SALALAH: The much-anticipated ‘People_and Khareef 2024’ television programme – part of Dhofar Khareef 2024 media strategy unveiled last week – is set to kick off its programming journey starting with a spotlight on Rakhyut, a delightful wilayat in the far west of the governorate. A mobile TV studio, and ‘Ittin Studios’, is at the heart of the production, with its content set to be broadcast daily after the 2 pm news bulletin.
The wilayat of Rakhyut stands out as a prime tourist destination. Its varied landscape includes mountains, lush plains, and coastal areas, transforming into major attractions during the tourist season.
Rakhyut’s natural beauty, marked by green-cloaked mountains during the Khareef season, is complemented by its rich historical heritage, including ancient mosques and traditional houses. The area of Al Fazayeh, with its lengthy coastline and the Aqishan jebels, are key elements of the wilayat’s splendour.
Located in the foothills of the soaring Ras Sajar In the southwestern part of Rakhyut lies Dhant, a favorite among tourists and photographers. Here, the majestic mountain meets the sea, creating a picturesque spot. Nearby, the 'Shath' sinkhole, located a kilometre south of the 'Qaifooz' landscape, adds to the region’s allure.
Visitors to Rakhyut can explore its scenic beauty, especially along the route to the villages of 'Ajdroot' and 'Anzoot' known for their perpetual mist. The wilayat turns verdant during the Khareef season, particularly around the Jebel al Qamar mountain range and the Aqishan incline.
Rakhyut is dotted with over 40 water springs, some forming waterfalls during the Khareef season.
Other attractions include khawrs (creeks), ancient houses, and notable mosques like the 'Bin Huwaite Akak' Mosque or (Alnoor Mosque) and 'Rakhyut Fort,' which attract many tourists. The coastal area of Al Houta on the Arabian Sea, near Rakhyut town, boasts the historical mosque of Shaikh Muhammad bin Othman al Jahfali and water springs like 'Akrab' and 'Aqifoz,' from which the 'Sathat' waterfalls flow.
In the high mountains of Rakhyut lies 'Ambruf,' known for its widely shared photographs on social media. Its western view overlooks 'Wadi Sayq' in Dhalkut, while the eastern side offers a breathtaking view of 'Wadi Rakhyut' and the areas of 'Akhurot' and 'Aqitan' with their scenic grazing grounds. The journey from Rakhyut town passes through stunning areas like 'Shirshati,' 'Madhub,' 'Jadeeret,' 'Ardit,' 'Ashqul,' and 'Shahb Asaeeb,' extending the green Khareef carpet that enchants visitors. Camel owners graze their animals in these neighbourhoods.
According to the Director General of Information in Dhofar Governorate, video clippings from these picturesque parts of the wilayat, among other areas of Dhofar, will go into an extensive library of digital content suitable for social media platforms. The content will encompass the various social, cultural, and tourist facets of the khareef festival, aiming to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the season, the people, and the governorate’s various locale.
Numerous video clips for online media are being produced in a phased manner for use across all kinds of digital platforms. This digital library will supplement content disseminated by television, radio, and newspaper channels, as well as coverage provided by Oman News Agency, Oman Arabic newspaper, and Oman Daily Observer.
Also as part of the media effort, there will be constant interactions with the local community and all sectors providing services to citizens, tourists, visitors, businesspeople, and investors.
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