Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Supports Salalah’s Integrated Tourism Complex with AED764.5 Million Investment
SALALAH, Oman, 28th July 2025 — The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has taken a significant step in advancing regional tourism and economic growth by participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Integrated Tourism Complex project in Salalah, Oman. This major initiative, with a total investment of AED764.5 million, highlights ADFD’s enduring commitment to empowering key development projects within the tourism sector.
The Integrated Tourism Complex aligns with the Fund’s broader strategy to foster sustainable growth in partner countries through high-impact projects that encourage economic diversification and strengthen tourism infrastructure.
The event was marked by the presence of Azzan Al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and the Manager of Dhofar Municipality on the Omani side, alongside Rashid Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Investment Sector, and Mohammed Al Hamedi, Technical and Admin Support Manager, representing ADFD.
Set across a vast expanse of 2.5 million square meters in Jinawf, Oman, the project is designed to elevate Salalah’s tourism infrastructure and capacity. It includes the creation of world-class hospitality facilities, reinforcing Oman’s position as a prominent regional and global tourism destination while supporting the country’s vision for economic diversification.
The project’s first phase encompasses around 604,000 square meters, incorporating the construction of a luxury resort with over 120 rooms and chalets. It also features the development of a marina, rehabilitation of coastal and beachfront areas, and the implementation of essential infrastructure works such as roads and public utilities. These integrated assets aim to deliver a seamless visitor experience, significantly boosting Salalah’s appeal and contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development of the tourism sector.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi commented:
“This project is a testament to the deep-rooted strategic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. It reaffirms ADFD’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development strategies of partner nations through investments that enable economic growth and generate a positive, sustainable impact for local communities. The project also reflects our vision of economic diversification and our proactive approach to advancing sustainable development through meaningful regional partnerships and shared prosperity.”
Azzan Al Busaidi also underscored the broader impacts, explaining that the project is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect job opportunities, while stimulating growth across key economic sectors. He added that it will enhance local capabilities by integrating SMEs into key projects and offering training and capacity-building programmes for Omani nationals within hospitality and tourism fields. The initiative supports Oman Vision 2040, which makes tourism central to the nation’s economic diversification strategy, especially in areas like Dhofar known for their rich natural resources.
Aligned with ADFD’s strategic goals, the initiative’s significance goes well beyond infrastructure development. It will strengthen tourism’s contribution to Oman’s GDP, generate employment, and deliver vital support to the region’s overall growth and prosperity.
This landmark project serves as a testament to the productive bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Oman, built on diversified economic relations and robust strategic partnerships. Adhering to sustainable development goals and furthering regional integration, the Salalah Integrated Tourism Complex is set to shape a prosperous economic future for both nations and their communities.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
