New Regulations for Real Estate Owners in Jabel Sifah Resort: Key Impacts on Property Investment and Management
Salim bin Mohammed bin Said al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, has issued a ministerial decree establishing the regulations governing real estate within Jabal Sifah Resort. This decree is grounded in Royal Decree 12/2006, which addresses the system of real estate ownership in integrated tourism complexes, along with Ministerial Decree 191/2007 that sets forth the implementing regulations for this system.
The newly introduced regulations are organized into three primary chapters: General Provisions and Definitions, Developer Obligations, and Buyer/Owner Obligations. These aim to provide clear guidance on the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved and to ensure the effective management and operation of the project in line with sector best practices.
Under the regulations, the developer is required to submit the project’s master plan and site plan for approval by the relevant authorities. No property units may be sold before securing authorization from both the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Additionally, the developer must complete all necessary procedures to enable ownership by non-Omani nationals, in accordance with prevailing laws.
Developer responsibilities extend to drafting local bylaws that regulate the relationship between the developer and property owners, with copies made available to owners. The developer must ensure that units are constructed as specified in the sales contracts and must provide buyers with architectural drawings. Moreover, an escrow account dedicated to the project must be established to securely hold payments, and an independent auditing firm must be appointed to review the accounts and annual service fees. The developer is also obligated to secure insurance coverage for all units against various risks for the benefit of the owners.
Buyers and owners are required to make all due payments promptly on agreed dates, refrain from transferring property ownership before registration in the land registry, and uphold the laws, public order, customs, and traditions of the Sultanate of Oman. They must also use their property in ways that do not infringe on the rights of others or compromise the project’s overall appearance, and seek developer approval prior to making any external modifications.
The regulations further underscore the owners’ duty to pay the annual service fee as determined under the bylaws, maintain the green spaces within the property, and notify the developer when selling their property.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism stated that these regulations are an essential part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and develop integrated tourism complexes. This initiative seeks to ensure the sustainability of real estate and tourism projects, boost investor confidence, and enhance the quality of services available to residents and visitors alike. It also reflects the Ministry’s dedication to aligning legislation with Oman’s national vision, which prioritizes tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
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The new ministerial decree regulating real estate in Jabal Sifah Resort introduces transparent governance and robust protections for all stakeholders, enhancing investor confidence in Oman’s integrated tourism complexes. For businesses, this means greater regulatory clarity and operational stability, presenting opportunities to attract international buyers while mitigating risks linked to project management and ownership disputes. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now prioritize compliance with these regulations and leverage the enhanced framework to capitalize on Oman’s growing tourism-driven real estate market aligned with the national vision.
