
Al Jabal Al Sharqi in Al Hamra attracts hordes of visitors
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
Hashtags

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


Times of Oman
21 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Al Mazunah Free Zone sees growth in cargo movement, attracts 8 new projects
Salalah: The total investment volume in Al Mazunah Free Zone in Dhofar Governorate has reached OMR140.17 million. This follows the attraction of eight diverse projects valued at OMR165,000 over the past period, which will span an area estimated at 5,405.88 square metres. Eng. Ahmed Khamis Al Kasbi, Director General of Al Mazunah Free Zone, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that 172 lease contracts have been signed in the zone, distributed across industrial, service, and commercial activities. The zone's management is actively seeking to attract investments in the industrial sector to ensure the sustainability of investment movement. He clarified that the zone is currently finalizing preparations for the operation of the animal quarantine facility in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, with trial operations expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Simultaneously, 70% of the water desalination plant project has been completed, with full operation anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year, aiming to enhance the zone's infrastructure. Al Kasbi noted that during the first half of 2025 (January to June), the free zone received over 137,000 tons of various goods, marking an approximately 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which saw over 113,000 tonnes. Concurrently, the number of vehicles entering and exiting the free zone surged by 31%, reaching 2,921 vehicles, up from 2,223 last year. He added that the zone has issued a tender announcement for a duty-free market management and operation project to specialised companies. This initiative aims to activate direct sales and provide services for travelers crossing the border between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen. It is noteworthy that Oman is striving to enhance the competitiveness of its free zones at the regional level and attract more local and international investment. This is to stimulate economic growth, expand the productive base, deepen investment in sectors with global added value, strengthen the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, and affirm Oman Vision 2040's economic objectives. Al Mazunah Free Zone, the first free zone in Oman, is located in the far southwest of the country. It serves as the Gulf gateway for transit trade to East African countries via Yemen. The Wilayat of Al Mazunah is recognised for its economic growth, positioning it among the promising wilayats in Oman's development and progress across various sectors.


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Vibrant Al Ashkharah welcomes visitors
Muscat, July 16 Under the auspices of Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, the third edition of the Ajwa'a al Ashkharah (Al Ashkharah Summer Extravaganza) festival was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, in the seaside town of Al Ashkharah, located in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. The festival, which continues until August 9, offers a wide array of daily activities including cultural performances, musical evenings, poetry recitals, family events, interactive competitions and heritage showcases — positioning Al Ashkharah as a unique summer destination on the national tourism map. The opening highlighted several community-based initiatives and interactive programmes aimed at engaging diverse age groups while showcasing the cultural and economic potential. Guests were treated to a documentary-style presentation introducing the vision and objectives of the festival, followed by a musical performance by a local scout band. Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of Al Sharqiyah South, stated that the festival has evolved into a practical model for sustainable local development, underlining the importance of seasonal tourism in stimulating the local economy and fostering community engagement. 'The real value of this festival lies not only in its programme lineup but in its ability to create meaningful partnerships between the public sector, private businesses and the local community,' he said. 'It's about activating a local ecosystem where everyone has a role — whether through small enterprises, cultural contributions, or social innovation. This edition has been particularly expansive and well- coordinated, building on the success of previous years,' he added. He emphasised that tourism must be rooted in community involvement and local potential: 'We are committed to developing a comprehensive and sustainable model for domestic tourism — one that is grounded in creativity, interaction and continuous improvement. Our aim is to align these efforts with Oman Vision 2040, ensuring that festivals like this serve as platforms for dialogue, innovation and long-term development.' Mohammed bin Humaid al Ghabshi, Wali of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, noted that the third edition of the festival demonstrates the community's growing capacity to design and execute high-impact events. 'This year's festival has expanded its reach to include not only traditional and recreational offerings but also modern tools for economic empowerment. Youth and women are actively engaged through SMEs displays, family-run businesses and creative platforms.' The Wali added that this year's programme was carefully curated to include activities for children, families and entrepreneurs alike, turning the festival into a space that blends entertainment with education and enterprise.


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
RO 2.4m municipal projects in Adam implemented
ADAM: The Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is witnessing the implementation of a series of service and municipal projects aimed at enhancing public service efficiency, with a total cost exceeding RO 2.43 million. These projects span multiple sectors, including internal road paving, market construction and the development of recreational facilities, as part of a balanced plan to distribute development across the governorate's wilayats. Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, highlighted that the ongoing projects cover essential sectors that directly impact citizens' daily lives. Among the most prominent is the vegetable and fruit market project, which has reached 75% completion, along with the design and implementation of an internal road network spanning approximately 35 kilometres. The consultancy services project for the design of currently implemented roads has been fully completed, while work continues on the Al Handali industrial layout, with progress reaching around 40%. The Wilayat of Adam has also received several developmental initiatives costing over RO 1.2 million, including the construction of market shades, an animal feed market equipped with essential services, maintenance of damaged road sections, and street lighting leading to public facilities such as Adam Public Park. Additionally, expansion works and lighting installations have been carried out on the road leading to Adam Air Base, along with the supply and installation of 257 streetlight poles along the Adam-Sinaw Road (Phase 1), covering 13.5 kilometres. Adam Public Park stands out as a key project in advancing the wilayat's community infrastructure. Spanning over 250,000 square metres, the park is undergoing comprehensive development to transform it into an integrated tourist and recreational facility catering to all segments of society. - ONA