'The Sultanate of Oman, Jewel of the Arabs'
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Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
RO 1.1m Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Park to open in Al Dakhiliyah
AL JABAL AL AKHDHAR: The Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate continues to solidify its status as a premier tourist destination through the implementation of high-quality tourism and recreational projects. Foremost among these is the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Park under construction in Seeh Qatnah, alongside the recently inaugurated Celebration Square, which hosted the opening events of the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Festival 2025. Shaikh Sultan bin Mansour al Ghafili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, stated that the wilayat is witnessing tangible developmental progress, reflecting an integrated vision to enhance infrastructure and improve quality of life. He emphasised that these projects align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, transforming the wilayat's natural and cultural advantages into sustainable development opportunities with direct social and economic impact. In a statement to ONA, he noted that the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Park project is progressing rapidly, with completion exceeding 85 per cent. The park is set to officially open to visitors in August 2025 at a cost exceeding RO 1.1 million. Spanning 20,000 square metres, the park features integrated recreational and service facilities, including a 1,000-square-metre children's play area, sports pathways and investment zones housing a café, a shop, and an electric games section, in addition to prayer rooms and restrooms for men and women. The park also includes a multipurpose open-air theatre and 5,000 square metres of green spaces planted with 150 trees and 400 shrubs, alongside natural vegetation to enhance the site's aesthetics, making it a year-round recreational destination. He affirmed that these projects bolster the wilayat's tourism appeal, provide community platforms for national events, support small and medium enterprises, and stimulate local growth by generating jobs and boosting commercial activity. He added that Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, in coordination with the Al Dakhiliyah Governor's Office, ensures these initiatives serve as pillars for comprehensive, sustainable development that fosters innovation and strengthens Omani identity. Future plans include additional initiatives to attract qualitative investments in eco-tourism, smart agriculture and community services, emphasising collaboration between government entities, the private sector and local communities to ensure holistic and sustainable impact, he added. The park features integrated recreational and service facilities, including a children's play area, sports pathways and investment zones. On his turn, Eng Mohammed bin Ali al Wardi, Director of the Projects Department at Al Dakhiliyah Municipality, highlighted that the park project extends the governorate's vision for developing public spaces and improving urban environments. He noted that the newly inaugurated Celebration Square in Seeh Qatnah is a key cultural and tourism infrastructure project, designed as a multipurpose venue harmonising with Al Jabal Al Akhdhar's geography. The square features a main performance area, parking, restrooms and family rest zones, making it an ideal venue for seasonal and national events. It has become a focal point for visitors to the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Festival 2025, hosting cultural, artistic and recreational activities, as well as exhibitions of local crafts and agricultural products, thereby supporting entrepreneurship and local economic growth. Al Wardi affirmed that these projects align with a broader vision to develop Al Jabal Al Akhdhar as a sustainable tourism hub, balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation to reinforce the governorate's position on Oman's tourism and investment map. — ONA
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Times of Oman
Wadi Darbat: Tourist destination and growing hub for youth projects during Khareef Dhofar
Taqa: Wadi Darbat in Dhofar Governorate witnesses a surge in youth activity during Khareef (monsoon) season, marked by a series of Omani projects and initiatives that reflect the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. This takes place in an environment rich in natural beauty, attracting visitors from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. 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. In this context, several young entrepreneurs spoke to Oman News Agency (ONA) about their experiences in Wadi Darbat and the ideas and initiatives they have introduced to boost tourism and economic activity during the Khareef Dhofar 2025 season. 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 advance bookings and hosting visitors from Oman and GCC countries. Al Maashani added that the project employs several Omani youth but faces challenges such as the limited tourism season, overcrowding, and insufficient parking. He expressed hope for permanent solutions to ensure the sustainability of such projects year-round. 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. It is worth noting that the flourishing Omani youth projects in Wadi Darbat during Khareef Dhofar season reflect growing awareness of the importance of local investment in environmental and community-based tourism. They also highlight the vital role Omani youth play in revitalizing the tourism economy through innovative ideas and developmental initiatives that strengthen local identity and culture.
Observer
14-07-2025
- Observer
Fanja Heritage House: A legacy bridging authenticity and modernity
BIDBID: In a historical corner where ancestral heritage and the echoes of the past intertwine, an ancient house stands as a witness to time, transforming into a vibrant economic project that harmonises tradition with modernity, heritage with investment. Located in the village of Fanja in Bidbid, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Fanja Heritage House revives the spirit of a decades-old ancestral home, now repurposed as both a heritage museum and a boutique guesthouse. It attracts visitors from across Oman, offering an escape from urban bustle and an ideal retreat for families and friends. This project exemplifies how cultural identity can be leveraged to serve sustainable development. Saif bin Nasser al Rawahi, a photographer and the project's owner, has infused this unique initiative with artistic and innovative touches. He explains that the house belonged to his family for nearly 40 years before being converted into a tourist destination two years ago. The heritage house comprises three sections: A cafe serving diverse Omani cuisine, surrounded by seating areas scattered throughout the property; an exploration zone where visitors wander through the house's nooks, encountering animals and lush greenery along stairways and bridges leading to Fanja Valley's terrace; and a guesthouse for those seeking an overnight stay immersed in heritage. Thanks to its seamless blend of nature and Omani heritage, the site has welcomed 160,000 visitors from over 63 countries as of May 2025. This success reflects both Omani youth's innovative spirit and tourists' eagerness to explore the region's ancient environments amid Oman's rapid modernisation. The heritage exhibition is divided into three sections: Traditional Omani attire, showcasing cultural diversity; artefacts, including woodwork, palm-frond crafts, silverware and jewellery; and photographs capturing Oman's unique cultural landscapes, customs and folk heritage. Al Rawahi highlighted the guesthouse's distinctive architecture, where water channels weave through its facilities, creating a serene aesthetic that underscores Omanis' mastery of traditional construction techniques. Fanja Heritage House stands as a testament to Oman's ability to honour its past while embracing the future — a model of cultural preservation driving sustainable tourism. - ONA
