
Wadi Darbat: A hub for youth projects during the khareef
These projects span a variety of sectors, including recreational activities, water boats, restaurants, mobile kiosks, handicrafts, and handmade products, alongside environmental and awareness initiatives aimed at preserving the wadi's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. Their success lies in meeting local market demands and enhancing the tourism experience.
These initiatives receive direct support from relevant government entities as part of efforts to empower Omani youth to invest in the tourism potential of the Khareef season, particularly in high-traffic areas like Wadi Darbat, which has become a prime destination for pioneering projects that bolster sustainable local development.
The natural features of Wadi Darbat during Khareef have also enhanced entrepreneurial opportunities by providing an enabling environment to showcase products, develop business skills, attract tourists, and expand local economic activity.
Mohammed Mohsen Al-Maamari, owner of Darbat Park Boats, stated that the project officially launched in 2008 after a modest start the previous year, when the wadi suffered from low visitor numbers and inadequate services. He explained that the project began with just three boats and a team of four employees but has since expanded to include over 85 boats, with a workforce of 33 Omani employees and 15 expatriates.
Al Maamari noted that improvements included upgrading infrastructure and hospitality facilities, such as establishing a modern-style café. He emphasized that high demand prompted expansion efforts to reduce wait times, contributing to the revitalization of tourism in the wadi.
On his turn, Salim Mohammed Al Maashani, owner of Darbat Rural Retreat, explained that his project embodies Omani rural identity in a prime location at the wadi's entrance. The project offers an authentic rural lodging experience using natural materials like wood and clay, alongside local products such as ghee, honey, and pottery.
He pointed out that increasing demand has prompted plans for future expansion, stressing that such heritage projects help promote community-based tourism and support the income of local producers and artisans.
Meanwhile, Said Mahad Al Maashani, owner of Darbat Huts, shared that his project started four years ago with three huts and has since expanded to nine huts in two different designs. The project provides hospitality services in a breathtaking natural setting, with options for bookings and hosting visitors from Oman and GCC countries.
In the adventure tourism sector, Eng. Abdulhakim Amer Al Maashani, co-founder of Dhofar Tourism and Investment Company, discussed the Zipline project, launched in Wadi Darbat in 2022, with a 120-meter line. He noted rapid development, including dual lines for round trips and two experience sites, creating around 60 temporary job opportunities for Omani youth.
This year's plan includes constructing a main zipline with four outgoing and four return lines, which could employ approximately 140 job seekers. He emphasized the project's goal to develop adventure tourism and train Omani personnel to take on operational and managerial roles.
In the food and beverage sector, Mohammed Khalid Jaaboub, owner of Café Fog London, explained that his project was inspired by a love for nature and a desire to blend modern taste with scenic beauty. Located overlooking Wadi Darbat, the café offers a menu of beverages, desserts, and light meals in an elegant setting with indoor and outdoor seating.
Jaaboub affirmed the project's popularity among visitors seeking tranquility amid fog and greenery, reflecting Wadi Darbat's readiness to host high-quality projects that enrich the tourist experience.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Muscat Daily
2 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Manufacturing, FDI and exports drive Oman's industrial momentum
Muscat – The industrial sector recorded a 27.5% increase in foreign direct investment during the first quarter of 2025, taking total FDI in the sector to RO2.749bn, according to figures released by Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP). The manufacturing sector also posted steady gains, supported by higher demand across regional and international markets. Non-oil exports grew 7.2% between January and May 2025 to RO2.7bn. The United Arab Emirates remained the top importer of Omani goods with RO485mn, up 22.9%, followed by Saudi Arabia at RO451mn, up 34.9%, and India with RO280mn, up 38.9%. H E Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry, said the figures reflect the impact of policies to build a resilient and competitive industrial base, in line with Vision 2040 and Industrial Strategy 2040. He highlighted the role of incentive plans and efforts to improve services in industrial zones. Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry, noted that Omani factories managed to expand production despite global market volatility and supply chain pressures. He attributed this to public-private sector collaboration and reduced operational costs, which led to higher project activity and improved Omanisation rates in industrial zones. MoCIIP continues to support initiatives focused on local value chains and broadening the national production base. Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Undersecretary's Office, said investor confidence remains strong due to improvements in the business environment, updated regulatory frameworks and enhanced incentives. These include targeted industrial financing, logistics upgrades, technology localisation and international partnerships. The petrochemical and electrical conductors sectors led the growth in manufacturing. Iron and aluminium industries also reported consistent gains, while cement companies began to recover from earlier losses. Tiles and ceramic production showed signs of revival, though glass manufacturers continued to face operational issues. Jassim bin Saif al Jadidi, Technical Director at the Undersecretary's Office Food processing firms – including milling and beverage producers – posted higher profits, driven by operational efficiency and increased demand across local and regional markets. Investments were concentrated in sectors identified as strategic – renewable energy technologies aligned with Oman's green economy goals; mineral production and exports; and food and medical industries supporting national security.


Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
Omani climate-tech pioneer ranked among MENA's top 40 sustainable companies
MUSCAT: When Omani engineers and scientists at 44.01 first set out to turn carbon dioxide into stone, few imagined their innovation would earn global recognition and help put Oman on the sustainability map. Today, their journey has reached a new milestone: 44.01 has been named one of the Top 40 Most Sustainable Companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The ranking, curated by the CSO Network and Sustain Labs Paris, celebrates organisations that are not only reducing their environmental footprint, but also reshaping the future of business in the region. Companies were evaluated across six pillars — ranging from clean revenue to employee well-being — through 17 key performance indicators that address MENA-specific challenges like water scarcity, climate resilience and social inclusion. For Oman, 44.01 represents more than just a company; it is a symbol of how local innovation can tackle global challenges. The firm developed a unique carbon mineralisation technology that captures CO₂ and permanently stores it in peridotite rock deep underground, achieving up to 91% carbon removal efficiency. This groundbreaking approach has won international acclaim. In 2022, 44.01 received the Earthshot Prize, and earlier this year, it clinched the XPRIZE Carbon Removal Award for its 'Air' category — a recognition that places it alongside some of the world's most promising climate innovators. What makes 44.01 stand out is its holistic approach to sustainability. The company runs its operations entirely on renewables — using solar panels by day and biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil by night. It also avoids using precious drinking water, relying instead on seawater and treated wastewater. Beyond the technical success, 44.01 is creating jobs for Omani engineers and geologists, particularly those transitioning from the fossil fuel industry. This achievement comes at a time when Oman is stepping up its sustainability game. The Muscat Stock Exchange introduced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting guidelines in 2023, with mandatory disclosures set to start in 2025. The government also unveiled a Sustainable Finance Framework last year, designed to channel investments into clean energy, climate adaptation and economic diversification. The Top 40 list also includes regional giants like Emirates Group, Masdar, TAQA Group and Red Sea Global. But 44.01's inclusion is especially meaningful, as it shows that homegrown Omani companies can compete — and lead — on the international stage.


Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
Oman eyes strategic share of global polysilicon market
MUSCAT: With the Sultanate of Oman just months away from commissioning its $1.6 billion polysilicon production facility in SOHAR Port and Freezone, Oman is set to rank second only to China as one of the world's largest producers of this strategic commodity — central to the global solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry. United Solar Polysilicon, slated for launch before the end of this year, will be the first polysilicon project in the Middle East. Once fully operational, the plant — designed with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes — will position Oman as the second-largest producer globally, with an estimated 4.4 per cent share of worldwide capacity. 'The project aims to position Oman as a key player in the global photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing supply chain, reducing dependency on China-based production,' said the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), which has invested $156 million in the venture through Future Fund Oman (FFO), a platform that supports investments in strategic sectors of the Omani economy. China remains a polysilicon manufacturing powerhouse, accounting for around 93 per cent (equivalent to 2 million tonnes per year) of the world's total production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes. A distant second is Germany, with a 2.9-per cent share (65,000 tonnes), followed by the United States and Malaysia, each with 1.5 per cent (34,000 tonnes). In value terms, the global market was estimated at $34.3 billion as of end-2023. According to OIA, the decision to site the polysilicon project in Oman was based on several competitive advantages, foremost among them government support. 'A national negotiation team streamlined discussions, ensuring a smooth process for securing leases, utilities and incentives,' noted Oxford Business Group in an Impact Report on Future Fund Oman. Other factors influencing the investment decision included: Competitive electricity prices, crucial for maintaining profit margins; Proximity to SOHAR Port and Freezone, enabling efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products; Access to the US market via the Oman–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), allowing tariff-free exports; and a favourable regulatory environment. In addition, the project grants Oman a strategic entry into the global solar renewables supply chain. Detailing the production process, the Impact Report explained: 'The solar PV manufacturing process begins with the production of high-purity polysilicon, which is then melted and shaped into cylindrical ingots. 'These ingots are sliced into thin wafers, forming the base for solar cells. The cells undergo various treatments to enhance their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. 'Finally, the cells are assembled into modules (solar panels) ready for installation in energy systems. This process is critical to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.' Currently, around 4,000 contractual construction workers are engaged in building the sprawling complex, which spans 160,000 m² within the SOHAR Port and Freezone. During the operational phase, the plant will employ 1,000 to 2,000 staff, with Omanisation targeted at 70 per cent by 2030 through a combination of training and technology transfer programmes.