On the sidelines of the 26th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Riyadh, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri met with Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the tourism field.
Highlighting Iran’s broad national strategy centered on the ocean-based economy and coastal tourism, Salehi Amiri said: “Our policy is based on expanding regional cooperation and revitalizing the capabilities of the Persian Gulf. The development of maritime tourism will not only promote cultural and economic exchanges, but also strengthen people-to-people and social ties between Iran and Oman.”
“Cooperation with Oman can serve as a successful model for the entire region,” he added.
During the meeting, Salehi Amiri proposed three main areas of cooperation, including increasing direct flights between Iran and Oman from 12 to 60 flights per week, organizing joint tourism gatherings and cultural events, and holding mutual tourism exhibitions in Tehran and Muscat to showcase the rich tourism potential of both countries.
The minister highlighted Iran’s capabilities in health tourism, noting that Iran has more than 1,000 hospitals and hundreds of thousands of medical professionals that can provide Omani visitors with affordable and quality medical services. He said this is an important pillar for future cooperation between the two countries.
At the end of the meeting, Salehi Amiri invited the Omani side to attend the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition in February 2026 to directly explore Iran’s latest tourism initiatives and investment opportunities.
In response, Oman’s Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, saying, “Iran is a strategic and historical partner and a source of stability in the region.The relationship between our two countries is built on respect and long-standing friendship, and we have always welcomed close cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Noting that Oman owns more than 40 ports and access to three seas, Al Mahrouqi described the idea of maritime tourism as “very realistic and visionary” and expressed readiness to sign a joint memorandum of understanding with Iran to develop cruise tourism and maritime passenger exchanges.
He also highlighted Iran’s growing popularity among Omani travelers, saying, “Iran is an attractive, safe and culturally rich destination that offers great potential not only for medical tourism but also for history and nature-based travel.”
The Omani Minister welcomed Iran’s proposal for a mutual tourism exhibition and proposed a joint UNESCO World Heritage project on the ancient Qanat system. He also announced Oman’s intention to host an Iranian health tourism exhibition in Muscat to introduce Omani people to Iran’s advanced medical and health services.
At the end of the meeting, the two ministers reaffirmed their determination to expand cooperation in maritime, health, cultural and exhibition tourism. The two leaders also agreed to establish a joint working group to follow up on the outcome of the meeting.
MNA/IRN85991964