Tourists flock to golden sand dunes

Muscat: The golden sand dunes in the wilayat of Bidiyah, which is about 195 km from Muscat, is one of the most beautiful tourist areas in the

Sultanate of Oman. The people of the wilayat urged the authorities to add more events in the season and invest in infrastructure.

Abdullah bin Muhammad al Hajri, a citizen, said natural areas alone do not attract tourists. But events attract more tourists of all ages and tastes. For example, we see the sporting activity that is held annually in Bidiyah under the auspices of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and implemented by the Bidiya Car Club attracts tourists from Oman, GCC and other foreign tourists

Yahya bin Hamad al Hajri, a photographer, said, "Sports and entertainment activities in Bidiyah have developed and increased significantly in recent times, due to the youths' enthusiasm for developing events and activities of all kinds. This has helped the local economy a lot."

Tourists flock to golden sand dunes

Salah bin Salem Al Hajri, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, said: "Holding activities and events in the wilayat has many advantages. Therefore, we always strive through the Chamber to support these activities, whether by facilitating, supporting, or implementing procedures. There is an increase in the occupancy of hotels and camps by 100 per cent. These events have also helped local businesses and craftspeople

Abdullah Al Hajri said: "We need more investment in the infrastructure of the wilayat. Steps must be taken to ease traffic congestion. Public restrooms, fuel stations, car repair stations are needed . Bidiyah needs paved roads that connect to the sand dunes to make it easier for the visitor to access them. These facilities attract more tourists."

Khaled al Hajri said investors are hampered by fees and taxes. "Focus must be on sustainable tourism, which contributes to improving the local economy and enhancing the preservation of the natural environment by offering unique experiences. Attention should be directed to encouraging the local culture and developing infrastructure. It should also be an opportunity to generate more jobs."

Tourists flock to golden sand dunes

Abdullah Al Hajri believes that it is not easy to make this region an international tourist attraction, but it is not impossible. "The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Al Sharqiyah North Governor’s Office, and the municipality, have a role in boosting tourism. They must develop its infrastructure, develop the facilities that tourists need, and then promote it in various ways through social media and other channels. To make Bidiyah stand out like Salalah, it is not enough to hold events, but rather to promote it through advertising campaigns."