Asyad Group will prepare development plans for the Sultan Qaboos port

Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and Asyad Group have signed an agreement for the management, operation and development of the Sultan Qaboos Port (PSQ) in Muscat.

The agreement, which is important for the development of tourism and commercial activities, local economic development, improving logistics connectivity and attracting foreign investment, will include the preparation of a feasibility study for the development, management and operation of the Sultan Qaboos Port.

The development plan includes three phases, the first phase includes the restoration of the port infrastructure, updating of equipment and operating systems (Phase 2), and the construction of an additional berth to accommodate large cruise ships (Phase 3).

Asyad Ports recently launched a tender to renovate the cruise terminal at Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat to meet the needs of the growing number of tourists from around the world and enhance their experience at one of the main gateways to the Sultanate of Oman.

“Asyad Ports is seeking a dedicated contractor to carry out renovation works of the cruise terminal and control tower at Sultan Qaboos Port,” the tender said.

The last date for receipt of tender documents was October 17, and applications can be submitted until October 28.

Asyad Ports has operated PSQ since 1 January 2018.

The cruise terminal building, located at PSQ, is the first point of reception for tourists and travelers from all over the world, the release said.

With the growing popularity of cruise tourism and increasing visitor numbers, the renovation of the cruise terminal has become necessary to improve the overall passenger experience and support the future growth of the tourism industry.

The cruise ship season in the Sultanate of Oman usually runs from October to the end of April, during which cruises visit Sultan Qaboos Port, Salalah Port and Khasab Port, among others.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed an agreement with Resorts World Cruises Singapore to organize trips and itineraries to the Sultanate of Oman for the upcoming winter season in collaboration with partners in the public and private sectors.

The agreement includes 46 visits to the Sultan Qaboos port and 23 visits to the Khasab port. The first visit will be to Khasab on November 4 and Muscat on November 5.

The ministry has commissioned a consulting company to prepare a plan to attract cruise ships and yachts of various sizes to the Sultanate of Oman.

The cruise ship season in the Sultanate of Oman usually runs from October to the end of April, during which cruises visit Sultan Qaboos Port, Salalah Port and Khasab Port, among others.

It may be noted that in 2023, 321,012 tourists arrived at the ports of Muscat, Salalah and Khasab from 202 ship calls, while the number is expected to cross 380,000 this year. During the first phase of this year’s cruise season (January to May), the three ports welcomed 102 ships and 206,544 passengers.