Oman’s first privately developed and operated fishing harbour, using a usufruct system, Barka Marina, has started phased operations.
Located in the Wilayat of Barka, in the South Al Batinah governorate, the development is worth over 55 million Omani Rials ($143 million).
Barka Marina falls under Oman’s Vision 2040, planning to turn fisheries into economic hubs and transform the waterfront into a premium tourism destination.
Project Features
Alongside a modern quay for fishing vessels and other boats, the project includes a commercial complex, restaurants and cafes, and a promenade.
Engineer Hassan bin Hussein Al Aghbari, Assistant Director General for Fisheries in South Batinah, explained that the harbour has entered phased operations in order to ensure efficient management of facilities, adding that the harbour has already experienced an increase in traffic.
Al Aghbari noted the development’s expansion plans, which officials are already exploring. This includes additional investment, larger marina facilities for superyachts, and enhanced digital technologies.
Oman’s emerging superyacht prospects
For the past few years, the Sultanate of Oman has worked to become a winter superyacht destination. According to the Superyacht Times Gulf Report 2025, there are over 11 Omani owners with superyachts over 30 meters in length. The country has introduced a number of regulations to streamline superyacht cruising procedures. In 2014, Al Mouj Marina was designated as a point of entry and exit for superyachts.
Recent marina developments have been in the works in Oman. Four Seasons has recently announced a new yacht club and marina as part of a $390 million tourism complex. Khor Grama, another leisure marina facility in the Sultanate, signed a contract to construct its 75-berth marina in August 2025.