Al Dakhiliyah tourism projects advance in Al Hamra, Bahla

AL HAMRA: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is advancing a number of development, tourism and heritage projects in the wilayats of Al Hamra and Bahla, with completion rates ranging from 40 per cent to 94 per cent, as part of efforts to enhance tourism and maximise the economic potential of the two wilayats.
The projects include the Eastern Mountain Oasis, the rehabilitation and development of Misfat Al Abriyeen, the rehabilitation of Bahla Market, and the development of the Jibreen entrance and Basya area.
Shaikh Mahmoud bin Rashid al Saadi, Acting Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, stressed the importance of direct field follow-up to monitor implementation, address challenges in coordination with the relevant authorities, and ensure quality and adherence to approved timelines.
He said the governorate is directing projects based on the comparative advantages and strengths of each wilayat to enhance their developmental and economic impact, support tourism and investment, create opportunities for small and medium enterprises, and increase local value.
The Eastern Mountain Oasis project has exceeded 80 per cent completion and is being developed on an area of about 10,000 square metres. The project includes an investment restaurant, outdoor theatre, shaded seating areas, prayer rooms, pedestrian walkways and open spaces. It aims to promote mountain tourism, improve the visitor experience and create an attractive investment environment. Local content during the implementation phase has reached 85 per cent.
The Misfat Al Abriyeen rehabilitation and development project is 40 per cent complete. It includes a glass bridge and pedestrian walkway, as well as improvements to pathways, lighting, signage and parking areas. The project is expected to improve visitor services and traffic flow while preserving the village’s architectural and heritage character.
In Bahla, the rehabilitation and development of Bahla Market has reached about 94 per cent completion, at a cost exceeding RO 477,000. The project includes the rehabilitation of shopfronts and facades, restoration of traditional architectural elements, and improvements to pathways and services. A tourist corridor will also link the historic mosque with Bahla Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site, helping boost tourism and commercial activity and support artisans and SMEs.
Meanwhile, the Jibreen entrance and Basya area development project is 40 per cent complete. It includes upgrading facilities, parking areas, lighting and seating, as well as improving the road leading to Salut Centre.
The governorate reaffirmed its continued monitoring of the projects and coordination with relevant authorities to address challenges, ensure quality and sustainability, and maximise their intended developmental and economic returns.
The projects form part of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate’s programme to monitor development projects across its wilayats and align them with local resources and needs, supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
— ONA