about 4.9 million people currently living in Oman, 42% of which are foreigners, a number that has been growing steadily in the last few years. In the Expat Essentials Index from InterNations, Muscat, the capital of Oman, was ranked eighth in the world among the best cities for expats to live. Thanks to the tropical climate, diverse nature, cultural and historical attractions and entertainment, tourist season is all year round.
Oman is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and borders the UAE, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It has well-developed transport and social infrastructure. There are many hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, including international options.
Oman is home to five world-class seaports and four international airports. In 2019, Muscat Airport was recognised as the best airport in the Middle East on the World Travel Awards Middle East ratings list. That same year, the roads were ranked 10th in the world and 1st among Arab countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Index.
Oman also has a very comfortable climate for business as there are nine industrial zones, four free economic zones, special economic zones and two technology parks.
There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman, including the country’s oldest fortress, Bahla Fort, that was built from the 13th to the 14th centuries. Other important historical sites include:
The most famous religious site in Oman, the mosque of Sultan Qaboos, just so happens to be the largest mosque, occupying 416,000 square metres. It is located in Muscat and was opened in 2001. The Royal Opera House Muscat is also located in Muscat. In addition to the concert hall, auditorium and art centre, there are gardens, restaurants and a market. In 2016, The National Museum was opened and features more than 5,500 exhibits that are dedicated to the history and culture of the country. Other museums in the capital include an ethnographic museum, a children’s museum and a natural history museum.
Foreigners are able to buy real estate in Oman in any of the four integrated tourist complexes — ITC. Each of these complexes are massive territories with developed infrastructure, including shopping centres, F&B establishments, hotels, golf clubs, a marina and entertainment facilities.
In 2021, Oman’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment Promotion launched the Investor Residency Programme (IRP), allowing foreigners to obtain residency status upon buying real estate. The residency visa applies to first-blood relatives, regardless of age or the number of relatives.
The residency permit allows holders to open a bank account, get medical insurance and enrol their children in international schools. Renting out accommodation in Oman can also be a lucrative endeavour as there are no taxes on real estate or income. The country also benefits from a stable exchange rate because it is not dependent on the dollar, providing protection for your investment: your property will not fall in price.
From an investment point of view, the most promising areas are the capital Muscat, As Sifah and the resort town of Salalah. Salalah attracts tourists, especially beachgoers, year round thanks to its mild climate; even the hottest months rarely exceed 33 degrees Celsius. In the summer season, not only can Europeans be found having a holiday in Oman, but Middle Easterners as well.
Oman is currently implementing a development programme, Oman Vision 2040, with one of the goals being to expand tourism in the country. Therefore, buying and renting property here will be quite profitable for both short-term and long-term rentals.
Some of the most popular projects in Oman right now are The Beachfront in As Sifah and Amazi in Hawana Salalah. Both are products of the developer Muriya.
The Beachfront is an elite community in Jebel Sifah, As Sifah, an hour away from the capital and the international airport. The community has 118 residential units, with a variety of studios, apartments, townhouses, duplexes, and detached villas with private pools. Residents here will have access to first-class amenities, including a beach with a promenade, an infinity pool, a yoga area, a dock and more. The developer offers favourable payment plans in instalments with a 10% down payment.
The premium Amazi beachfront community in Hawana Salalah is currently offering villas and chalets designed by SB Architect. Residents here will enjoy luxury resort facilities, such as a wellness centre, lagoons with white sand beaches, a marina, water sports facilities, a clubhouse and much more. The main entertainment hub of the community will be the water amusement park, Amazon Bay, with an aquatic centre, F&B establishments, a club and play zones for children. It is possible to buy a villa or chalet in Amazi in instalments, on a 3-year payment plan.
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