Over 17,000 visit Wadi Bani Khalid during eid holidays
The majority of visitors were Asian nationals, numbering 16,450, followed by Omanis (246), Europeans (182), Arabs from non-GCC countries (125), and visitors from GCC states (18).
11 rescue incidents were recorded during the period, highlighting the need for increased safety awareness among tourists. The cool waters and lush surroundings of Wadi Bani Khalid continue to offer a welcome reprieve from the summer heat, drawing crowds seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
18 minutes ago
- Observer
Annual date harvest season, Al Tabseel, showcases centuries-old techniques
Farms and villages across Oman are brimming with excitement as the season of Al Tabseel unfolds — a time of jubilant celebration, collective effort and cultural pride deeply rooted in the country's rich heritage. This annual tradition, which coincides with the peak summer months from late June to late July, transforms local communities into vibrant hubs of activity centred around date harvesting, processing and communal merriment. Al Tabseel is much more than merely an agricultural activity; it embodies Oman's centuries-old social fabric and farming expertise. The season signifies the harvest of the prized Mabsali dates, particularly from the lush plantations of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, renowned for producing some of the finest dates that are not only beloved locally but also exported globally. These dates, distinguished by their bright yellow colour and sweet flavour, are carefully harvested, boiled in large traditional vessels known as Marajel, and sun-dried in open spaces such as Al Mestah — an age-old practice that preserves the dates' nutritional qualities whilst maintaining their cultural significance. Safa al Balushi, Creative Director of Al Mirani Fort, explains, 'Al Tabseel takes place during the hottest months when the Mabsali dates ripen. Farmers gather to harvest, then boil the dates for around half an hour before drying them under the sun for several days. It is a deeply rooted cultural event that brings communities together through traditional songs, storytelling and celebrations once the processing is complete'. The Al Mirani Fort, majestically perched on the Muttrah Corniche, recently hosted a lively celebration of Al Tabseel, supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The event attracted numerous farmers and artisans from different regions, displaying a remarkable variety of dates and honouring Oman's enduring agricultural traditions. The gathering exemplified the inseparable link between coastal trade routes and inland farming practices — the historical relationship where dates harvested from oases were transported to coastal markets, bolstering local economies and fostering cultural exchange. 'Al Tabseel is a vivid illustration of Oman's interconnected heritage', remarks Safa al Balushi. 'It reflects the symbiotic relationship between sea and land, between commerce and community and highlights how these traditions have sustained generations of Omanis'. Since ancient times, farmers across Oman have celebrated this season with communal spirit and pride, often inviting entire families to participate in the harvest. Although modern influences have altered some traditional practices, the essence of Al Tabseel endures. Many wilayats continue to value this season as a significant social, cultural and economic event — an annual celebration that unites communities and safeguards their collective identity. According to historians and agricultural specialists, the tradition of Al Tabseel probably dates back several centuries, symbolising Oman's resilience and harmonious relationship with its natural resources. Today, efforts are underway to preserve and promote this cultural treasure, ensuring that future generations can continue to uphold and enjoy the legacy of their ancestors while sharing the renowned taste and tradition of Oman's dates with the world.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Osara: A coastal tourism experience redefining Dhofar's khareef season
Dhofar – The 'Osara' tourism project, located on Raysut Beach in Salalah, is one of the most prominent tourist and entertainment destinations accompanying the Dhofar Khareef Season 2025. An Omani youth project launched in 2022, 'Osara' witnessed new developments this year across several of its facilities, including the waterfront, which was redesigned to provide a better visitor experience by expanding areas overlooking the sea, creating open seating areas, and adding restaurants and cafes with direct views of the beach. Majid Samhan Al-Mashli, one of the project's founders, said 'Since the launch of the project, we have been keen to present innovative ideas that are in line with visitors' aspirations, and we constantly strive to develop the various facilities of 'Osara' to enhance the quality of the tourism experience.' He pointed out that a new electric games area was added this year within the adventure area, to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children and their families. In addition to the waterfront and a playground, the site includes a popular market showcasing Omani crafts and traditional products for which Dhofar Governorate is famous. Various retail outlets are also located throughout the site, contributing to supporting productive families and local brands. 'Osara' also includes a theater hosting cultural and entertainment events targeting all age groups, along with quiet beach seating areas that combine entertainment and relaxation. It's worth noting that the 'Osara' project is distinguished by its environmental nature, as it was constructed using recycled wood, making it a model for sustainable tourism. OSARA is supported by Dhofar Municipality, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and the Port of Salalah, as part of its efforts to support youth initiatives and enable local entrepreneurs to contribute to boosting tourism during the autumn season. The 'Osara' tourism project, set along Salalah's scenic Raysut Beach, has emerged as a key destination during Dhofar's Khareef Season 2025. Launched by young Omanis in 2022, the project has seen several upgrades this year, particularly along the waterfront. The redesigned beachfront now features expanded sea-view areas, open seating, and a range of cafés and restaurants directly overlooking the shore, all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. Majid Samhan al-Mashli, one of the founders, told Oman News Agency (ONA), 'Since Osara's inception, we've been committed to offering fresh, innovative ideas that meet visitor expectations. Each year, we work on improving the project's features to elevate the tourism experience.' Among the new additions this season is an electric games zone within the adventure area, designed as a safe and fun space for children and families. Beyond the waterfront, Osara also includes a playground and a vibrant market showcasing traditional Omani crafts and Dhofar's famous local products. Spread across the site are retail outlets that support local brands and productive families. A dedicated theatre hosts cultural and entertainment events catering to all ages, while quiet beachside seating offers a peaceful escape. What sets Osara apart is its eco-conscious design. Built using recycled wood, it serves as a model of sustainable tourism. The project is supported by Dhofar Municipality, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and the Port of Salalah — all working to empower youth initiatives and drive local tourism during the autumn season.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Lingo bingo
If you are an expatriate living in Oman who cannot yet speak basic Arabic, it might be high time to sign up for an easy language learning course. Luckily, Arabic learning centres across Muscat are more than willing to help, to enable expatriates avoid making conversations a 'game of chance' …………………. A heated argument between a local cabbie and an Indian expatriate at Ruwi recently proved quite amusing for a group of onlookers – while the cabbie humbly demanded his legal fare, the expatriate was vocal about being duped and kept insisting on paying him more! Conversations between Omanis and non-Arabic speaking expatriates in Muscat as well as other parts of the sultanate often take a hilarious tone as language barriers pose many a dilemma. While learning Arabic is not mandatory, most expatriates rely on English and Hindi to express themselves – thankfully enough, Omanis willingly oblige without a qualm. The moot issue here is about expatriates not learning to converse in Arabic, though many have stayed on for decades on end. On the other hand, there are one too many language learning centres that offer classes at convenient hours, but witness only a trickle of students. Expatriates like Kaylee Jones, an English translator and student of Noor Majan institute's summer programme, says, 'When I moved to Muscat, many suggested that I learn Arabic if I intended staying for a long time. Now, as I often struggle to strike up conversations with a friendly Omani cop who doesn't speak English, I realise that I should've listened to them a long time ago.' There are scores of expatriates of varied nationalities, like Kaylee, who want to learn the language in a slightly more formal learning environment. Eagerly enrolling themselves to institutions like Noor Majan's Muscat campus, they seek to gain a deeper understanding of the Arabic language. A former alumnus of Noor Majan Arabic Institute, Robert Rodriguez said, 'I learnt Arabic here several years ago to speak the language fluently enough with locals in Oman. As an intelligence officer in the US Army that visits Muscat occasionally, I find it easier to navigate around the city and have managed to gain and maintain close friendships with the people here because of my knowledge of the language and my adoration of the Omani culture.' Shreya Gupta, a current student in the institute's summer programme, said, 'Since I have recently graduated from Georgetown university with a minor in Arabic and Islamic studies, I fell in love with Islamic and Muslim cultures and wanted to expand on this knowledge I have received by learning the language thoroughly this time.' Why expatriates don't learn Arabic This excitement to learn the language, however, doesn't seem to be conveyed by non-Arab locals within the area. As a (part-time) instructor at Noor Majan Arabic Institute, Ahmed al Balushi elaborates, 'We typically get a lot of foreign students who come to Muscat for an internship or a graduate job. For our summer programmes that go on till August, we typically get at least six to ten students per class. I guess a reason for this slow intake is partially because most non-arab speakers do not have the time to commit to our lectures, and partially because most of them simply believe that they can learn bits of it on their own as some words are similar to other languages they speak, like Hindi.' Arabic tutor Fatima al Wahaibi, who conducts Arabic classes online and in-person in the Saud Bhawan Residency 1 building at Al-Khuwair, explains, 'As I'm a private instructor who only charges RO1 per class and conducts classes at timings and venues convenient for people who don't speak Arabic, I tend to get a lot more residents within the area to attend my online and offline classes. So, in my perspective, I think, the biggest factor that affects those who learn to speak Arabic is cost and convenience.' Mahi Chaudhary, a student at Fatima's sessions, confirms this suggestion saying, 'As a housewife who lives next to the Saud Bhawan Residency buildings, I find it easier to attend Ms Fatima's evening classes because of its location. Typically, these classes would comprise me and three other students, all of whom have jobs that prevent them from taking upoing for longer classes that go on throughout the day. But I personally don't mind the smaller structure because of how much more time I get to spend with everyone else as we learn the language together. For me, it's easier for me to learn Arabic here rather than in a bigger and noisier classroom.' Another student of Fatima's in-person session, Omar Sheikh explains the key differences between both the learning formats. 'I used to attend classes offered by the Sultan Qaboos Institute for non-native speakers. However, I found that the classes were too expensive for me and it became too stressful to balance coursework with my office work throughout the day. That's why I prefer learning here. But, I also understand that if I had properly applied myself to those classes, I would have learnt more Arabic than the typical conversational phrases we learn in Ms Fatima's classes.' Despite these differences in class structures and core curriculum, students and staff from both organisations highlight the importance of learning Arabic in a class environment. As a student of Noor Majan Arabic Institute, Nikhil Sharma puts it, 'Everyone has their own style of learning a new language. However, expecting most non-Arabic speakers to learn the language entirely on their own is a bit unrealistic. I think it is important for people planning to work and live here for many years to learn the language. It is equally important to make learning accessible to the general public because it helps us learn and adapt to a new and distinct culture.' (Contributed by: Ishita Shetty)
