Maqshin welcomes visitors with traditional hospitality
Organised by the Office of the Wali of Maqshin, the event reflected the authentic spirit of Omani hospitality and underscored the role of local communities in enriching the tourism experience during the much-anticipated khareef season, which draws thousands of visitors from across Oman and beyond.
Shaikh Madin bin Ali Ghawas, Deputy Wali of Maqshin, highlighted the wilayat's commitment to leveraging the khareef season to strengthen community participation and foster collaboration with key partners.
'Our goal is to ensure that the khareef season becomes a platform for social and economic engagement,' he said. 'Welcoming visitors with warmth and enthusiasm not only enhances their experience, but also reinforces the wilayat's image as a key contributor to Oman's tourism landscape.' — ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
96% pilgrim satisfaction in quality of Haj service
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) praised the successful Haj pilgrimage from the Sultanate of Oman during 1446 AH, corresponding to 2025. The Omani Haj Mission reported significant improvements in services for Omani pilgrims in Mina and Arafat, with a 96 per cent success rate in a poll on 27 indicators of service quality during the Haj 1446 AH (2025) compared to 85 per cent in 1445 AH (2024). Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the annual Haj conclusion press conference, Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Haj Mission for 1446 AH, said satisfaction with Haj and umrah companies reached 98 per cent. 'Similarly, the satisfaction rate with security services reached 100 per cent, and with health services reached 99 per cent during the Haj season of 1446 AH. The level of satisfaction based on the overall services provided at Mina and Arafat camps reached 96 per cent, compared to 89 per cent for the 1445 AH season,' he said, appreciating all those involved in making the season smooth and hassle-free. Regarding Haj and Umrah companies in Mecca and Madinah, he stated that the pilgrims' satisfaction rate with the performance of the rituals, including awareness, guidance, logistics, food services and other services, exceeded the expected levels. Additionally, Oman's quota of 14,000 Haj pilgrims has been maintained, and efforts are ongoing to keep it the same. 'The satisfaction rate with the electronic registration system for pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman reached 99 per cent. The number of pilgrims who travelled by land reached 5,122, and by air reached 8,878. The satisfaction levels with entry and exit services via land and air ports reached 97.6 per cent, which is a commendable achievement. In addition, the mobile vehicle initiative for performing the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals targeted 450 elderly pilgrims and those with special needs,' he said. A total of 14,000 pilgrims attended Haj this year. Additionally, there were many qualitative initiatives during the Haj season of 1446 AH, including the 'Awqaf Bait al Rabat' initiative, which benefited more than 150 pilgrims, with a total amount exceeding RO 150,000. On the other hand, there were challenges, according to Al Rashdi, which include the delay caused in approving the quota of service elements accompanying Haj companies, organisational and administrative challenges in pilgrims' transit via the land route, and the readiness of the camp infrastructure during the pilgrimage.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Omani Haj Mission reports 96% pilgrim satisfaction
Muscat – Omani Haj Mission for 1446 AH has reported increased satisfaction among pilgrims, with overall satisfaction for services in Mina and Arafat camps reaching 96%, compared to 89% last year. The figures were shared at a press conference held on Tuesday by H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashidi, Undersecretary in Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Head of the Haj Mission for 1446 AH. H E Rashidi stated that satisfaction with haj and umrah companies in Makkah and Madinah – covering awareness, guidance, logistics, food and other services – reached 98%. Satisfaction with security services stood at 100% and 99% for health services. The electronic registration system for Omani pilgrims also received high praise, recording a satisfaction rate of 99%. Satisfaction with entry and exit services via land and air ports reached 97.6%. According to the ministry, 5,122 pilgrims travelled by road and 8,878 by air, taking the total number of pilgrims to 14,000. Several initiatives were implemented this year to improve the haj experience, including Awqaf Bait al Rabat, which supported over 150 pilgrims with assistance amounting to more than RO150,000.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Hotel occupancy in Ibri soars to 100pc amid khareef travel boom
IBRI: The Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate experiences increasing tourist and commercial activity every July and August. As a transit and rest stop for visitors from GCC countries travelling through land ports to Dhofar Governorate, this contributes to a rise in occupancy rates at the wilayat's hotel and lodging establishments. Ali bin Khamis al Sidairi, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Heritage and Tourism in Al Dhahirah Governorate, explained that the governorate sees a notable increase in the hospitality sector during the Khareef Dhofar Season. Occupancy rates in a number of establishments range from 85 to 100 per cent, reflecting the growing demand during this time of year. Al Sidairi added that the number of licensed hotels and lodging facilities in Al Dhahirah Governorate has risen to 55 establishments by the end of July 2025, compared to 48 at the end of 2024, a growth rate of 14.5 per cent. He noted that this number is expected to increase further by the end of the current year. He pointed out that the Rub al Khali border crossing in Al Dhahirah Governorate, which connects Oman to Saudi Arabia, undertakes a pivotal role in facilitating overland tourism. This has created promising investment opportunities on both sides of the road, including fuel stations and quick service centres, as well as a number of hotels and rest stops, thereby enhancing the governorate's added value. Markets, commercial centres, restaurants, cafes and various other commercial projects in the wilayat are experiencing increased activity during this period, along with a noticeable rise in traffic. This signals promising investment opportunities for young Omanis and provides seasonal and permanent job opportunities in several vital sectors. — ONA
