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

Natural attractions unlimited in Oman

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Muscat: The Sultanate is rich in diverse natural elements attracting tourists for adventure, exploration and fun. The charm of Omani nature is woven from mountains, valleys, plains and seas. The Sultanate’s castles, forts and majestic towers bear witness to its glorious history and ancient civilisation. The Niyabat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar is located in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is a key destination of domestic and international tourists. The mountain is located more than 3,000 metres above sea level and is part of the Hajar mountain range. It is characterised by its mild and pleasant weather in the summer and cold in the winter and is famous for its variety of fresh fruits, nuts and flowers.


The other mountain destination is Jabal Shams. It is located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah at an altitude of about 3,500 metres. It is ideal location for camping fans and families looking for pleasant weather. The Sultanate also has many hot and cold springs. Ain Al Kisfah, in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, is one such source of natural water that reaches a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, as well as Ain Al Thawarah in the Wilayat of Nakhl. Among the valleys, Wadi Bani Khalid, which is about 200 kilometres from the Governorate of Muscat, draws plenty of domestic and international tourists.. Wadi Shab is located in the Niyabat of Taiwi, in the Wilayat of Sur, 76 km from the Wilayat of Qurayat. Al Abyadh Valley is also an important destination for tourists, located in the Wilayat of Nakhl in South Al Batinah. It is about 25 km from the centre of the Wilaya. Wadi Al Hawqain, which is about 150 km away from the Governorate of Muscat, is one of the beautiful valleys in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq. It is characterised by its clear water throughout the year.


Wadi Dhaiqah is another tourist destination in the Sultanate. It is located in the Wilayat of Qurayat. It is an extension of some valleys in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah. It has about 120 wadis along the course, which extends from the Wilayat of Dima W’attayeen to the Wilayat of Qurayat.


The construction of Dhaiqah Dam has helped to make the area famous. The capacity of the dam is nearly 100 million cubic metres of water.

The castles and forts are scattered throughout the Sultanate, most notably the “Al Jalali” and Al Mirani castles overlooking the Sea in the Governorate of Muscat. Bahla Castle is located in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah. It was included in the World Heritage Site in 1987. It is one of the oldest and largest castles. It has a 13 km long wall and dates back to pre-Islamic times.


Nakhl Castle and Nizwa Castle are one of the oldest in Oman. Nizwa castle, which is 24-metres high, was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaraubi in the mid-seventeenth century AD. Sohar Castle dates back to the end of the third century and the beginning of the fourteenth century.


The Sultanate also has many beautiful beaches that range from mountainous to sandy. Muscat is characterised by the beautiful beaches, suitable for camping and recreation, such as Al Khairan and Al Sifa, Al Qurum, Al Athaiba and Al Seeb.


There are more beautiful beaches along the road linking Qurayat with Sur, in addition to Al Sawadi Beach in the Wilayat of Barka in the Governorate of South Al Batinah. Musandam Beach has strategic location. It derives its beauty from the straits, some of which are 20 km in length surrounded by 2,000 metre mountains. They are perfect for boat riding and diving.


Dhofar is abuzz in the Khareef season, extending from June 21 to September 21 with its beautiful nature, beautiful beaches, plains, valleys and springs, in addition to drizzling rains. Salalah Tourism Festival, annually held from July 15 to August 31 is Dhofar’s key attraction. — ONA


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