Oman Balloons to make Oman a regional Balloon Tourism hub
Balloon tourism takes off in Oman as the sultanate diversifies its travel offerings to soon become the region's latest ballooning destination with Oman Balloons
In a bold step towards placing Oman on the global hot air balloon tourism map, Oman Balloons has successfully completed a trial flight in Cappadocia, Turkey, ahead of its plans to launch commercial balloon rides in North Sharqiyah later this year.
The first flights, operated by balloon A4O-OHS, will take off from Bidiyah, offering breathtaking views of the desert and surrounding terrain.
'This marks the beginning of Oman's journey to becoming a major hot air balloon destination in the region,' said Salim Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, in an exclusive interview with Muscat Daily. 'We established the company in 2023 and signed an agreement with Turkish manufacturer Pasha Balloons to become their exclusive agent in the Gulf.'
Oman Balloons completed its maiden flight over Cappadocia's famed landscape on June 3. The company plans to officially launch the service in Oman in October, operating from Stars Gate Camp in the Al Wasit area of Wilayat Bidiyah.
According to Abri, the balloon has been certified by the Civil Aviation Authority and is equipped to handle Oman's unique weather conditions. It can accommodate up to 20 passengers, will be piloted by a certified balloonist, and accompanied by an onboard assistant.
Abri emphasised that the sultanate's diverse terrain – including golden sand dunes, majestic mountains, ancient forts, and lush valleys makes it an ideal destination for balloon tourism.
'Floating silently over Oman's natural and historical landmarks at sunrise offers a serene and unforgettable experience,' he said.
The project, launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is part of broader efforts to diversify Oman's tourism offerings and enhance the country's appeal on the regional and global travel map.
Beyond tourism, the initiative is expected to deliver both economic and social benefits.
'Each balloon creates 12 direct jobs, not to mention the indirect opportunities in hospitality, transport, and support services,' Abri disclosed. 'As we expand our fleet, we also plan to introduce new technologies and inspire Omani youth to explore this modern and exciting industry.'
Abri highlighted that hot air ballooning is widely considered one of the safest forms of aviation. 'It offers a unique and tranquil way to experience the world from above. Balloons operate in a controlled environment, typically avoiding high-speed manoeuvres and complex navigation. Flights are conducted in calm, clear weather with light winds, both at ground level and aloft. Pilots monitor weather forecasts closely before, during, and after flights to ensure a safe and smooth experience,' he explained.
'As with all aviation activities, safety is paramount,' Abri stressed. 'We've worked closely with certified professionals and regulatory authorities to ensure our ballooning operations in Oman meet the highest safety standards.'
The company has ambitious plans, including establishing a hot air balloon maintenance facility in Oman to serve the wider Gulf region and, eventually, setting up a local factory to manufacture balloons with Omani expertise.
'The road was not easy,' says Abri. 'But through persistence, vision, and lessons learned from our visits to the United States and Turkey, we have developed a product tailored to Oman's environment.'
Expressing gratitude to the Civil Aviation Authority for supporting the training of personnel and raising awareness about ballooning regulations, and to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for sponsoring the launch event in Turkey, Abri held out a message for young Omanis – 'Believe in your ideas and study your projects carefully. Believing in your own capabilities is the first step to success.'
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