Al Jabal Al Akhdar: The second edition of Al Jabal al Akhdar Festival has come to a close, marking the culmination of a series of vibrant events. Organised by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the festival unfolded from August 3 to August 19.
Throughout its duration, the festival drew people from Oman and abroad.
Adventure sports enthusiasts had a series of exhilarating races and events. These included the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountain Bike Race, the Tourist Walking Activity, and the Himam Trail Run Race.
Himam Trail Run Race with its motto 'Run and Explore' attracted around 400 participants of various age groups. The race aimed to promote physical fitness and strength through running.
The organiser of the Himam Trail Run Race, Asim bin Abdullah al Saqri said the race featured two distinct tracks. The first, spanning 10 km, catered to adults and began from the pinnacle of Saiyq village, winding its way through neighbouring villages before culminating at Sayh Qatnah Park. The second track, covering 4 km, was for participants aged 12 to 15, starting from Hayl al Yaman and concluding at Sayh Qatnah Park.
These tracks were thoughtfully crafted to offer participants different facets of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The organisers ensured meticulous arrangements, encompassing nutritional support for participants, technical assistance, physical fitness assessments, referee oversight, and medical provisions. Participants were duly honoured with commemorative medals.
Looking ahead, the fourth edition of the Himam Trail Run Race is scheduled for November 23 to 25 this year. Anticipating runners from over 50 nationalities, the event will encompass distances of 110 km, 55 km, and 25 km. The tracks will span expansive territories, encompassing Nizwa, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Al Hamra, and Izki.
Ahmed bin Salim al Tubi, Director-General of Administrative and Financial Affairs in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, emphasised the festival's pivotal role in promoting tourism. Notably, the festival facilitates the growth of various service and developmental projects within the wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Authority and numerous productive families and institutions, a total of 34 and 45, respectively, were actively engaged in the festival.
Al Tubi underscored the governorate's commitment to heeding visitor feedback and opinions to enhance services and events in the ensuing years. This approach is poised to elevate the festival's significance as a cornerstone of tourism and economic activity in Al Jabal al Akhdar.
Haitham bin Mohammad al Ghassani, Director-General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, articulated the festival's objectives.
The second edition of the Al Jabal al Akhdar Festival aimed to beckon visitors and tourists to the region, offering a splendid array of recreational activities, diverse competitions, and immersive tourism experiences. Attendees could relish the ambience of Al Jabal al Akhdar and its natural wonders, along with the opportunity to explore ancient villages like Al Soujara. The festival introduced this village, a quintessential example of the Sultanate of Oman's rural heritage, as an alluring tourist destination. Al Soujara thrives on its fusion of mountainous and historical elements, providing an innovative and harmonious tourism model.
Engaging with festival-goers revealed their contentment with various activities, such as the mountain tourist walk that attracted over 125 participants. Other highlights included the Al Jabal al Akhdar bicycle race, paragliding, and the Al Jabal al Akhdar mountain running race, where over 230 participants joined.
The festival site featured pavilions and stalls of fruit vendors, productive families, entrepreneurs, and participating institutions. These entities praised the commendable efforts of the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in hosting festivals that serve as invaluable platforms for showcasing and promoting their projects and products.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
