MHT Announces Start of Cruise Season: What This Means for Investment and Business Opportunities in Oman’s Tourism Sector
Muscat: Oman’s key ports have commenced the cruise season, running from November to May, with the arrival of the first cruise ships at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat Governorate and Khasab Port in Musandam Governorate.
Port Sultan Qaboos is scheduled to welcome 41 cruise ships this season, while Khasab Port expects 45. Recently, Port Sultan Qaboos received the global cruise ship Mein Schiff 4, operated by the German company TUI, carrying 2,386 tourists from various countries. This event marked the official launch of the 2025-2026 cruise season, an initiative led by Asyad Ports and Freezones in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT).
The arrival of Mein Schiff 4 heralds a busy tourist season, with Port Sultan Qaboos anticipating a rise in cruise ship visits in the coming months.
In regional tourism developments, the Sultanate of Oman has welcomed the expansion of the Cruise Arabia Alliance, now including Saudi Cruise and Qatar Tourism. This enlarged alliance aims to maximize the Gulf’s maritime potential by promoting the region as a sustainable international cruise hub connecting multiple destinations.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, highlighted that expanding cooperation within the Cruise Arabia Alliance will significantly bolster Oman’s cruise tourism sector. He stated, “These partnerships will introduce diverse tourism programmes and experiences, offering visitors a wider range of options while enhancing regional collaboration.”
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Oman’s strategic growth in cruise tourism, highlighted by the busy season at Port Sultan Qaboos and Khasab Port, positions the country as a key maritime tourism hub in the Gulf. Businesses in hospitality, retail, and transport stand to capitalize on increased tourist influx, while expanded regional alliances create opportunities for diversified tourism offerings and stronger Gulf collaboration. Smart investors should prioritize ventures that enhance visitor experience and infrastructure to ride this upward trajectory in sustainable cruise tourism.
