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Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Dakhliyah to host month-long tourism festival in Jabal Sharqi
Muscat – The wilayat of Al Hamra in Dakhliyah is set to host Al Hamra Tourism 2025 Festival in August, with a month-long programme of cultural, recreational and adventure activities planned in Al Jabal al Sharqi. Running from August 1 to 30, the festival is part of wider efforts to boost the governorate's tourism profile and support sustainable development. Authorities aim to position Al Jabal al Sharqi as a year-round destination for visitors. Sheikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, said the governorate is undergoing phased development to deliver an integrated tourism experience aligned with environmental sustainability goals. He highlighted coordination with Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to upgrade services and manage tourist inflow. Tenders for the Al Jabal al Sharqi Oasis project, covering 10,000sqm, are currently under review. Planned features include men's and women's prayer halls, a 300sqm restaurant, open-air theatre, shaded seating areas, pedestrian pathways, and year-round visitor amenities. The governor noted the project aligns with Vision 2040 objectives, particularly in supporting SMEs and promoting community-based tourism. Situated at around 2,000m above sea level, Al Jabal al Sharqi offers cool climate and is ideal for eco-tourism and outdoor adventure activities such as hiking and off-roading. With increasing interest in nature-based experiences, the governor stressed the need to develop infrastructure that accommodates visitors while protecting the area's natural environment. He also called for active participation of the local community, particularly youth, in tourism-related enterprises. Sheikh Sulaiman bin Said al Azri, Wali of Al Hamra, informed that this year's edition of the festival will feature a wide range of offerings catering to families, tourists and adventure seekers. The festival programme includes guided sunrise hikes, camping sites with furnished tents, horse rides, hiking trails, and 4×4 shuttle services to elevated viewpoints. The wali said the festival will contribute to long-term tourism objectives of Al Hamra, creating opportunities for youth and supporting local enterprises. 'This festival supports the integration of economic, cultural and social development goals,' he said.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Al Jabal Al Sharqi in Al Hamra attracts hordes of visitors
AL HAMRA: Al Jabal Al Sharqi (The Eastern Mountain) is witnessing a qualitative transformation that positions it as a key contributor to domestic tourism and local community empowerment, thanks to ongoing efforts to develop tourism infrastructure and enhance the readiness of natural sites. Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, affirmed that the governorate has prioritised the development of the Al Jabal Al Sharqi, working to create an integrated tourism environment that meets visitors' expectations while adhering to sustainable environmental standards. He noted that the governorate, in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is improving service efficiency, regulating visitor traffic, and ensuring smooth entry and exit to guarantee a balanced and safe tourism experience. He said the 'Al Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis' project as one of the most prominent development initiatives in the governorate. The project's tender was floated last April, and bids are currently under review. Spanning 10,000 square metres, the project includes a comprehensive range of tourism and service facilities, such as prayer halls for men and women, a 300-square-metre investment restaurant, an outdoor theatre, 13 seating canopies, pedestrian walkways, open spaces and service amenities designed to enhance the site's year-round appeal. He emphasised that this project embodies the practical implementation of Oman Vision 2040 through high-quality initiatives that leverage the geographical and environmental uniqueness of each wilayat. The focus on sustainable tourism sites goes hand in hand with direct support for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a pivotal role in service delivery and generating economic opportunities for citizens. The Governor of Al Dakhiliyah stated that Al Jabal Al Sharqi is a year-round destination, particularly for camping and adventure enthusiasts, necessitating infrastructure capable of accommodating this demand. He affirmed that the governorate's development vision relies on engaging local communities in project implementation and fostering an enabling environment for youth initiatives, thereby promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the tourism sector. Shaikh Sulaiman bin Said al Azri, Wali of Al Hamra, said that the 'Al Hamra Tourism 2025' event will kick off on August 1 in Al Jabal Al Sharqi, running until August 30. The event, he pointed out, features a packed programme of diverse activities catering to all age groups, blending entertainment, adventure and culture. — ONA
