Muscat, Sohar, Salalah - locations in Oman that will benefit the most from infrastructure investments

Oman is a country that for decades remained in the shadow of its neighbors on the Arabian Peninsula. However, recent years have brought significant changes, and the intensive development of infrastructure, tourism, and the real estate sector has placed Oman at the center of attention for investors from all over the world. In particular, three locations – Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah – stand out as areas with the greatest growth potential. What do they have in common? Key infrastructure investments that could drastically change their position on the region's map.

Muscat – the capital gaining momentum

Muscat, Oman's main city and its political and economic heart, has for years attracted attention due to its picturesque landscapes, access to the Gulf of Oman, and a calm atmosphere of luxury without excess. Today, Muscat is also becoming one of the main beneficiaries of development projects designed to increase the country's competitiveness against its neighbors.

Among the most important investments, it is worth mentioning the development of the road network and preparations for integration with the GCC railway – a project that will connect all Gulf countries with a high-speed rail line by 2030. Muscat is set to become the terminal hub of the Omani branch of this network, which will significantly shorten travel time to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. For real estate investors, this means one thing – an increase in demand for apartments and villas in the capital.

Modern residential developments, such as AIDA with its luxury villas and Marriott Residences, or the sustainable Yiti Sustainable City project, are gaining importance not only because of their architecture but, above all, because of their strategic location and ease of connectivity with the rest of the region.

Sohar – the industrial heart focusing on logistics

Located in the north of the country, Sohar is a port city that has played an important role in the Omani economy for years. Now, however, its importance has a chance to grow even further – all thanks to the construction of a modern railway line connecting the port of Sohar with Abu Dhabi.

The Hafeet Rail project, over 300 km long, will allow travel between the UAE and Oman in just 100 minutes. For the economy, this means improved flow of goods, but for the real estate sector, it represents a brand-new opening. Sohar has the potential to become the region's logistics hub and attract foreign workers, investors, and residents looking for a location well-connected to the entire Arabian Peninsula.

The city is already seeing increased interest in development investments, and forecasts indicate that as rail work progresses, land and property prices could rise significantly. Sohar may not yet be on the average investor's radar, but that is precisely what makes it attractive – it is a location with a clear first-mover advantage.

Salalah – a green oasis and the tourist future of the south

Southern Oman is a completely different world. Salalah, the pearl of the Dhofar region, is famous for its unique microclimate and the khareef season, when the desert landscape turns into a lush green land. Thanks to this, it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, mainly from Gulf countries. But tourism is just the beginning – the infrastructure development of the region means that Salalah is also growing rapidly as an investment location.

In recent years, the Omani government has been investing heavily in the airport, the expansion of local roads, and support for the hospitality sector. According to the latest data, revenues in Oman's hotel industry rose by as much as 18.5% in May 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier, and occupancy increased by 14.5%. Salalah was one of the main drivers of this growth.

It is worth noting the AMAZI investment – a luxury residential development located in the south of the country, offering access to the ocean, green spaces, and full infrastructure. Within a few years, Salalah could become what Ras Al Khaimah is for the Emirates – a quiet, green destination that attracts investors looking for luxury, nature, and a high return on rental income.

The common denominator – infrastructure development

Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah differ in character, climate, and pace of life, but they share one thing – they are strategically supported by the largest infrastructure projects in Oman's history. The GCC railway, the expansion of ports, airports, road networks, and new urban standards are changing the face of the country. Combined with an improving credit rating and Oman's growing reputation as one of the best places to live in the world, a unique investment opportunity is emerging.

From the perspective of an investor from Poland, this means access to a market that is just opening up, while being supported by strong economic and political foundations. Today, before prices reach levels known from Dubai or Riyadh, is the moment to consider investing in one of these three regions.

The development of Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah shows that Oman is changing before our eyes – and it is doing so with sensitivity, based on well-planned infrastructure and thoughtful spatial policy. For an investor, this is excellent news. Regardless of whether you are interested in a quick return on short-term rentals, investing in land in a developing location, or a quiet place to live – Oman, and especially its three strategic cities, have more and more to offer.