Wadi Al Hoqain gets a face lift with gazebos and interlock walkways
Published: 04:08 PM,Aug 20,2023 | EDITED : 08:08 PM,Aug 20,2023
MUSCAT: Wadi Al Hoqain in the Wilayat of Rustaq, which is home to gentle, burbling streams and gushing torrents, is ready to welcome visitors with a new look. The area overlooking the waterfall now got a face lift featuring gazebos with seats, artificial grass and interlock walkways to make it an ideal picnic spot for families. Toilets and changing rooms have also been constructed.
New sign boards in Arabic and English have also been installed at the entrances, warning against swimming in deep waters to avoid drowning accidents. Another sign board advises visitors not to enter residential areas to avoid disturbing the privacy of the residents.
The waterflow is thin in summer but children and youths splash in the water to beat the heat. If you are driving from the capital, then you need to take a left turn at Al Suwaiq roundabout to Al Rustaq City, passing by Rustaq Fort, Wadi Bani Awf, and Qasra Museum before reaching this best kept secret of Al Batinah South Governorate. The place draws more tourists during the rains when the waterfalls are in full glory.
The people of this village depend on rains to irrigate their crops. The water levels in artesian wells and the aflaj rise during rains.
The wadi is an ideal location for hiking, swimming, and tasting various types of local fruits. Tourists can also see some archaeological sites such as cemeteries and graves dating back thousands of years.
The fertile soil of this village produces dates, lemons, garlic, onions, maize and wheat. Farmers sell them in central and local markets 'This is one of the best tourist sites that we go to during holidays. We have visited this site many times. With new facilities including toilets, we feel satisfied and comfortable. There are places to sit and relax. We thank authorities for developing this place,” some Omani visitors said.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
New sign boards in Arabic and English have also been installed at the entrances, warning against swimming in deep waters to avoid drowning accidents. Another sign board advises visitors not to enter residential areas to avoid disturbing the privacy of the residents.
The waterflow is thin in summer but children and youths splash in the water to beat the heat. If you are driving from the capital, then you need to take a left turn at Al Suwaiq roundabout to Al Rustaq City, passing by Rustaq Fort, Wadi Bani Awf, and Qasra Museum before reaching this best kept secret of Al Batinah South Governorate. The place draws more tourists during the rains when the waterfalls are in full glory.
The people of this village depend on rains to irrigate their crops. The water levels in artesian wells and the aflaj rise during rains.
The wadi is an ideal location for hiking, swimming, and tasting various types of local fruits. Tourists can also see some archaeological sites such as cemeteries and graves dating back thousands of years.
The fertile soil of this village produces dates, lemons, garlic, onions, maize and wheat. Farmers sell them in central and local markets 'This is one of the best tourist sites that we go to during holidays. We have visited this site many times. With new facilities including toilets, we feel satisfied and comfortable. There are places to sit and relax. We thank authorities for developing this place,” some Omani visitors said.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI