Oman does not have heavy short-term rental restrictions like some European cities, though operators in ITCs may face community rules requiring minimum lease terms of 11 months for certain residency benefits, and professional STR operations should register with local authorities and obtain appropriate tourism licenses.
As of early 2026, short-term rental demand in Oman is growing moderately, driven by a 19% increase in hotel revenues through October 2025 according to NCSI data, which suggests that tourism activity is feeding demand for alternative accommodation options including Airbnb and holiday lets.
The current estimated average occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Muscat is around 45% to 50% annually, according to AirDNA data, with nightly rates averaging $60 to $70, reflecting a seasonal tourism market with peaks during the cooler winter months and the Khareef season in Salalah.
The guest demographics driving short-term rental demand in Oman are primarily leisure tourists from GCC countries (especially during summer when they escape the extreme heat elsewhere), European visitors during winter, adventure travelers exploring Oman’s mountains and wadis, and business travelers attending conferences or visiting the Duqm and Sohar industrial zones.
