Latest news with #SouthAlBatinah


Times of Oman
21 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Bald Sayt village: A hub for tourism, adventure enthusiasts
A'Rustaq: Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Bald Sayt village in the Wilayat of A'Rustaq in South Al Batinah Governorate, has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along the famed Wadi (valley) of Bani Auf trail, known as 'Snake Canyon' for its challenging terrain. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognized among Oman's mountain trails, linking Bald Sayt to the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village boasts five tourist facilities with 42 rooms, attracting numerous daily visitors. Its natural and heritage diversity, coupled with unique experiences, makes it particularly popular in winter (September to April) when temperatures drop and tourism peaks. Summer tourism (May to August) also thrives due to the village's moderate climate. Bald Sayt lies along an active tourist route promoted by travel companies for its historical landmarks, natural springs, and traditional markets. T These attractions complement the adventure offerings of Wadi Bani Auf and extend toward Al Hamra in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The canyon, a dramatic rock fissure in Bani Auf Valley, earns its name from its serpentine twists. Adventurers can tackle three rappelling points—the highest at 23 meters—and navigate 13 natural water pools across a 3-kilometre stretch. A shorter trail, 'Baseer Al-Zama,' features a 4-meter rappel and opportunities for swimming and cliff-jumping amid striking rock formations. Bald Sayt's origins are deeply rooted in history, with landmarks like the fortified 'Al-Manie Tower,' the ancient 'Al-Madiq Mosque,' and the 400-year-old 'Great Falaj' irrigation system, now a UNESCO-listed architectural heritage site. The village also preserves intangible heritage, including traditional crafts like basket-weaving, rope-making, and palm-frond handicrafts. Funded by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and Al Zubair Institution, the 'Agri-Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems' project aims to revitalise rural areas. As Oman's first such initiative, it seeks to bolster economic sustainability and local community development.


Times of Oman
4 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Dimaniyat Islands sees major coral reef cleanup
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman's Environment Authority (EA) recently conducted its first coral reef cleaning campaign of 2025 in the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, located in South Al Batinah. The Environment Authority said: 'The Authority has launched the first coral reef cleaning campaign in the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve for 2025 in South Al Batinah.' 'As part of this effort, divers cleared 140 kg of nets and iron debris from Lumiyya Island, reinforcing their commitment to marine conservation and the protection of natural habitats,' EA added.


Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
South Al Batinah Municipal Council reviews development, service projects
Al Rustaq: The South Al Batinah Municipal Council, during its fifth periodic meeting for 2025, reviewed the governorate's plan for projects to be implemented under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The meeting, chaired by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Municipal Council, discussed several development and service projects. During the meeting, the Council hosted Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority. The Council also reviewed responses received from relevant authorities, including development plans for the Wilayat of Wadi Al Maawil, a proposed health walkway near Nakhal Health Center, and the opening of internal roads to serve the wilayat. These periodic council meetings reflect the commitment to follow up on development and service projects while considering citizens' proposals and needs across South Al Batinah Governorate's various wilayats, contributing to comprehensive and sustainable development.


Zawya
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Temperature approaches 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Oman
Muscat: The temperature recorded at Qurayyat station in Muscat Governorate on Saturday, May 17, 2025 was close to 50 degrees Celsius. According to data by Oman Meteorology, Qurayyat station in Muscat Governorate has recorded 48.6 degree Celsius as the highest temperature among all the weather stations in the Sultanate of Oman in last 24 hours, followed by Al Ashkharah station in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate with 47.2 degree Celsius and then Sur station in same governorate with 46.4 degree Celsius . Al Awabi station in South Al Batinah Governorate recorded 45.6 degree Celsius while the temperature was 45.5 degree Celsius in Ibra station, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate and 45.4 degree Celsius in Khasab Airport. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Times of Oman
Temperature approaches 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Oman
Muscat: The temperature recorded at Qurayyat station in Muscat Governorate on Saturday, May 17, 2025 was close to 50 degrees Celsius. According to data by Oman Meteorology, Qurayyat station in Muscat Governorate has recorded 48.6 degree Celsius as the highest temperature among all the weather stations in the Sultanate of Oman in last 24 hours, followed by Al Ashkharah station in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate with 47.2 degree Celsius and then Sur station in same governorate with 46.4 degree Celsius . Al Awabi station in South Al Batinah Governorate recorded 45.6 degree Celsius while the temperature was 45.5 degree Celsius in Ibra station, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate and 45.4 degree Celsius in Khasab Airport.