In Oman, the local term commonly used for short-term rentals is "Istijar Qasir Al-Mada" (إيجار قصير المدى), which translates directly to "short-term rental." Additionally, "Beit Oqda" (بيت عقد) or "Ajār Muajjar" (أجار مؤجر) is sometimes used colloquially to refer to holiday homes or furnished apartments available for short stays, catering primarily to tourists and expatriates. These terms are widely understood and used to indicate accommodations meant for temporary or short-term lodging which usually ranging from one night to few months typically catering to tourists, expatriates, and business travelers.

In Oman, tenants are generally not allowed to conduct short-term rentals (STR) or sublease a property without the landlord’s explicit written consent, as per Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/1989, which governs the relationship between landlords and tenants. This decree specifies that a tenant cannot transfer the lease or sublease the property to a third party without prior authorization from the landlord.

Therefore, if a tenant wishes to operate a short-term rental (STR) from the leased property, they must first obtain explicit written permission from the landlord. Engaging in subleasing or short-term rentals without such consent can lead to legal consequences, including potential eviction or other penalties as stipulated in the lease agreement and Omani law.

Oman does not enforce a nationwide maximum length of stay for short-term rentals. Instead, the focus of recent regulatory changes has been on opening and regulating the short-term rental market through licensed, government-approved listings, particularly via platforms like UnderTheDoormat's Hospiria, which connects Omani properties to global booking platforms.

Key details include:

1. No Nationwide Maximum Stay: Oman has not specified a national limit on the length of stay for short-term rentals.
2. City Regulations Not Detailed: There is no indication of specific maximum stay limits in popular cities such as Muscat. Rental durations seem to be flexible and determined by property owners in accordance with guest needs which can be for a period ranging from one night to a few months.

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Yes, hosts in Oman are required to register their short-term rental properties and obtain a permit through the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MOHT). The recent regulatory developments in Oman for short-term rentals include official approval and licensing requirements to ensure compliance with quality standards and transparency.

Process for Obtaining a Permit for Short-Term Rentals in Oman

1. Registration with MOHT: Hosts must register their property with the MOHT, which oversees tourism and heritage compliance across Oman. This step is essential to legally operate short-term rentals in the country.
2. Application Submission: Hosts need to submit an application, providing property details and their intent to use the property for short-term rental purposes.
3. Required Documents: Although specifics may vary, typical requirements include:
   • Property ownership documentation or lease agreement (if applicable).
   • Proof of compliance with health, safety, and hospitality standards.
   • Identification documents of the property owner.
   • Tax registration details, if applicable.
4. Fees: There are likely application and registration fees involved, but specific amounts may depend on the property type and location. Hosts may contact MOHT or visit the official tourism site (experienceoman.om) for precise fee information.
5. Approval and Licensing: Upon submission, MOHT will review the application, conduct necessary inspections, and issue a permit once the property meets all regulatory standards. Once licensed, hosts can list their property on approved platforms.

This registration and permit process helps Oman ensure quality and compliance, promoting a safe and attractive environment for short-term rental guests.

Oman does not have a national association for short-term rental (STR) owners, but government initiatives have opened the market to support STR operations. In 2022, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) partnered with the UK’s UnderTheDoormat Group, allowing property developers, hospitality companies, SMEs, and individual owners to list properties globally through the Hospiria platform. This technology ensures regulatory compliance and connects properties to major booking channels.

Non-resident owners must follow local regulations and acquire necessary licenses. Although no dedicated Omani association exists, MHT support and global organizations like the Association for Short-Term Rental Homeowners (ASTRHO) offer resources for STR operators.