Al Jabal Al Akhdhar GCC Tourism Capital

MANAMA: The Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate was chosen as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2027, marking the beginning of a new phase in its journey as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the region, with its exceptional nature, unique cultural and agricultural heritage, and experiences combining adventure, relaxation and authentic Omani hospitality.
The announcement of the Wilayat's selection came during the Sultanate of Oman's participation in the 10th meeting of Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, following the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's preparation of an integrated nomination dossier reviewing the natural, environmental, cultural, heritage assets, and investment opportunities of the Wilayat.
Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, affirmed that choosing the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2027 represents a culmination of continuous efforts to develop the Wilayat and enhance its readiness as an integrated tourist destination, reflecting the Ministry's keenness, in cooperation with its partners, to develop Omani tourist destinations and highlight their competitive capabilities regionally and internationally.
He added that Al Jabal Al Akhdhar enjoys unique assets, as mountainous nature, a moderate climate, agricultural terraces, and heritage villages integrate with seasonal agricultural products such as roses, pomegranates, walnuts, and honey, pointing out that the Wilayat has witnessed growth in tourist movement and an increase in visitor numbers, coinciding with the expansion of investments, projects, facilities, accommodation options, activities and experiences.
Al Busaidi explained that this growth resulted from the integration of efforts among various parties, as the private sector contributed to developing projects and facilities and meeting visitors' expectations, while government entities continued their efforts in developing infrastructure, services, and facilities, as well as improving the environment supporting tourism and investment activities to enhance Al Jabal Al Akhdhar's standing in attracting visitors from various markets.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, explained that this selection represents the start of a new executive phase, during which the Ministry, in coordination with its partners, will work to translate the title into an integrated tourism programme spanning throughout 2027, combining qualitative events, seasonal experiences and promotional campaigns targeted at Gulf and regional markets.
He pointed out that the Ministry aims to leverage this event to develop products, stimulate qualitative investments, and support small and medium enterprises, contributing to increasing visitor length of stay, raising tourism expenditure, and building a sustainable economic impact that translates tourism growth into opportunities benefiting members of the local community and reinforcing the Wilayat's Gulf standing.
Shaikh Sultan bin Mansoor al Ghufaili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, stressed that choosing the Wilayat is a national responsibility requiring integrated efforts and early preparation, noting that the people of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar will be at the heart of the event as essential partners in its success through their agricultural, handicraft and cultural heritage, as well as the products and hospitality they offer that reflect the community's authenticity.
He added that the Wilayat, in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), government entities, and the private sector, will work to enhance the readiness of sites, services, and facilities, support community initiatives and small projects, and enrich the calendar of events, so that everyone looks forward to the results of this achievement reaching entrepreneurs, productive families, farmers, and artisans, serving as a solid developmental transformation milestone.
The year 2027 is expected to witness the execution of a package of events and initiatives commensurate with the importance of introducing the Wilayat and its assets, attracting more visitors and investments, and transforming the hosting into sustainable programs and projects that maximise the sector's economic impact and consolidate the position of the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar on the Gulf and regional tourism map. — ONA