Oman’s new tourism rules: key updates for hotel owners and operators
Oman has introduced new tourism regulations to modernize the sector and align with the country's Vision 2040 goals. The updates include a more applicant-friendly licensing process, reduced hotel fees, and stricter renewal timelines for operators.
Why it matters
These regulatory changes are designed to increase transparency and investment in Oman's tourism industry, impacting international and local business operations.
In April 2026, the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (the Ministry ) issued Ministerial Decision 1152/2/1/141/2026 Issuing the Executive Regulation of the Tourism Law (the New Tourism Regulations ) under the Tourism Law issued by Royal Decree 69/2023 (the Tourism Law ).
The New Tourism Regulations introduce some important changes as well as clarifying and modernising the regulatory framework for the tourism sector in Oman. Licensed tourism operators have six months (i.e. by 27 October 2026) to regularise their position.
The new regime replaces the Executive Regulation issued by Ministerial Decision 39/2016 (the Old Tourism Regulations ) and Ministerial Decision 124/2021 on adventure tourism, both issued pursuant to the old Tourism Law (Royal Decree 33/2002).
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