Al Jabal Al Sharqi (The Eastern Mountain) in Al Hamra is undergoing a qualitative change that will make it a significant contributor to domestic tourism and local community empowerment, owing to continuous efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and improve the accessibility of natural sites.
Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, Governor of A'Dakhiliyah, stated that the governorate has focused on the growth of Al Jabal Al Sharqi, aiming to build an integrated tourism environment that meets visitors' expectations while adhering to sustainable environmental standards. He emphasized that the governorate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is enhancing service efficiency, managing visitor traffic, and ensuring smooth access and exit to provide a balanced and safe tourism experience.
Speaking with Oman News Agency (ONA), he emphasized the Al Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis project as one of the governorate's most notable development projects. The project's tender was released last April, and bids are now under assessment. Covering 10,000 square meters, the project offers a full spectrum of tourism and service facilities, including prayer halls for men and women, a 300-square-meter investment restaurant, an outdoor theater, 13 seating canopies, pedestrian walkways, open spaces, and service amenities to increase the site's year-round attractiveness.
He emphasised that this project represents the practical application of Oman Vision 2040 through high-quality initiatives that take use of the geographical and environmental distinctiveness of each wilayat. He emphasized that focusing on sustainable tourism locations coincides with direct support for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), which play an important role in service delivery and providing economic prospects for locals.
The Governor of Al Dakhiliyah has stated that Al Jabal Al Sharqi is a year-round destination, particularly for camping and adventure seekers, and that the infrastructure must be able to support this demand. He confirmed that the governorate's development vision is based on involving local communities in project execution and establishing an enabling environment for youth initiatives, thus encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset in the tourism sector.
Sheikh Sulaiman Said Al Azri, Wali of Al Hamra, informed ONA that the Al Hamra Tourism 2025 event will begin on August 1 in Al Jabal Al Sharqi and run until August 30. He emphasized that the event has a full schedule of various activities for all age groups, including entertainment, adventure, and culture.
He also mentioned that the event offers sunrise viewing trips from mountain summits, a specified camping area with fully equipped tents, and service amenities like restrooms and power stations. Exciting adventures will feature mountain horse rides, marked hiking paths, and 4x4 vehicle tours to high-altitude summits, as well as sports like trail running and cycling on well-designated routes for nature and fitness lovers.
Regarding entertainment, he mentioned specific spaces for restaurants and cafés, as well as family and children's activities. This year's notable additions include a glass viewpoint with panoramic views of Al Hamra and a contemporary stargazing platform equipped with cutting-edge telescopes, which enhance the tourism experience by connecting it to science and space exploration.
The Wali stated that organizing these tourism events is part of a bigger goal to position the wilayat as a dynamic tourist destination, empower youngsters to start their own projects, and create an encouraging environment for local economic initiatives. The event acts as a crucial platform to promote SMEs, highlighting the need of integrating economic, social, and cultural development.
It should be mentioned that Al Jabal Al Sharqi is one of Oman's most popular tourist attractions, reaching 2,000 meters above sea level and having a mild climate that draws visitors all year. Its blend of adventure and leisure activities makes it a great spot for ecotourism and outdoor sports.
Amid these intensified initiatives, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate reaffirms its dedication to expanding important tourist destinations and connecting them with sustainable investment and operational plans, ensuring that they contribute to the national economy. These projects mirror Oman's development vision, which emphasizes governorate-level growth, community empowerment, and the optimal use of natural and cultural resources for long-term prosperity and sustainability.
