Alabbar spotlights Oman’s Bar al Hikman as ‘natural Omani Maldives'

Muscat: Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar has cast a global spotlight on Oman’s Bar Al-Hikman, sharing aerial footage on X and calling the site “the authentic natural Omani Maldives on the Arabian Sea.” He added that the area is about “a one-hour flight from the UAE,” noting coastal temperatures around 27°C now and milder conditions in August.

The post, which quickly drew heavy engagement, showcases Bar Al-Hikman’s sweeping sandbars, tidal inlets and turquoise shallows in Al Wusta Governorate. The remote peninsula is widely regarded by conservation groups as one of the region’s most pristine coastal environments and an important stopover for migratory shorebirds, including the distinctive crab plover.

Tourism stakeholders say the attention could lift interest in nature-based travel along Oman’s central coast, aligning with Vision 2040 goals to diversify the economy and develop sustainable tourism. Industry operators, however, caution that Bar Al-Hikman is a sensitive habitat with limited services, where visitors typically require a 4×4 vehicle, tide awareness and strict “leave-no-trace” practices.

There are no direct commercial flights to Bar Al-Hikman itself. Travellers generally drive from Muscat or fly to nearby gateways such as Duqm or Masirah before continuing overland. Authorities have not announced new facilities or access changes for the site.

The Environment Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism were not immediately available for comment on visitor management plans for Bar Al-Hikman. Conservation advocates say any rise in traffic should be paired with clear guidelines to protect wildlife and fragile coastal features.

Alabbar’s post adds to a growing stream of social-media content highlighting Oman’s lesser-known shorelines and nature reserves. For local communities and tour operators, the challenge will be translating viral attention into measured, eco-friendly visitation that safeguards the peninsula’s natural assets while supporting jobs and small businesses.