Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Ibri, a wilayat in the Dhahirah governorate of Oman, is witnessing a remarkable increase in both tourism activity and business development in the months of July and August. This is primarily attributed to the increasing traffic from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and to its geographical positioning as a transit hub to the Dhofar region. Oman’s Ibri wilayat is located on the way to the southernmost part of the country and is therefore an integral part in Oman’s tourism circuit and greatly sustains the economy.
The rise in transit traffic from the GCC countries between in the khareef season which is from June to September is proving to have a more than positive impact on various businesses in Ibri. The cooler climate combined with the lush greenery of Dhofar during This period is a hotspot for travelers looking to escape the extreme heat of the Gulf. A large chunk of this traffic passes through Ibri, which makes the town one who has a great need for hospitality and serve more of its goods.
Ibri: A Key Stopover in the Tourism Circuit
Ibri’s role as a tourism hub is pivotal, as it serves as a stopover for thousands of travelers transiting to Dhofar, which is renowned for its rich natural beauty and cooler weather. The GCC travelers heading to Dhofar often choose Ibri for a comfortable rest stop, thanks to its strategic position on the highway connecting Oman to Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
The increase in traffic from the GCC has had a significant impact on the hospitality sector in Ibri. According to Ali bin Khamis al Sudairy, Assistant Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Dhahirah, occupancy rates for hotels and rest houses in Ibri have surged, with many properties reaching occupancy levels between 85% to 100% during the peak months of July and August. This uptick in tourism is directly linked to the growing interest in using Ibri as a stopover destination en route to Dhofar.
Boost in Accommodation and Hospitality Infrastructure
As tourism continues to flourish in the region, Ibri is seeing a rise in the number of accommodation facilities, with 55 licensed hotels and rest houses by the end of July 2025, compared to 48 at the end of 2024. This represents a 14.5% growth in the number of hospitality establishments in Dhahirah governorate, and the growth is expected to continue as the demand for accommodation remains strong.
This growth is part of a broader trend of expanding tourism infrastructure in Oman. As the popularity of the khareef season grows, so does the need for improved facilities, services, and accommodations. The increase in hotel development is not just about meeting seasonal demand but also ensuring that Oman’s hospitality sector remains competitive and prepared for future growth in both domestic and international tourism.
The Strategic Importance of the Rub al Khali Border Crossing
One of the key factors driving Ibri’s success as a tourism hub is its proximity to the Rub al Khali border crossing, which connects Oman to Saudi Arabia. This crossing has played a pivotal role in fostering land-based tourism between the two countries and the broader GCC region. Travelers coming from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other neighboring GCC nations often use Ibri as a stopover point on their journey to the cooler, greener climes of Dhofar.
The growing traffic at this border crossing has led to the development of critical infrastructure such as fuel stations, express service centers, hotels, and rest houses. These facilities, in turn, support the local economy and provide essential services to tourists. They have helped to diversify Ibri’s economy, attracting investment into various sectors and contributing to job creation for local communities.
Increasing Footfall in Ibri’s Commercial Establishments
The surge in tourism has also had a positive impact on the commercial activity in Ibri. Markets, malls, restaurants, cafes, and other commercial establishments in the town are all witnessing increased foot traffic. This influx of tourists has created a ripple effect across the local economy, providing new business opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
For Omani youth, the growth of tourism-related sectors in Ibri has resulted in both seasonal and long-term employment opportunities. Many young Omanis are finding work in hospitality, retail, and service industries, contributing to the broader economic growth in the region.
Ibri: A Model for Sustainable Tourism Development
The increasing interest in Ibri as a transit point for GCC travelers underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in Oman. By promoting land-based tourism and improving infrastructure along major travel routes, Oman is able to spread tourism benefits beyond the major cities and encourage visitors to explore lesser-known regions like Dhahirah governorate.
The government’s efforts to improve tourism infrastructure are designed to enhance the visitor experience while ensuring that development does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability. The growth of eco-friendly tourism initiatives and community-focused developments ensures that local businesses and residents are benefiting from the increasing number of travelers passing through Ibri.
The Future of Ibri’s Tourism and Economic Growth
As Oman continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure, Ibri is poised to become an even more significant player in the country’s broader tourism strategy. The town’s location, coupled with its increasing accommodation capacity and the development of new tourism services, positions it as a key component of Oman’s tourism future.
Looking forward, Ibri is expected to play a central role in meeting the growing demand for travel to Dhofar, especially as the GCC transit route becomes increasingly important for land-based travel across the region. By capitalizing on its strategic location, the growth of tourism infrastructure, and the creation of local employment opportunities, Ibri is helping to lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable economic development.
Conclusion: Ibri’s Role in Oman’s Tourism and Economic Development
The surge in tourism activity is bringing to light the role of Ibri town as an important gateway for travelers from the GCC area. The town is witnessing the seasonal flow of tourists which is proving beneficial for the hospitality industry, the businesses inCommerce, the employment opportunities in the area, and the infrastructure which is being developed is providing all this while ensuring sustainability. We can clearly see the governmental investment in infrastructure tourism projects of Ibri which is of great importance to the development of the country’s economy.
Things are looking good for Ibri as the town is witnessing the reverberating effects of the booming tourism industry in Oman, which is in turn is a gateway to sustainable economic development as well as a good traveler experience.
