9 hours ago
Tourism master plan for Jabal Abyad begins
Muscat – A major tourism development initiative is in the pipeline for Jabal Abyad, or White Mountain, in Al Hamra, as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism seeks to unlock the area's untapped potential for sustainable, cultural and nature-based tourism.
Spanish consulting firm THR Strategic Tourism Advisors announced that it has begun working on a comprehensive tourism master plan for the region. The firm has been advising tourism-focused organisations worldwide for over four decades.
'We are excited to share that we've officially launched a project to develop a tourism master plan for Jabal Abyad,' the firm posted on LinkedIn. Located in the Dakhliyah governorate, Jabal Abyad lies less than a two-hour drive from Muscat and is known for its dramatic landscapes, rich archaeological heritage, and welcoming communities.
As part of the initial fieldwork, the THR team – comprising Javier Gonzalez-Garcia and Maria Vilaplana – visited the site with officials from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and local experts. The visit was aimed at assessing the area's assets and identifying development opportunities in line with sustainable tourism goals.
'Jabal Abyad holds remarkable potential for nature-based and cultural tourism, with its stunning wadis, rich archaeological sites, awe-inspiring caves, and above all, the warm hospitality of its people,' the consultants stated. They emphasised that the visit was a critical first step in shaping a plan that respects both the environment and the local culture.
The initiative follows Royal Directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik last year to accelerate the development of Jabal Abyad and Wakan Village. The directive called for the provision of essential infrastructure and supportive conditions to transform these areas into key tourism destinations, particularly for outdoor, camping and adventure travel.
The move aligns with Oman's strategy to increase the tourism sector's contribution to GDP, generate local economic value, and create employment opportunities for citizens.
The tourism masterplan is expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the area, ensuring long-term benefits.
