Top Foreign Visitors to Oman: What Emirati and Indian Influx Means for Business Growth and Investment Opportunities
The Sultanate of Oman recorded a slight increase in visitor numbers, reaching 3.51 million by November 25, 2025, compared to 3.50 million during the same period in 2024, reflecting a 0.4 percent rise.
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the top nationalities visiting Oman were led by Emiratis, with 1,007,190 visitors, followed by 607,789 Indians. Other notable visitor groups included 112,127 Yemenis, 111,080 Saudis, and 109,193 Germans.
Foreign visitor numbers showed significant growth in November 2025, climbing 18 percent to 366,483 compared to 310,462 in November 2024.
Hotel performance also improved, with guests staying in three- to five-star hotels increasing by 10.9 percent over the first 11 months of 2025, totaling 2,139,300. Additionally, room nights saw a 20.4 percent rise, reaching 3,290,613.
Employment in three- to five-star hotels during this period included 11,159 staff members, of whom 3,744 were Omanis.
Hotel occupancy rates were notably high in several regions: South Al Batinah led with 94.5 percent, followed by Muscat at 79.7 percent, Sharqiyah South at 70.9 percent, and Batinah al North at 72.15 percent.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The steady rise in foreign and regional visitors, particularly from the UAE and India, alongside increased hotel occupancy rates, signals a robust growth opportunity for Oman’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Businesses and investors should capitalize on this momentum by expanding upscale accommodation and services, while entrepreneurs can explore niche markets tailored to these key nationalities. Smart stakeholders must also consider workforce development, as the sector’s employment of Omanis is growing, indicating a shift towards sustainable local talent integration.
