Muscat, Oman: The Misfah Al Abriyyin village, located in the Al Hamra Wilayat of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is a popular tourist spot attracting visitors from across Oman and beyond. This village is recognized as one of the top tourist destinations in its area due to its rich natural beauty, historical significance, cultural heritage, and other unique characteristics that set it apart from other villages in Al Hamra.
Throughout the first half of the year, the number of tourists visiting the village surpassed 50,000, both local and international.
The village is celebrated for its numerous ancient ruins and historical landmarks, such as the historic Rogan Castle, constructed during the Persian era in Oman over a thousand years ago; Bait Al Baitain, which has stood for 500 years; the Misfah Al Abriyyin falaj, known for its innovative engineering that directs water from the valley to water the farms in the hilly village; and six inns and guesthouses.
These historical sites have played a significant role in earning Misfah Al Abriyyin village the 'Best Tourism Village Award' in the inaugural year of the United Nations World Tourism Organization's initiative in 2021. This initiative is designed to recognize villages that are dedicated to promoting and preserving their cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Unique features
Sultan Al Mukhmari, the Acting Director of the Department of Historic Sites Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), mentioned that the Misfah Al Abriyyin village in the Al Hamra Wilayat of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is regarded as one of the leading tourist destinations due to its diverse natural elements, historical importance, cultural richness, and other distinguishing features that make it stand out from other villages in the area. It is famous for its architectural heritage and traditional farming practices, representing an Omani oasis. Originally a self-reliant community that depended on ancient falaj irrigation systems for at least two thousand years, the village functions as a united rural community, self-sufficient and interconnected. It also plays a crucial role in fostering a sustainable future for the local community through initiatives led by the MoHT, contributing to Oman Vision 2040.
Conventional irrigation and farming methods
Husni Al Abri, the head of the Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company, highlighted that the inhabitants of Misfah Al Abriyyin village continue to use traditional irrigation and farming techniques. The introduction of tourist programs, including a variety of tourism activities and experiences, has turned the village into a popular destination for visitors from around the world. This has led to the village becoming a preferred place for accommodation, with heritage inns providing a unique blend of historical and contemporary experiences. He pointed out that the village is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, which include palm and lemon orchards. Moreover, the village is distinguished by its ancient architecture, gates, and pathways. The historic council of Misfah Al Abriyyin and the ancient marketplace within the village, along with the traditional customs and rituals observed by the locals during religious festivals, offer visitors the opportunity to learn about these cultural practices.
Recognition as a top tourism village
Husni Al Abri also noted that Misfah Al Abriyyin village was honored with one of the world's most prestigious tourism village awards by the World Tourism Organization in its inaugural year, 2021. This award recognizes villages that are dedicated to promoting and safeguarding their cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable development.
Evaluation criteria for tourist villages
Al Mukhmari explained that the evaluation of tourist villages is based on a comprehensive set of criteria that includes nine key areas. These areas cover cultural and natural resources, the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development, integration into the value chain, governance and tourism priorities, as well as infrastructure, communication, health, safety, and security.
International recognition as a tourist destination
Husni Al Abri, the leader of the Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company, declared that Misfah Al Abriyyin village is recognized globally as a tourist destination, with its tourism strategy focusing on community collaboration and resilience. The strategy aims to develop and improve leading community cooperatives through the Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company, engage in tourism-related activities, enhance the capacity and resilience of community cooperatives in tourism management, find a balance between the desires of the residents and those of the tourists, and manage visitor expectations effectively.
Cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the local community
Al Abri highlighted that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the inhabitants of Misfah Al Abriyyin village are working together to address challenges and invest in projects that benefit the village. This includes supporting the Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company in the restoration of the main village gate and several historic homes for investment purposes, as well as creating employment opportunities for the local population. He pointed out that a detailed study project was carried out by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Archiam Heritage and Culture Center at the University of Liverpool. This project covered artistic, cultural, and social aspects to revitalize the old village and turn it into a heritage tourist destination. This study acts as a guide for all future projects in the village to maintain its distinct character and aesthetic.
He also mentioned the strong partnership between the village and various government and private organizations to attract visitors throughout the year. This is achieved by organizing leisure activities by tourism companies both inside and outside the village, which in turn help draw in more tourists.
There are plans in progress for new development projects
Al Abri confirmed that the village is currently in the process of developing several new and unique projects both within and around the village to boost tourism and adventure activities. They are also planning to open a hotel at the village's entrance to provide more lodging options for visitors. Construction is in progress for improving the village's infrastructure, including parking areas, in partnership with both governmental and private entities.
He stressed that the village's unique geographical features, including valleys, mountains, and traditional Omani falaj systems, make it a prime location for activities like mountain climbing and cave exploration. He also mentioned that the village has participated in recent gatherings with other tourist villages around the world in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, and in the Italian town of San Gimignano to learn from successful practices, exchange ideas, and share insights.
