The Wadi Dayqah Dam tourism carnival in the Wilayat of Quriyat in the Muscat Governorate is set to commence on Friday. This event is being organized by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) in collaboration with several government and private agencies. The carnival will be divided into two phases, with the first phase taking place from January 19th to January 20th, and the second phase from January 26th to January 27th.
The primary objective of this carnival is to promote Wadi Dayqah as a promising tourist destination by enhancing and enriching the tourism experiences available. It aims to provide individuals and families with the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. Additionally, the carnival seeks to involve and support the local community, while also showcasing Omani products.
The carnival is designed to cater to visitors of all ages, offering various entertainment activities, a section dedicated to small and medium enterprises, a corner specifically for children's activities featuring interactive games, and a section dedicated to the sale of different types of Omani food.
The decision to hold the event at Wadi Dayqah Dam was made due to its popularity as a tourist attraction, particularly among families during holidays and weekends.
It is recognized as one of the Sultanate of Oman's largest dams and is renowned for its breathtaking mountainous surroundings. The dam offers a variety of water activities and events that attract a wide range of visitors and adventure enthusiasts.
The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has previously organized several carnivals in Musandam, Al Buraimi, and Dhofar governorates to enhance domestic tourism across different regions.
Situated near Muscat and approximately 90 kilometers from Wadi Adai, Wadi Dayqah is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse natural beauty. The wadi is an extension of similar wadis found in the Ash Sharqiyah Region.
According to the Ministry of Tourism in Oman, "Around 120 wadis converge along its path, stretching from Wilayat Dimma Wa Ta’iyeen in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate to its estuary in Wilayat Quriyat, Muscat Governorate. It is one of the wadis that flows throughout the year."
Wadi Dayqah Dam, designed to ensure Oman's water supply, is one of the largest dams on the Arabian Peninsula. It serves as a source of irrigation and protection for the surrounding villages by reducing the risk of flash floods in the area.
"This massive structure, nestled in the rugged limestone wadi, showcases the striking beauty of Oman's natural landscape alongside impressive human engineering," the ministry further stated.
The dam, which was constructed in 2012, serves the purpose of collecting the periodic rainfall from the towering peaks above and regulating the water flow through the narrow 'dayqah' torrent to the villages situated below. Despite this, it still preserves the ancient falaj irrigation system while effectively managing the surges of water cascading down the hillside. Undoubtedly, this dam stands as a remarkable sight in Oman, being the tallest in the country. The lake formed by the dam stretches over a distance of eight kilometers and has the capacity to hold an impressive 100 million cubic meters of rainwater.
The dam is comprised of two sections: the primary dam, towering at a height of 75 meters (246 feet), and the secondary dam, an earthen structure reaching a height of 48.5 meters (149 feet). Notably, the main dam incorporates a tower specifically designed for water drainage.
