Jabal Akhdar: Since its start on August 1 and continuing through August 15, the Jabal Akhdar Festival 2025 has already drawn over 150,000 tourists from both inside Oman and outside the country, and it is anticipated that by the festival's conclusion at the end of August, the total number would have surpassed 300,000.
The festival is consistent with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to promote local content, increase the tourism industry's contribution, and diversify the national economy.
The event includes an integrated plan for revitalizing the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, highlighting the natural and cultural resources of Jabal Akhdar, and empowering the local population. This involves the participation of 10 farmers and 65 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), as well as the generation of 60 short-term job possibilities through a variety of activities that enhance the tourism experience and encourage economic activity.
According to the Oman News Agency (ONA), the governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is still carrying out a number of development and investment initiatives in Jabal Akhdar, with total public and private investment totaling more than OMR13 million, according to Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, the governor of Al Dakhiliyah. These initiatives are aimed at raising the standard of living, fostering tourism attractions, and advancing infrastructure.
He stated that these initiatives include the finished interior road projects worth OMR1. 37 million riyals and the Jabal Akhdar Park, which cost more than OMR1. 1 million riyals, as well as an additional package currently being implemented that is worth OMR1. 4 million riyals.
The governor mentioned that four investment agreements valued at OMR8. 5 million have been signed in Jabal Akhdar to build and run tourism and commercial infrastructure, such as a mountain viewpoint, parks, an open-air 3D plaza, and an integrated commercial center.
He stressed that by making the most of the wilayat's natural and cultural resources and bolstering its position as a top tourist destination on the tourism map of Oman, the Jabal Akhdar Festival 2025 demonstrates the governorate's commitment to achieving balanced and sustainable tourism development.
The governorate's commitment to fostering an appealing atmosphere for both domestic and foreign tourism is also reflected in the festival's alignment with the economic and social aims of Oman Vision 2040.
He said that this year's festival was planned with a holistic perspective in mind in order to offer a wide range of events that appeal to people of all ages, boosting the tourism industry's value added and fostering economic activity in the Wilayat of Jabal Akdhar.
The success of promotional activities and the partnership between government agencies, the private sector, and the local population in planning events that match Jabal Akhdar's status are reflected in the increase in hotel occupancy and tourist numbers, he said.
The governorate has prioritized local content by giving local farmers and SMEs the chance to display their agricultural and handicraft items, as well as offering short-term job opportunities in event management, advice, and visitor services for locals.
The governorate's conviction in empowering entrepreneurs and local families, building sustainable marketing platforms that support the local economy, and protecting Omani heritage and identity is emphasized by this strategy.
In addition to unique events like the Rummana initiative, which promotes local pomegranate products through live demonstrations and marketing channels, the festival's program features a variety of cultural, entertainment, and athletic events, such as folk performances, theater performances, cuisine booths, and play spaces.
