Muscat – The Ministry has highlighted the potential of wedding tourism in the Sultanate of Oman as a vibrant opportunity for visitors to explore the local culture and heritage.

In the past year, Oman hosted six foreign weddings, primarily from India, with four held in the first half of this year and three additional weddings confirmed by year-end. These events typically invite between 400 and 800 guests from various countries.

Officials emphasized that this sector is not only vital but also promising for boosting the local economy and enhancing Oman’s reputation as a distinguished tourist destination.

The ministry aims to attract foreign wedding tourism by organising trips and tours to notable landmarks, providing couples with unique experiences against the backdrop of Oman’s picturesque landscapes and rich traditions.

Omar bin Salem Al Jabri, Head of the Specialised Tourism Section, stated that the country’s luxury hotels and resorts, such as Al Bustan Palace and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, are well-equipped to host five-star weddings.

Al Jabri explained that comprehensive wedding organisation services are also available in the country, including decoration, catering, hospitality, photography, and translation, ensuring a seamless experience for couples. The economic impact of wedding tourism has been significant, generating millions of riyals from accommodation, transportation, and related services.

The Ministry is collaborating with Oman Airports, the Royal Oman Police, and tourism companies to facilitate wedding events, setting annual plans to attract more weddings to Oman. This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to enhance the tourism sector and promote cultural diversity.

Looking ahead, the Ministry expects to host around four international weddings in the latter half of this year, with hopes of increasing this number in the coming years. Al Jabri noted that the ministry is committed to providing necessary information and support to international wedding planners, further establishing Oman as a premier wedding destination.