If you are not Omani, where can you actually own property in Oman? The main answer is Integrated Tourism Complexes — ITCs. These licensed developments allow non-Omanis to buy freehold homes that can be sold, leased and inherited, and ownership can support residence applications. According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, 19 ITC licences have been issued across Muscat, Dhofar, South Sharqiyah, South Batinah and Musandam, planned to deliver about 42,600 homes.
This pillar guide explains how ITCs work and lists the key complexes by region, with links to our detailed project and area guides.
How ITCs work
- Licensing: the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism licenses ITCs and signs development agreements.
- Ownership: non-Omanis can hold freehold title to eligible units inside the ITC.
- Registration: title deeds are registered after completion; off-plan buyers hold contractual rights until then.
- Residency: property ownership can support residence visas; see Oman property residency rules 2026.
Beyond ITCs, some Ministry of Housing projects such as Sultan Haitham City also sell freehold to all nationalities. Always verify eligibility for the exact unit.
ITCs in Muscat
| Complex | Area | Developer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Mouj Muscat | Seeb | Al Mouj Muscat | Established, final releases |
| Muscat Bay | Bandar Jissah | Saraya Bandar Jissah | Mostly delivered |
| Muscat Hills / The Links | Bausher | Muscat Hills & partners | Established, new towers |
| Mandarin Oriental Residences | Shatti Al Qurum | Eagle Hills | Ready |
| AIDA | Yiti | Dar Global & OMRAN | Off-plan |
| The Sustainable City Yiti | Yiti | Diamond Developers & OMRAN | Under construction |
| Jebel Sifah | Muscat coast | Muriya | Established, new phases |
| Telal Al Qurum | Qurum, Bausher | Alargan / Sorouh Al Qurum | Under construction |
| Al Bustan ITC | Al Bustan | OMRAN (Four Seasons) | Agreement March 2026 |
| Rawasi | Jabal Boushar | To be announced | Announced September 2026 |
The Muttrah waterfront phase by VA Group is described by the developer as an ITC; official confirmation is pending — see our Muttrah waterfront guide.
ITCs outside Muscat
| Complex | Governorate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawana Salalah | Dhofar | Beachfront apartments and villas; khareef-season demand |
| Al Nakheel ITC | South Batinah (Barka) | Phase 1 underway with apartments and townhouses |
| Millennium Resort Mussanah | South Batinah | Hotel open; residential offer to confirm |
| Ras Al Hadd | South Sharqiyah | Hotel-led development in progress |
Sohar and North Batinah: we found no licensed ITC in North Batinah at the time of writing. Residential projects promoted in Sohar are typically Ministry of Housing neighbourhoods with different ownership terms — read Freehold property outside Muscat.
How to choose an ITC
- Purpose: full-time home, holiday base or rental investment.
- Location: commute, schools and airport access.
- Stage: ready, near completion or early off-plan.
- Total cost: price, service charges and registration.
- Exit: depth of resale and rental demand.
Use our guides to rental yield, fair price and buying from abroad to compare options, then browse Muscat projects.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ITC in Oman?
A licensed Integrated Tourism Complex where non-Omanis can own freehold residential property.
How many ITCs are there?
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reports 19 ITC licences across five governorates.
Is there an ITC in Sohar?
We found no licensed ITC in North Batinah as of September 2026.
Information checked 16 September 2026. Sources: Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Muscat Daily, Oman Observer, Zawya, Economy Middle East. General information only; confirm eligibility for each unit.
Cover photo: Salah Almhamdi (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons