New projects expand ecotourism in Oman's nature reserves
The sultanate is investing in its 31 nature reserves, which cover nearly 15,000sqkm – about 17% of its land area and 10% of its marine territory.
Authorities say these protected areas are central to supporting biodiversity, attracting tourists, and encouraging research on ecosystems and natural processes.
The Environment Authority (EA), in partnership with other agencies and civil society, is implementing management plans to conserve habitats while opening up investment opportunities.
New investment in ecotourism is expected to strengthen local economies, create jobs in nearby communities, and contribute to a sustainable green economy in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Royal decrees continue to protect endangered species and preserve the geological and ecological diversity of the reserves. Strict environmental rules have been set to ensure that conservation remains a priority even as tourism and related projects expand.
In recent moves, the Environment Authority signed nine investment contracts worth more than RO44mn for projects in seven reserves. These include the development and management of sites such as Ras al Shajar, turtle, oryx, and wetland reserves, parts of Jabal Samhan and Khor al Mughsail, as well as an eco-resort and star park in Al Hajar al Gharbi Starlight Reserve.
Private sector partners are helping to build eco-friendly lodges, camps, visitor centres, trails, and facilities that meet advanced environmental standards.
These projects cover sites in Muscat, South Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, Dakhliyah and Dhofar.
The new developments aim to provide authentic nature-based experiences, combining conservation with cultural and educational value. Plans include turtle ponds, eco-safaris and adventure tourism in protected settings.
Officials emphasise that local communities are closely involved in the planning, running and maintenance of these projects, ensuring direct employment and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The expansion of ecotourism, anchored in strong community participation and sustainable practices, is expected to strengthen Oman's position as a leading destination for responsible tourism in the region.
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Al Mouj Muscat launches Azura Beach Residences, Oman's first dual-frontage coastal community
Muscat - Al Mouj Muscat, Oman's premier lifestyle destination, has announced the launch of Azura Beach Residences, an exclusive new neighborhood within the prestigious West Point precinct of Al Mouj's Al Marsa District. Bringing together coastal inspired architecture and resort-inspired living in one of the most sought-after addresses yet, the limited collection is the first in Oman to offer dual-frontage homes with panoramic views of both the ocean and the marina, including direct beachfront access. Featuring just 309 homes, the Azura Beach Residences includes two apartment buildings with 286 one, two and three-bedroom apartments along with 23 four-bedroom, five-bathroom chalets each with a private plunge pool and three car spaces, each product offering a curated selection of layouts designed for discerning buyers seeking privacy and resort-style living. The homes are characterized by open-plan layouts and seamless indoor-outdoor living designed to capture natural light and embrace the panoramic vistas. Positioned over 19,500 sqm of absolute beach and oceanfront coastal land, Azura Beach Residences is designed to enrich daily life through a refined balance of space, comfort and earthy connection to the water and beachfront. Residents can unwind at a resort-style infinity pool, stay active in a fully equipped gym designed to promote health and wellbeing, then find calm and relaxation in a landscape amenities deck with an infinity edge pool and unobstructed ocean views to the horizon. The family has the choice to enjoy time across dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas. Completing the lifestyle offering are additional amenities such as a co-working lounge in addition to direct access to both the beach and the marina promenade. Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said, 'Azura Beach Residences reflects our continued commitment to creating homes and places that are not only architecturally distinctive, but thoughtfully integrated into the lifestyle and fabric of Al Mouj Muscat. With its dual-frontage concept and elevated coastal setting, this new community introduces a way of living that is shaped by its surroundings; open, connected and in tune with the natural rhythm of the ocean. It is a response to what today's residents who are seeking: a place to call home, everyday conveniences, and a sense of belonging in a truly exceptional community.' Azura Beach Residences is offered with 100% freehold ownership for all nationalities, with residency eligibility extended to buyers and their first-degree relatives. As part of a precinct without an equal, the new neighborhood builds on Al Mouj Muscat's commitment to shaping communities that deliver long-term value for owners and investors, celebrate quality of place, and reflect a truly integrated way of life. Register your interest now at or call +968 24 53 44 44. Al Mouj Muscat invites you to explore a lifestyle that redefines luxury living and experience why it remains Oman's most prestigious lifestyle destination. About Al Mouj Muscat Life Inspired Al Mouj Muscat is a well-established master planned community and destination without an equal. It has redefined urban living in the region with an impressive portfolio of oceanfront, waterfront and urban residential properties, luxury and authentic hospitality, elegant Business Parks, award-winning architecture and well-designed landscapes. A warm and diverse community at the heart of Oman's capital, Al Mouj Muscat created a sense of belonging for 8,000 residents from 85 nationalities who now call it home. With a vibrant dining and retail district, residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences in a lively oceanfront setting. Al Mouj Muscat provides an exclusive lifestyle that urges families and individuals to live life to the fullest, realize dreams, see more and live richer. For work or leisure, residents and visitors can stay, dine or relax at seven luxury hotels, including Kempinski and The St. Regis, experience boating in Oman's largest Marina, or awaken their sense of play at an 18-hole championship golf course that's one of the top middle east golf course and listed in the world's top 100. At Al Mouj Muscat, every moment spent, every opportunity explored, is life Inspired.
The National
14 hours ago
- The National
The UAE flight routes launching in 2026
While there's still plenty of time left in 2025, travellers are already planning for new adventures in 2026. Etihad Airways has announced two seasonal routes for next year – Salalah, Oman and Krakow, Poland – expanding its growing global network. Though Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi haven't announced new routes yet, they're still carriers to keep on your radar. Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman Launching: May 21, 2026 (Etihad) Etihad will launch flights to Salalah starting twice weekly (on Sundays and Thursdays), increasing to daily from mid-June to mid-September. The southern Omani city is a rare summer oasis in the Arabian Peninsula, famous for its Khareef monsoon season, when misty mountains and waterfalls transform the landscape into a lush escape. Abu Dhabi to Krakow, Poland Launching: June 16, 2026 (Etihad) Krakow service with Etihad will include flights operating three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) until September 5. Known for its medieval Old Town, Gothic churches and cafe-lined squares, Krakow also provides access to Poland's Tatra Mountains.
Arabian Business
21 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Oman GDP grows 2.5% in Q1 2025 reaching $24.5bn
Oman 's economy expanded by 2.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with real GDP reaching RO 9.43 billion at market prices, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information. The figure represents an increase from RO 9.2 billion recorded during the same period in 2024, marking growth across multiple sectors of the sultanate's economy, WAM reported. Oman non-oil sectors drive 4.4% growth in first quarter of 2025 Non-oil sectors led the expansion, posting a 4.4 per cent increase in added value to reach RO 6.92 billion in Q1 2025, compared to RO 6.63 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Oil activities experienced a decline of 0.4 per cent, contributing RO 2.92 billion to the economy in Q1 2025, down from RO 2.94 billion in the previous year's first quarter. Crude oil production fell by 2.2% to RO 2.45 billion during the period under review. However, natural gas production provided a counterbalance, increasing by 9.5 per cent to RO 475.3 million. The National Centre for Statistics and Information released the data as part of its quarterly economic assessment, highlighting the diversification efforts within Oman's economy. The growth figures demonstrate the increasing contribution of non-oil sectors to the country's economic output, whilst traditional energy sectors showed mixed performance. Natural gas production emerged as a growth driver within the energy sector, offsetting some of the decline seen in crude oil output during the three-month period.
