Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Al Wusta an all-weather tourist attraction

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MUSCAT: Al Wusta Governorate has various tourist attractions and different environments spread across its four wilayats, namely Haima, Al Duqm, Mahout, and Al Jazir. It makes the governorate a tourist attraction throughout the year. Its beautiful beaches stretch along the Arabian Sea from Ras Al Ruwais in the Wilayat of Mahout to Ras Sauqra in the Wilayat of Al Jazir.


The high mountains bordering the Arabian Sea and the magnificent wadis decorated by the Ghaf trees and many wild plants, as well as their natural reserves, including natural reserves and wetland reserves, add into its attraction.


These elements have been strengthened by a strong tourism infrastructure, consisting of 13 hotel facilities with 600 rooms and several other facilities.


Nasser bin Marhoon bin Fadhil al Abdali, Director of Tourism in Al Wusta Governorate, said that there were three tourism projects on land invested by the Ministry of Tourism. Two of them have been implemented, and work on the third is under way. Also, there are several tourism projects announced by the Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm, which will be established in the wilayat soon. Duqm is one of the wilayats of Oman which has distinctive tourist elements and natural tourist attractions.


The number of applications for investment in tourism projects in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm was 24 by the end of the first quarter of this year. It covered a total area of more than 2.8 million square metres.


Duqm is like any other wilayats of the Sultanate. But it enjoys more attention as it is a major tourist attraction, an economic zone, and a meeting point of investors.


This is why it is important to intensify marketing and promotions of the wilayat, especially after the establishment of high-quality tourist facilities and international hotel chains. The work of the ministry is not limited to investments and promotions. There are other works being carried out by the ministry which is represented in the department of tourism in Al Wusta Governorate.


Duqm Economic Zone


Duqm Special Economic Zone is known for its waterfront and a tourist strip of 18 kilometres. This area, which overlooks the sea, is the right place for largest and vital tourist facilities.


The region is strategically located overlooking the Arabian Sea and is influenced by the atmosphere of the Indian Ocean during summer.


The summer temperature is moderate. It is a promising tourist area. It has beautiful beaches and other geographical characteristics which are attractive for tourists. The facilities, roads, communications, and infrastructure in the tourist area are almost complete. The zone has been characterised by a magnificent rock garden.There are three hotels, namely Crowne Plaza, a 4-star hotel with a seafront view of the Arabian Sea, with 213 rooms and 16 suites; Park Inn Duqm, a 4-star hotel located off the beach and consisting of 73 units; and Al Madina Hotel, a 3-star hotel with 118 rooms, which is close to the centre of the wilayat, residential areas, and shops.


Investors in the tourism sector are granted tax and customs exemptions, and renewable land use contracts are granted for long term for up to 50 years.


How to reach Al Wusta?


Al Wusta Governorate can be reached through the desert road, Adam-Haima-Thamrit, or through the coastal road of Sur-Al Jazir or Izki- Sinaw-Al Jazir, or by air from Muscat to Duqm.


Places to visit in Duqm


Visit the Duqm beach, which has soft and clean sand, and light-cool water and air.


Explore different types of limestone rocks dating back to the third geological era in the rock garden.


Visit Ras Madrakah beach and enjoy strolling on the white sands and watching swarms of birds (the beach is characterised by the dark ophiolite rocks).


Relax in Wadi Navon


Visit Tharf beach and creek and enjoy the cool Arabian Sea weather and experience adventure tourism in the sand dunes near the beach.


Places to visit in Wilayat Haima


Visit the natural reserve and know the types of Arabian oryx and other such animals (four-wheel drive is preferred for the purpose ).


See camel races in Wilayat Haima (information about these seasonal races can be obtained from the Oman Camel Racing Association website) Also experience four-wheel drive in Zamaim deserts.


Wilayat Al Jazir


Walk on the beach of Ras Sauqra where you can see the streams of water flowing from creek and see some ruins of old houses.


Enjoy seeing pink lakes and the Ghawi Creek along the Al Jazir Beach.


Mahout


Experience sailing on a ferry on the beach (you can enjoy watching a lot of birds).


Enjoy sardine fishing in the season for which Al Wusta Governorate is known for.


Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy watching the birds and the sunset.


The Wetland Reserve


Visit Mahout island and enjoy sailing on small boats in the forests of Crimean trees.


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