Latest news with #AlJabalAlAkhdar
Zawya
04-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: $33.7mln projects under execution in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar
AL JABAL AL AKHDHAR: The Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is witnessing the implementation of ambitious development and investment projects at a cost exceeding RO 13 million. This is part of efforts to develop infrastructure, enhance tourism attractions and improve quality of life. This was disclosed at a field visit organised by Al Dakhiliyah Governorate for journalists and media professionals to review the development projects presently under implemented in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. They listened to a detailed presentation from project officials on the progress of the projects. Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, said that these projects are in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, developing public services and spurring local investment. He noted that construction work on the projects is progressing according to schedule. The Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Park, implemented at a cost exceeding RO 1.1 million, is scheduled to open this month. The project involves modern recreational facilities that meet the aspirations of the governorate's citizens, residents and visitors. The Governor of Al Dakhiliyah said that the governorate attaches great importance to internal road projects many of which have been completed of late at a cost of RO 1.37 million with another package worth RO 1.4 million currently underway. The governor explained that the project to develop the entrance to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and the dualisation of the main road are nearing completion of the consultancy services phase. The Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar recently witnessed the signing of four new investment contracts with local companies with a total value of RO 8.5 million, covering an area of more than 32,000 square metres and for investment periods ranging from 15 to 50 years to boost economic and tourism activity in the wilayat. The signed contracts invovle the construction and operation of an integrated commercial complex in the Hail Al Yaman area, which includes a 3-star hotel, an educational park, an entertainment centre and a shopping mall. The contracts are being implemented by the Smart Supply International, at a cost of RO 7.8 million. The contracts also include construction of a 3D-printed open field in Saih Qatna at a cost of RO 300,000; the Daan Al Busaiteen Park at a cost of RO 100,000 and the operation of Saih Qatna Park, with recreational facilities, a restaurant and a mountain view. Shaikh Sultan bin Mansoor al Ghufaili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, emphasised that the development projects in the Wilayat reflect commitment to consolidating the concepts of sustainable development. He noted that integration with the Office of the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has significantly contributed to accelerating project implementation and providing institutional support. Among the projects currently under implementation is a modern public park, which aims to provide an open and integrated recreational space that meets the aspirations of residents and visitors and enhances the quality of life, Al Ghufaili said. Al Dakhiliyah Governorate announced the formation of a joint working group to develop an integrated agricultural tourism project. This project includes educational, recreational and service facilities, most notably a honey museum, a science laboratory, a local rose farm and rosewater distillery, an olive farm and a public park. The project will be implemented on land owned by the governorate in partnership with the private sector. It was also agreed to form a technical team from the governorate and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources to study the implementation of dam projects to harvest rainwater and maintain agricultural terraces, thus enhancing the efficiency of water resources. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
03-08-2025
- Times of Oman
Al Ain Village: Where nature meets heritage
Muscat: Al Ain Village in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is a popular tourist destination for many visitors to the wilayat. This is due to its moderate climate in the summer and extremely cold in the winter, its rich historical and cultural landmarks, and its diverse agricultural crops, such as roses, pomegranates, grapes, and many others, spread across terraces that reflect Omani agricultural nature. The village's blend of mountainous terrain, natural landscapes, and farms makes it a favorite destination for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those who enjoy hiking along the many ancient trails that connect the villages of Al Jabal Al Akhdar to the villages of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and several villages in the wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate. Engineer Yahya bin Nasser bin Saif Al Riyami, a resident of Al Ain Village in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, said: "Al Ain Village is one of the oldest villages in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, dating back hundreds of years. It is of great importance to the wilayat. It is centrally located in the wilayat, and also boasts a prime location. It sits on a mass of travertine rocks, known for their abundant water supply since ancient times. This gives it a beautiful view of three of the wilayat's villages: Al Aqar, Al Shurayjah, and Al Qasha." Al Riyami pointed out that the village's name stems from the presence of water springs in the village, from which three aflaj spring: Falaj Al A'war, which irrigates the farms of the villages of Al Ain, Al Aqar, and Al Qasha; Falaj Al Qanti, which irrigates the farms of Al Ain; and Falaj Abu Kabir, which irrigates the farms of Al Shurayjah and part of the farms of Al Ain. There are also several water springs, such as Ain Al Uyaynah. Al Riyami explained that Al Ain village is famous for several historical, cultural, and religious landmarks, including the site called "Al Qalaa," which overlooks the village from the north and is considered one of the oldest residential houses first inhabited by the Persians. The engineering of the underground aflaj (water canals) is a historical masterpiece in itself, and the village's houses—especially the old ones—bear witness to the village's rich history. Furthermore, the cultural aspect, which is the primary factor in consolidating the village's history and passing it on across generations, is evident in the school for the Holy Qur'an and religious studies, the allocation of a collection of religious, cultural, scientific, and other books as a general endowment for the village, and the allocation of an area of the village's farms to be used for the endowment of books. From a religious perspective, the old mosques are a testament to the villagers' long-standing interest in this aspect. There are four mosques in the village: the Upper Mosque, the Naranja Mosque, the Khashbatain Mosque, and the Qanti Mosque. Engineer Yahya bin Nasser Al Riyami explained that the geographical location of Al Ain village, central to the villages of Al Jabal Al Akhdar Governorate, created a network of pedestrian paths, which were the only artery through which the villagers traveled in all directions. Those wishing to travel to the Wilayat of Nizwa take the road linking the village to the villages of Saiq and Wadi Bani Habib, and then to the Wilayat of Nizwa. Those wishing to go to Birkat al-Mouz take the road linking the village to the villages of Ash-Sharijah, Salut, and Masirah al-Rawajih. Those wishing to go to the Wilayat of Izki take the road linking the village to the villages of Al-Aqar and Hail al-Yaman. Those heading to the Wilayat of Samail take the road linking the village to the village of Al-Manakhir. Those heading to the Wilayat of Al-Awabi in the South Al Batinah Governorate take the road linking the village to the villages of Hail al-Masbat, then to the villages of Al-Aliya, Misfat Ash-Shariqiyyin, Al-Hajjar, or Thaqb in Wadi Bani Kharus in the Wilayat of Al-Awabi. These roads were of great interest to the people of the Wilayat of Jabal Al-Akhdar, as they were the only artery used to travel to other wilayats for their errands. Consequently, they received great attention, with maintenance and repairs being undertaken in the event of damage caused by rain or other factors. After the construction of a road during the reign of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said from Birkat Al Mouz to the Wilayat of Al Jabal Akhdar, pedestrian paths fell into disuse. They are currently limited to hiking and adventure enthusiasts. These paths are receiving attention from the relevant authorities to make them passable, as they have become a tourist and heritage attraction and have contributed significantly to learning about the past civilizations that used these routes. Al Riyami noted that there are significant efforts being made to develop adventure tourism by the relevant authorities in the villages of Jabal Akhdar. Engineer Yahya Al Riyami emphasised that Al Ain village is surrounded by agricultural orchards on all sides, like a bracelet on the wrist. It contains all types of agricultural crops, which are also found in other villages of the Wilayat, such as deciduous fruit trees (pomegranates, peaches, apricots, walnuts, grapes, and others), vegetable crops such as garlic and onions, and fodder crops. It is also distinguished by the cultivation of rose trees, which is a source of income for the villagers after the pomegranate crop. Most of the villagers work in the rosewater distillation profession, which has earned the village great importance and a good reputation at the state level, and even at the level of the Sultanate of Oman. Therefore, this activity is hoped to be a factor in attracting visitors during the rose harvest season. Al Riyami said: "It is noticeable that visitors to the village are present throughout the year, as it is a tourist attraction due to its advantages. However, the number of visitors varies from one season to another, with peak visitor periods occurring during the holiday and official holidays, the rosewater harvesting and distillation seasons, and the pomegranate harvest."
Times of Oman
31-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Meeting held to discuss agricultural investment projects in Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Al Jabal Al Akhdar: A meeting was held on Thursday in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, chaired by Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Sultan Mansour Al Ghaithy, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, and Masoud Sulaiman Al Azri, Director General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources. The meeting reviewed the initial concept of an investment project the Ministry intends to implement in the wilayat. The project includes multiple facilities, most notably a "Honey Museum" with halls dedicated to the history of Omani bees, a sorting unit, a scientific laboratory, and an environmental corner, in addition to other service facilities. The project also features a local rose farm, a rosewater distillation factory with an interactive viewing window, a dedicated area for workshops, and a shop for rose products, along with other service amenities. Furthermore, the project will include an olive farm and a public park that promote integrated eco-tourism and agricultural concepts. These facilities will be developed under a corporate investment system in partnership with the private sector. During the meeting, a joint technical team was formed, comprising members from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources. This team will be responsible for studying the implementation of several projects for rainwater harvesting and the maintenance of agricultural terraces, with the aim of improving water resource efficiency and preserving the heritage of mountain agriculture.
Times of Oman
23-07-2025
- Times of Oman
"Journey of Challenge" programme attracts 740 students from across governorates to hone skills
Al Jabal Al Akhdar: As the summer holiday begins, students are eager to invest their free time in meaningful educational and recreational activities that develop their skills and enhance their capabilities. Educational centres are dedicated to providing engaging and safe programmes that combine learning with enjoyment. They offer a variety of activities such as art workshops, educational camps, sports, self-development programmes, and recreational trips. These initiatives aim to instill positive values like cooperation, discipline, and creativity, while also developing students' talents and motivating them to discover their potential in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and positive energy, learn new skills, and build friendships among participants. In this context, the Ministry of Education, represented by the Career Guidance and Student Counselling Centre, in collaboration with "Challenge Oman," is implementing a summer programme for students. The programme, titled "Journey of Challenge," aims to empower and develop students' skills and prepare them for future demands through a stimulating, interactive environment that blends learning with practical experience. The programme began this July and will continue until 21 August. The programme includes 37 specialised training courses with the participation of 740 male and female students from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The courses cover diverse topics focused on building students' character and enhancing their skills in different aspects of life. The sessions are being held in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and at the Ashour Camp in Dhofar Governorate. The programme aims to promote self-discovery, build self-confidence, and foster new friendships among students from different governorates. It also includes field visits to the Outward Bound Oman centre in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which features two educational halls, a theatre, and outdoor learning units, to provide a unique learning and training experience.
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.
