Oman: Over 32,000 visitors explore Wadi Bani Khalid during Eid holiday
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has said that the popular tourist destination Wadi Bani Khalid drew a huge crowd during the Eid al Fitr holiday with 32,142 people visiting the place between March 30 and April 5.
According to MHT, the visitors included 1,080 Omanis, 1,440 Europeans, 28,626 Asians, and 996 other Arabs. During the holiday period, rescue teams assisted in the safe recovery of 14 individuals from drowning incidents.
The popular destination, 203km from Muscat – located in North Sharqiyah – drew visitors from around the region to enjoy its natural beauty, year-round flowing waters and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors like to explore its geological wonders, including the Maql Cave and 12 natural springs, such as Ain al Sarooj, Ain al Lathb, Ain Kanara, Ain al Muntajar, and Ain Ghalala.
The area is also home to 56 aflaj, with notable ones including Al Haili, Al Fardh, Al Sarooj, and Al Jarbi. In addition to its natural attractions, the wilayat boasts a rich history.
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Zawya
Jordan: Queen Alia Airport receives 814, 819 passengers in April
AMMAN — The Airport International Group (AIG) on Wednesday announced that Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) received 814,819 passengers in April, an increase of 21.8 per cent, compared with the same month last year. The airport recorded 6,446 movements during April, recording an increase of 11.5 per cent compared with the same period last year, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The airport handled 5,538 tonnes within air cargo traffic, recording a decrease of 14.9 per cent compared with April 2024. The QAIA, during the period between January and April, received 2,952,141 passengers, marking a growth of 11.9 per cent, compared with the same period in 2024. Aircraft movements in the first four months saw an increase by 6.9 per cent, with the airport recording 23,972 movements, while air cargo traffic saw a decrease by 16.1 per cent to reach 21,695 tonnes compared with the same period last year. CEO of the AIG Nicolas Deviller said, "We are delighted with this significant increase in monthly passenger traffic, which came as a result of the seasonal travel momentum at the end of Ramadan and during the extended Eid Al Fitr holiday, which allowed many to meet their loved ones or spend a long-awaited vacation." © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Zawya
Queen Alia International Airport welcomes 814,819 passengers during April 2025
Amman: Airport International Group announced that Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) welcomed 814,819 passengers (PAX) in April 2025, reflecting a significant 21.8% increase against the same period last year. Throughout the month, QAIA also recorded 6,446 aircraft movements (ACM), representing an 11.5% rise year-on-year. Meanwhile, cargo traffic reached 5,538 tons, marking a 14.9% decrease compared to April 2024. Cumulatively, from January to April 2025, QAIA received 2,952,141 PAX, indicating an 11.9% growth over the same period in 2024. ACM totaled 23,972, demonstrating a 6.9% rise, while cargo volumes stood at 21,695 tons, a 16.1% drop from the corresponding period last year. 'We are pleased with this substantial surge in monthly passenger traffic, which was spurred by the seasonal travel momentum around the end of Ramadan and an extended Eid al-Fitr holiday that offered many the opportunity to reunite with loved ones or enjoy well-earned vacations. As more passengers chose QAIA during this special time of year, our team remained dedicated to ensuring that each journey was defined by comfort, care and a truly welcoming experience that feels like home,' commented Airport International Group CEO, Nicolas Deviller. About Airport International Group Airport International Group is a Jordanian company comprising local and international investors with proven experience in airport rehabilitation, enhancement, operation and management. These include Groupe ADP (51%), Meridiam Eastern Europe Investments (32%), Mena Airport Holding Ltd. (12.25%) and Edgo Investment Holdings Ltd. (4.75%). In 2007, following a transparent and open international tender, the Government of Jordan awarded Airport International Group a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession agreement to manage the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA); Jordan's prime gateway to the world. Since the agreement commenced, QAIA ranked first place for eight years in the Airport Service Quality Survey's 'Best Airport by Size and Region: Middle East' category for airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers; was amongst the top two in the 'Best Airport by Region: Middle East' category for four consecutive years; and was named 'Most Enjoyable Airport in the Middle East' twice. In 2022, QAIA became the first airport in the Middle East and the second in Asia Pacific to reach Level 4+ 'Transition' of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (valid until 2025), as well as the first airport in the Middle East to achieve Level 3 of the Airport Customer Experience Accreditation (renewed until February 2026). Moreover, in 2024, QAIA attained a 4-Star Airport Rating following its first-ever participation in the SKYTRAX World Airport Audit, signifying that staff service or product standards meet a good quality level. According to a comprehensive study commissioned by Airport International Group and conducted by International Air Transport Association (IATA) Consulting, in 2019, QAIA supported 238,000 jobs and JOD 2.5 billion (8.9%) in GDP. By 2032, these figures are expected to increase to 278,000 jobs and JOD 3.9 billion in GDP. Underscoring its socioeconomic significance and standing as the main entry point to the Kingdom, QAIA processes over 97% of passengers and 99% of cargo.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Zawya
Oman engages governorates to reform tourism sector
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, launched a national workshop in Muscat on Monday to address governance challenges in the development of the heritage and tourism sectors. The four-day workshop brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies, and experts in governance, planning and tourism. The event aims to enhance institutional coordination, support decentralisation, and explore sustainable approaches to managing and financing tourism services. It also seeks to improve public-private partnerships, raise institutional efficiency, and contribute to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the workshop has been designed to strengthen coordination between local and national stakeholders and develop governance frameworks that support the economy and promote Omani cultural identity. 'The workshop created a platform to identify challenges, share experiences and formulate practical solutions,' he said. 'Feedback from the governors played a key role in shaping the agenda.' He emphasised the importance of empowering local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and using it to benefit future generations. The workshop would focus on three areas – governance and institutional integration to improve coordination; investment and tourism development governance to enhance the investment environment; and the development of facilities and services to upgrade infrastructure and visitor experiences. Participants are reviewing governance models and attending presentations on the role of governorates, the ministry's responsibilities and mechanisms for implementing decentralisation. Sessions highlight how stronger governance can improve institutional performance and ensure sustainable growth in line with national development goals. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
