Muscat

As of June 2026, Muscat, Seeb, Nizwa have 574 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 14% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Muscat generates OMR4K per year. High-performing properties earn OMR13K/year, while low-performing properties earn OMR1K/year. This wide revenue variance suggests that top-tier units capture a disproportionate share of demand, while the average performer struggles to maintain consistent bookings amidst stagnant market growth.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Muscat. Average annual revenue is OMR4K with 22% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to OMR13K/year. The gap between average and top-tier earnings highlights that profitability is heavily concentrated at the premium end of the market, which remains insulated from broader revenue contraction.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Muscat is 22%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of OMR45, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of OMR8 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Muscat, with annual revenue of OMR6K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Muscat market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Muscat area. I don't have reliable, current data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement reality for Muscat, Seeb, and Nizwa in Oman. Oman's tourism sector is developing, but specific STR frameworks and enforcement practices in these cities aren't well-documented in available sources. Local municipality rules may exist but aren't widely published in English. I recommend contacting Oman's Ministry of Tourism or local municipal authorities directly for accurate regulatory information. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Muscat Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing increasingly competitive conditions. Supply has grown 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates growing competition requiring strong operations. Expanding inventory combined with declining per-unit revenue points to a market saturation phase where new supply outpaces existing travel demand.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 29% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Muscat listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (99%), Tv (97%), Washing Machine (81%), Pool (49%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Pool, Hot Tub, with Bbq properties earning approximately 49% more (OMR11K/year vs OMR7K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Muscat over the last 12 months: May: OMR138, June: OMR152, July: OMR165, August: OMR180, September: OMR168, October: OMR264, November: OMR333, December: OMR406, January: OMR369, February: OMR278, March: OMR246, April: OMR140. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Muscat is OMR45, up 13% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average OMR33/night, 2-bedroom properties average OMR47/night, 3-bedroom properties average OMR81/night, 4+ bedroom properties average OMR121/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in May.

Guests in Muscat book an average of 19 days in advance, down 24% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 19 days, 2-bedroom: 20 days, 3-bedroom: 19 days, 4+ bedroom: 15 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Muscat Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 14%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 14%, average nightly rates increased 13%, and lead time decreased 24%. These metrics show a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher price points, suggesting that hosts are attempting to offset lower occupancy through aggressive rate positioning.

In Muscat, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday.