Destination cool

Muscat: Cool weather destinations in Oman are expected to witness more visitors as summer tourism season begins in the country. Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Jabal Shams, Dhofar, Al Sharqiyah South. Al Wusta now has mild weather and low temperatures. The upcoming Khareef season and its associated events in Dhofar will also bring more tourists to the governorate.

The network of hotel establishments in these tourist destinations provide a wide choice of accommodation and luxury while indulging in camping, hiking, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and exploring fruit orchards and farms. Raia bint Salem al Maskeriyah, Assistant Director of Tourism Promotion and Marketing at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said: “These destinations are receiving great attention from the ministry by promoting investments that contribute to keeping pace with the growing tourism traffic.”

A visitor to Dhofar can also experience traditional markets that sell frankincense, sweets and fresh local farm produce. Al Wusta received a large share of the ministry’s attention, whether through the investment offering to support infrastructure projects for the sector or efforts to promote its tourism potential.

The coastal wilayats of Al Wusta are characterised by the beauty of their beaches and the diversity of their terrain that makes them a destination for adventure tourism, marine sports, recreational activities and stunning beaches.

Al Duqm, Mahout and Al Jazir abound with beautiful beaches extending along the Arabian Sea, from Ras Al Ruwais in the Wilayat of Mahout to Ras Suqra in the Wilayat of Al Jazir, in addition to the sand dunes and towering mountains bordering the Arabian Sea and its wonderful valleys that are adorned with Ghaf trees and many wild plants, as well as its natural reserves as (a protected for living and fungal organisms and a protected wetlands).

There are also many activities that the visitor can do during the summer, such as picnicking on the beaches, experiencing sailing, watching many flocks of birds, fishing, sailing through small boats in the mangrove forests, visiting the rock garden in Al Duqm, or practicing surfing and camping activities.

Shaikh Sultan bin Mansour al Ghufaili, Wali of of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, said that the summer tourism season in the wilayat witnesses large number of visitors from inside and out of Oman to enjoy the mild weather and the various natural ingredients that abound in the wilayat, which is one of the most important tourist destinations.

He said the wilayat is witnessing remarkable development that serves the population and visitors.

Al Ghufaili said the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Festival will be held in August which will attract more tourists to the wilayat.

Abuniet Singh, General Manager of Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort, said that Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, being at least 15 degrees Celsius cooler at any time of the day, is the perfect destination to beat the heat in the region.

Abdullah bin Rashid al Hajri, Director of the Tourism Heritage Department in the Governorate of Al Sharqiyah South, said Al Ashkhara and Masirah Island may draw more tourists to enjoy cool fresh air that make you forget the flames of summer heat, which hangs over most parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Al Ashkhara is one of the tourist attractions during the summer season due to its mild climate throughout the year. Its picturesque beaches as well as Ras Al Jinz Reserve attracts visitors to watch turtles and their nesting.