Oman is intensifying efforts to mobilise private investment in its aviation industry as part of a long-range plan designed to strengthen air links and modernise national infrastructure.

Under the National Aviation Strategy 2040, the sultanate aims to secure more than OR1 billion ($2.6 billion) in private capital over the next 15 years. Analysts, however, warn that transforming strategic objectives into commercially viable opportunities will be complex and execution-heavy.

According to figures published by the Oman News Agency, the strategy envisions passenger traffic exceeding 40 million annually by 2040, air cargo volumes reaching around 1 million tonnes, and aviation contributing more than 3.5 percent to gross domestic product.

Linus Bauer, founder of Bauer Aviation Advisory, said aviation has the potential to drive tourism growth, logistics development and wider foreign investment, but cautioned that funding will depend on project fundamentals. “Investors respond to clearly defined, bankable propositions with transparent risk and return dynamics, not broad policy aspirations,” he said.

Oman faces strong competition from neighbouring markets. Several GCC states, as well as Turkey, already operate well-established aviation hubs. Airports in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar benefit from extensive connectivity, dominant home carriers and long-term state support.

“Oman does not enjoy the same built-in market pull,” Bauer noted.

Dubai International Airport illustrates the scale gap. It handled more than 70 million passengers during the first nine months of 2025, with annual traffic expected to exceed 95 million. In comparison, Oman’s airport network — encompassing Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Duqm — processed a combined 15.2 million passengers last year, according to Saleh Abdullah Al Harthy, director general of air navigation at the Civil Aviation Authority.

Scepticism about investor appetite was echoed by John Grant, partner at Midas Aviation and an AGBI columnist. He said attempts to replicate neighbouring aviation models could undermine confidence. “Simply trying to mirror what others are doing is not necessarily a sound strategy,” he said.

Naif Ali Al Abri, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the aviation roadmap is divided into three stages and includes 39 separate initiatives. The first phase, centred on groundwork and readiness, will take place between 2026 and 2027, followed by an expansion phase from 2027 to 2030. The final phase, referred to as the “soaring phase”, will run through to 2040.

Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research, said Oman’s strongest selling point for investors is its long-standing trade and diplomatic relationships with major economies including the US, the UK and European markets. “Those countries have a track record of investing internationally,” he said, adding that Omani aviation presents a stronger case than comparable markets such as Kuwait or Bahrain.

The country’s airline sector currently includes national carrier Oman Air and budget operator SalamAir. Although the Civil Aviation Authority announced plans in May 2024 to introduce another low-cost airline, officials confirmed earlier this month that the proposal failed to attract sufficient investor interest, according to the Oman Daily Observer.

Nevertheless, consultants point to underlying market resilience. John Strickland, director of JLS Consulting, said demand is supported by regional travel flows, labour movement between Oman and South Asia, and expanding tourism activity.

“With a disciplined network and fleet strategy, improvements to its product offering and experienced leadership, Oman Air has the potential to build a defensible and profitable market position,” he said.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA

Al-Khabra Boulevard has emerged as a prominent economic and tourism destination in Qassim Region, benefiting from its strategic location along King Fahd Road on the Qassim-Madinah Expressway.

The boulevard serves as an attractive stop for travelers while providing a platform to showcase and market the region’s agricultural, handicraft and heritage products, particularly dates.

Spanning approximately 50,000 square meters, the project includes around 160 shops and 40 kiosks, offering space for commercial activities, festivals and seasonal events.

The destination combines retail activity with tourism and entertainment, supporting farmers, cottage-industry families and entrepreneurs while helping local businesses reach a wider consumer base.

Its design draws inspiration from Najdi identity and local architecture, with dedicated areas for agricultural products, food, handicrafts and entertainment activities. These elements add a cultural and heritage dimension to the visitor experience.

Al-Khabra Boulevard demonstrates how strategically located roadside developments can contribute to the local economy by promoting regional products, supporting small businesses and strengthening tourism activity across Qassim.

Source: SPA