Latest news with #ADakhiliyah
Times of Oman
22-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Over 89,000 visitors to Al Jabal Al Akhdar in 1st half of 2025
Al Jabal Al Akhdar: The number of visitors to the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate from January to the end of June 2025 reached 89,780, compared to 84,869 visitors during the same period in 2024, marking an increase of 5.8%, according to statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. This rise in visitors during the first half of 2025 is attributed to the organisation of several events in the Wilaya, such as the "Spring of the Mountain" event, which coincided with the rose harvest season. This is one of the most prominent annual events that contributed to attracting visitors and tourists from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The events, organized in collaboration between the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate Office, the Department of Heritage and Tourism, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department in the governorate, helped boost tourism and introduce visitors to the value of Omani roses, their associated agricultural practices and traditional industries, as well as highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Other notable events, such as the "Rumana" event, also played a role. Statistics revealed that the number of Omani visitors to Al Jabal Al Akhdar in the first half of 2025 reached 26,605, while visitors from GCC countries exceeded 6,000. The data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information also showed that the number of visitors from other Arab nationalities reached 4,998, while foreign nationals accounted for the largest share of visitors at 51,710. It is worth noting that Al Jabal Al Akhdar is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Sultanate of Oman, known for its moderate summer climate. The availability of numerous hotel facilities, rest houses, and tourist lodges, along with the hosting of various events, has contributed to attracting tourists. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is also considered one of the most important destinations for ecotourism and adventure tourism. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking through valleys, exploring caves, and mountain climbing, which also provide opportunities to experience the local culture in the Wilaya villages, further enhancing its appeal as a comprehensive tourist destination.
Times of Oman
20-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate prepares to inaugurate Al Jabal Al Akhdar Park
Al Jabal Al Akhdar: The Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in A'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 Akhdar Park under construction in Seeh Qatnah, alongside the recently inaugurated Celebration Square, which hosted the opening events of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival 2025. Sheikh Sultan Mansour Al Ghafili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, 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 Oman News Agency (ONA), he noted that the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Park project is progressing rapidly, with completion exceeding 85%. The park is set to officially open to visitors in August 2025 at a cost exceeding OMR1.1 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 theater 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 Akhdar, 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, emphasizing collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and local communities to ensure holistic and sustainable impact, he added. On his turn, Eng. Mohammed 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 harmonizing with Al Jabal Al Akhdar'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 Akhdar 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 Akhdar as a sustainable tourism hub, balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation to reinforce the governorate's position on Oman's tourism and investment map.
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Oman Across Ages Museum wins 2025 International Chapter Award for Public Architecture
Manah - Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, has won the 2025 International Chapter Award for Public Architecture. The award was conferred on the museum by the Australian Institute of Architects. The museum merited the award for its prominence in the category of international projects. The award was announced at the Australian Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan. Oman Across Ages Museum had been designed by the "COX Architecture" Australian firm. This award caps the museum's success story as an architectural project that embodies environmental and cultural values, while at the same time maintaining the spirit of innovation in global architecture. The head of the jury that adjudicated the rankings said that the entries submitted this year highlighted diversity in terms of geographical, cultural and environmental challenges addressed by the winning designs. He explained that the winning designs responded to the aforementioned challenges through their high quality of materials, precision in detail and harmony with their physical entourage. Oman Across Ages Museum is one of the most prominent cultural projects in the Sultanate of Oman. It embodies the country's historical and cultural depth by portraying local identity during a period of more than 800 million years. The museum offers an interactive experience using advanced display technologies.
Times of Oman
13-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Bait Finjaa 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 harmonizes tradition with modernity, heritage with investment. Located in the village of Fanjain Bidbid, A'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 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, contributing to local tourism and the economy of Bidbid and Oman at large. The heritage house comprises three sections: A Café 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; 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 modernization. The heritage exhibition is divided into three sections: Traditional Omani attire, showcasing cultural diversity; Artifacts, including woodwork, palm-frond crafts, silverware, and jewelry; 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 honor its past while embracing the future—a model of cultural preservation driving sustainable tourism.
Times of Oman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's Wilayat of Manah yields 3 tonnes of honey in current season
Manah: The production of honey, including both Sidr (jujube tree) honey and Samar (Acacia tree) varieties, in the Wilayat of Manah in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate for this season reached approximately 3 tonnes. The number of beekeepers in the wilayat exceeds 100, managing around 1,400 beehives. Mohammed bin Hareb Al Bahlani, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in the Wilayat of Manah, stated that honeybee gathering is a profession of great interest to broad segments of society in the wilayat and serves as a vital source of income for many families engaged in this profession. It contributes to supporting the national economy by meeting the local market's demand for various types of honey and promoting it both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman through participation in specialised festivals and events, he said. He added that this year's production, particularly of Samar (Acacia tree) honey, saw better yields compared to the previous year due to the availability of pasture and the absence of pests and diseases in the hives. This led to increased availability and a noticeable drop in prices for consumers. Reflecting on his experience in local honey production, beekeeper Nasser bin Hamoud Al Busaidi noted that his journey with Omani honey gathering began 40 years ago, highlighting the challenges of collecting honey while traversing valleys and mountains. He explained that transporting hives outside the wilayat is costly, though some beekeepers prefer it due to drought and high temperatures. This year, however, favourable conditions—such as limited rainfall and abundant Samar tree blossoms—resulted in good production. He further noted variations in the taste and quality of honey across Oman's governorates due to higher coastal humidity compared to inland areas, despite bees requiring minimal humidity. Additionally, he emphasised that beekeeping provides a stable and rewarding income for many, with prices remaining affordable, thereby adding value to the local economy. Effective marketing efforts, particularly among youth and through various communication channels, as well as participation in ongoing festivals and events, further contribute to this sector. It is worth noting that the number of beekeepers in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate stands at approximately 1,639, with honey production last year (2024) reaching around 168 tonnes of Sidr (jujube tree) and Samar (Acacia tree) honey. This figure is expected to increase by the end of the current season.
