In a decisive step to tighten oversight of integrated tourism projects, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has introduced new real estate rules for the Jabal Sifah resort, signalling a shift towards stronger governance and investor protection in the Gulf’s property sector. The regulations impose clear obligations on developers, requiring master plans and architectural designs to receive formal approval, sales proceeds to be channelled through escrow accounts, and all units to be properly insured and registered. Independent audits will add an extra layer of scrutiny, reducing risks linked to financial mismanagement.
For buyers, the framework introduces greater certainty but also stricter responsibilities. Purchasers must honour staged payments and ensure that properties are registered before resale, while owners are required to comply with Omani laws and cultural values, avoid unauthorised modifications, and pay annual service charges. Maintenance of shared spaces and green areas has also been codified, reinforcing the principle that long-term quality and sustainability are as important as immediate returns.
These measures reflect a maturing real estate market in Oman, where tourism-linked developments are no longer treated simply as speculative assets but as long-term national investments. By setting higher compliance standards, the government aims to safeguard both consumer confidence and the integrity of the destination’s appeal. This approach also aligns with Oman’s broader diversification agenda, where real estate and tourism are central pillars of economic growth beyond hydrocarbons.
For regional and international investors, the new rules deliver a clear signal: Oman is positioning itself as a serious, transparent, and accountable market for resort real estate. At the same time, developers will need to adapt to tighter regulation, shifting from rapid sales-driven models to strategies grounded in compliance, stewardship, and trust. The reforms suggest that the future of resort property in Oman – and perhaps the Gulf more broadly – will rest not on unchecked expansion but on disciplined governance that protects value for all stakeholders.
