Asyad Ports has announced plans to redevelop its cruise terminal in Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, with bids now open for contractors.

The port operator said the redevelopment is intended to meet the needs of an increasing number of tourists from all over the world calling in Muscat and enhance their experience at one of the major gateways to the Sultanate of Oman.

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

The last date to receive the tender document is October 17th, while the bid can be submitted until October 28th. The technical bid opening will be on the same day, according to a press release.

Asyad Ports has been operating and managing the Port Sultan Qaboos since January 1st, 2018, and the cruise terminal in the port is the primary cruise pier in the country.

Following the growing popularity of cruise tourism and the increasing number of visitors, the renovation of the cruise terminal became essential to enhance the overall passenger experience and to support the future growth of the tourism industry.

More than 321,000 cruise tourists visited Muscat aboard 202 cruise ship calls in 2023, with more than 380,000 expected this year. During the first five months of this year, Oman’s three ports received 102 cruise calls and 206,544 passengers.

Enhancements will include upgraded passenger amenities, streamlined customs and immigration processes, and improved infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels. 

These upgrades aim to position Muscat as a premier cruise destination in the region, offering seamless experiences for tourists while bolstering Oman’s tourism sector. 

Asyad Ports’ commitment to enhancing port infrastructure aligns with the government’s vision to promote the Sultanate as a key hub for international travel and trade.

The cruise season in the Sultanate of Oman runs from October to the end of April, during which cruises visit the Port Sultan Qaboos, Salalah Port, and Khasab Port among others, primarily operated by cruise ships homeporting in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Oman offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and modern amenities, making it an ideal cruise destination, with the historic charm of Muscat’s ancient forts and vibrant souks to the natural beauty of its deserts and coastlines.