Overview
OMRAN (Oman Tourism Development Company) is the Omani government’s primary vehicle for developing and managing tourism infrastructure. Established in 2001, OMRAN operates at the intersection of public policy and commercial hospitality — developing destination infrastructure where private sector investment is insufficient, then transferring or partnering to attract branded hotel operators.
OMRAN’s portfolio includes directly managed hotels, development projects under construction, and destination masterplans for sites across Oman. Its mandate aligns directly with the Vision 2040 tourism target of OMR 12 billion in annual revenues by 2040.
Landmark Properties
Alila Jabal Akhdar: A luxury cliffside resort in the Al Hajar Mountains, managed under the Alila (Hyatt) brand. The property has received multiple international awards and is cited as one of the Middle East’s most distinctive hotel experiences. Its success demonstrates the commercial viability of high-end mountain tourism in Oman.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar: Adjacent to the Alila property, the Anantara is the world’s highest four-star canyon resort — positioned at 2,000m elevation with dramatic views into the Wadi Nakhr canyon.
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC): Muscat’s international convention facility, capable of hosting major international conferences and exhibitions. The OCEC anchors Oman’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism segment.
Salalah developments: OMRAN has destination development projects in Dhofar, including coastal resort and heritage site development to leverage the Khareef monsoon tourism product.
Development Pipeline and PPP Model
OMRAN’s primary role is less as a hotel operator and more as a development enabler. Its model:
- Identify strategically significant tourism development sites (often government-owned land)
- Prepare masterplans and infrastructure (roads, utilities, common areas)
- Structure PPP or lease arrangements for branded hotel operators
- Attract international hotel brands and management companies
- In some cases, retain equity and management control through development and early operations phases
This model allows government investment to crowd in private capital — a force multiplier for the tourism target.
Destination Development Focus
Beyond individual properties, OMRAN has destination development programmes for:
- Musandam — the fjord peninsula’s eco-tourism potential
- Al Batinah coast — north of Muscat, beach resort development
- Masirah Island — turtle nesting, kitesurfing, remote eco-tourism
- Nizwa and the interior — heritage tourism development