Breaking News: Iran and Oman’s Bold Tourism Expansion Across Marine, Health, and Cultural Sectors Poised to Transform the Persian Gulf

Published on December 8, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In a strategic move to enhance bilateral ties and expand tourism opportunities, Iran and Oman are focusing on cooperation in marine-based tourism, health tourism, and cultural exchange. This cooperation aligns with Iran’s broader national strategy to develop its blue economy and activate the Persian Gulf’s tourism potential. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the UN Tourism General Assembly held in Riyadh in November 2025, where Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, and Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism, discussed their vision for a robust tourism partnership.

The 5Ws and 1H of the Iran-Oman Cooperation

What is Happening?

Iran and Oman have agreed on a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation across marine tourism, health tourism, and cultural exchange. These initiatives are intended to create a cohesive tourism corridor between the two nations, leveraging their proximity across the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route in the Persian Gulf.

Why is this Significant?

The collaboration is crucial for several reasons. First, it directly supports Iran’s efforts to develop its blue economy, with marine tourism becoming a central pillar of the national strategy. Second, Oman’s significant role as a maritime hub, with over 40 ports and access to three seas, places it in a prime position to engage in cruise tourism and marine passenger exchanges with Iran. This partnership aims to unlock untapped tourism potential, offering new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration.

When Did this Agreement Take Place?

The agreement between Iran and Oman was discussed during the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2025. Both countries have committed to advancing their cooperation in the coming months, with concrete steps planned for 2026.

Where Will This Cooperation Take Place?

The primary areas of cooperation will span across the Persian Gulf, where Iran and Oman are located. The partnership will focus on marine and cruise tourism, facilitating direct flights, and promoting health tourism between the capitals of Tehran and Muscat. Reciprocal tourism exhibitions and joint cultural events will be held in both countries, with Tehran and Muscat serving as hubs for these initiatives.

How Will this Agreement Benefit Both Countries?

This agreement promises a wealth of benefits. For Iran, it supports the activation of coastal tourism capacities and a boost to health tourism. Iran’s robust healthcare system, which includes over 1,000 hospitals and a network of medical specialists, offers affordable, high-quality medical services for Omani tourists. On the other hand, Oman benefits from enhancing its maritime capabilities and strengthening its position as a key player in the regional cruise tourism industry.

Additionally, the two countries are committed to increasing direct flight connectivity. Iran has proposed increasing the number of direct flights between Tehran and Muscat from the current 12 per week to 60 per week. This expansion will ease travel and significantly increase tourist traffic, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

What’s Next for this Agreement?

Both ministers agreed to establish a joint working group to implement these initiatives. The group will focus on executing the agreements in marine tourism, health tourism, and cultural exchange, ensuring that both sides benefit from the collaboration. The Iranian government views this partnership with Oman as a model for broader regional cooperation, highlighting the potential for stability and economic development in the Persian Gulf.

Details of the Cooperation:

1. Marine and Cruise Tourism:
   The core of the agreement focuses on marine tourism. Both ministers expressed a shared commitment to develop cruise tourism, with Oman ready to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to initiate marine passenger exchanges with Iran. This initiative is expected to result in a significant increase in the number of ships arriving at Iranian ports, activating coastal tourism and generating economic benefits for both nations.
2. Air Connectivity and Joint Promotions:
   Another significant aspect of the agreement is the increase in direct flights between the two countries. The proposal to increase the number of flights from 12 to 60 per week is expected to reduce travel time and significantly boost tourism numbers. Additionally, both nations will organize reciprocal tourism exhibitions and joint cultural events to showcase their tourism offerings and strengthen bilateral ties.
3. Health Tourism:
   Iran’s well-established healthcare system is a key strength in attracting tourists from Oman seeking affordable and high-quality medical services. With over 1,000 hospitals and a vast network of medical professionals, Iran has positioned itself as a leading destination for health tourism in the region. This partnership is expected to enhance cooperation in this area, with Oman showing a strong interest in Iran’s health services.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Regional Cooperation

The Iran-Oman agreement marks a significant milestone in the Persian Gulf’s tourism development. With a focus on marine tourism, health services, and cultural exchanges, this collaboration has the potential to transform the tourism landscape of the region. By leveraging their geographic proximity and shared cultural heritage, Iran and Oman are setting a strong precedent for regional cooperation, stability, and economic growth in the coming years. The expansion of tourism in these sectors is expected to drive both countries’ economic prosperity and strengthen their diplomatic ties, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.