(Singapore, 3 July 2026) The Sultanate of Oman marked a significant milestone in its engagement with Singapore as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism officially strengthened its tourism presence in the market, coinciding with the launch of Oman Air's inaugural direct flight between Muscat and Singapore. The route is one among five new routes for the airline that also include: Muscat – Sochi (Russia) (started July 2), Muscat – Tashkent (Uzbekistan) (started July 3), Dubai – Salalah (Oman Air's first direct service on this route, started July 3), Muscat – Abu Dhabi (started July 9). These additions expand their network to 49 destinations.

The announcement was made at the Ritz Carlton Singapore where media and travel industry players gathered with airline and tourism people from Oman for the occasion. As there were only a few people from Singapore who have been to Oman there was a great deal of interest and many questions to be asked.

Considering the war in the Strait of Hormuz, Yousuf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director of Business Development, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism was asked about the safety of Oman. “It is very safe to travel there,” he assured the room. “There is a misconception that it is not stable, but our airspace has remained open during the trouble between the United States and Iran.” Domestically, according to Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index, Oman was ranked the 5th safest country in the world.

Mr Yousuf Al Mujaizi, added, "The launch of the inaugural direct flight between Muscat and Singapore marks an important milestone in strengthening ties between our two nations. This new connection enhances Oman's accessibility for travelers from Southeast Asia. Singapore is a valuable source market, and the direct flight will create new opportunities for tourism and business while enabling more visitors to experience Oman's rich heritage and renowned hospitality. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism welcomes this development as it supports our strategy to diversify source markets, increase international arrivals and advance sustainable tourism growth in line with Oman Vision 2040."

The Sultanate of Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Muscat. It borders the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and has coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Imagine dates, camels and brightly coloured textiles against a backdrop of desert dunes. Oman is a place where the real Arabia – natural wonders, age-old traditions, warm hospitality – truly reveal themselves.  Enjoy water activities or go dune busting in the desert.

Victoria Cuthbert Al Rawas, Manager of Corporate Communications at Oman Air, originally from England, who ‘fell in love with the country on her first visit’, said, “Singapore is an important destination,” for us. The new non-stop service, (7 hours and 50 minutes) which commenced on July 2, 2026, enhances connectivity between the two countries and reinforces a shared commitment to promoting Oman as a premier tourism destination while strengthening business, tourism and cultural exchanges. The direct flight provides travelers from Singapore with seamless access to Oman, one of the Middle East's most authentic and diverse destinations.

Unlike other Gulf states Oman is not over developed urban spaces with clusters of highrises and freeways. It has retained its traditional authentic Bedouin culture that thrives in the historic towns. There are narrow streets, forts, and souqs to explore and the ancient architecture makes for striking backgrounds for photos. Beyond Muscat there is everything from pink lakes, rugged mountain viewpoints and golden sand dunes to turquoise pools, 13th-century forts and hidden villages that are yet to be fully explored by travellers. Spend the night in a desert camp with nothing but the stars and local people to guide you, During the day enjoy snorkelling, swimming, kite surfing or swimming alongside whale sharks in pristine waters.  

Ameer Al Balushi, Sales Manager, Oman Air, said: "The launch of our new direct service between Muscat and Singapore reflects our commitment to expanding our network and delivering a seamless travel experience for our guests. This route offers greater convenience and enhanced connectivity between two vibrant destinations, while giving travelers a true taste of Oman from the moment they step on board. We are proud to support, alongside the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the promotion and growth of inbound tourism to Oman."

When Mr Yousuf Al Mujaizi was asked about whether tourists could drink alcohol, he replied, “We are an open society.” Omani cuisine is delicious, aromatic, with Arabian, Indian, Persian, and East African influences. You can expect rice, meat, seafood, dates, and fragrant spices such as cardamom, saffron, cloves, and cinnamon that are commonly used.  

There are four- and five-star hotels in cities throughout the country such as Seeb, Salalah Sohar, Al Amerat and Buraimi.  

The highest rooftop bar in the Middle East, Vue Rooftop & Lounge at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa in the Jabal Akhdar mountains is where you can enjoy fabulous grilled farm-fresh feasts in a relaxing atmosphere and enchanting setting that you will long remember.

Culturally, there are many things to do throughout the country. An enriching delve into the past can be done along on the Arabian coast at the Museum of the Frankincense Land in Salalah. Here was once one of the ancient world's major ports, where the famous Omani frankincense was shipped around the world.

Oman and Singapore have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for more than four decades, built on strong cooperation in trade, maritime affairs and economic development. As two nations with proud maritime heritage and strategic locations along major global trade routes, the introduction of direct air connectivity marks another important step in strengthening these longstanding ties. The Ministry looks forward to welcoming more visitors from Singapore and across Southeast Asia, further strengthening Oman as a distinctive destination for culture, nature and authentic Arabian hospitality.

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