Oman has announced that the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road project in the Musandam Governorate is now 76 percent complete. Valued at 151 million Omani Riyals, the infrastructure initiative is being overseen by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate local investment.
The 72-kilometer road is divided into three distinct segments. The first 20-kilometer stretch links the Wilayat of Khasab to the Lima area. The second segment covers an 8-kilometer path within Lima, while the final 44-kilometer section connects Lima to the Wilayat of Dibba.
Once operational, the route is expected to drastically cut travel times. The journey between Khasab and Dibba will take approximately 55 minutes, while the trip between Lima and Khasab is projected to take about 20 minutes. This represents a significant improvement over the current travel time, which typically spans two and a half hours.
Beyond infrastructure, Oman has introduced a new 14-day free tourist visa for nationals of designated countries. This policy, which took effect following its publication in the official gazette on August 2, 2026, allows visitors to apply for extensions under specific conditions before their initial entry permit expires.
The Sultanate continues to be a major regional tourism hub, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from the Hajar Mountains to the seasonal greenery of the Dhofar region. The annual Khareef season, which began on June 21 and runs through September 21, remains a primary draw for visitors seeking to escape the peak summer heat of the Gulf.
Dhofar Municipality has curated an extensive program for this year’s Khareef season, featuring 125 cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment events. Visitors to the area can explore a variety of natural attractions, including waterfalls, beaches, and sinkholes.
In separate regional developments, UAE officials have addressed recent media reports, with Anwar Gargash dismissing certain coverage as “targeted” and “desperate.” Meanwhile, the UAE continues to modernize its own infrastructure, including the ongoing implementation of advanced security scanners at Dubai International Airport that eliminate the need for passengers to remove liquids or electronics from their luggage.
Additionally, the UAE Central Bank has initiated a formal investigation into the local branches of Banque Misr following warnings from the United States regarding potential money laundering activities. Residents in the UAE are also monitoring updates on the availability and pricing of Starlink satellite internet services as the technology rolls out across the country. The report also notes that which has been built about 76 per cent, oman on Sunday revealed the completion rate of a new road project in Musandam. The report also notes that stay up to date with the latest news. The report also notes that the new development is expected to ease traffic flow and improve connectivity across the regions of Musandam. The report also notes that it is also aimed at bolstering investment and development opportunities in the communities it serves. The report also notes that as part of amendments to certain provisions of the executive regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law in the Sultanate, oman recently unveiled a 14-day tourist visa that is totally free of charge. The report also notes that the decision, published in the Gulf state’s official gazette on August 2, 2026, stipulates that the new visa shall be granted by the competent authorities, upon application, to nationals of designated countries.
Source: Khaleej Times
