AL RUSTAQ: A number of sites in Al Batinah South Governorate witnessed active tourism, as the governorate is an ideal destination for many types of tourism, including heritage, historical, natural, adventure and marine sports tourism of all kinds, due to its distinctive geographical location.
Dr Al Mutasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Al Batinah South Governorate, stated, "The governorate offers numerous options for tourists. Its six wilayats are dotted with castles, forts, towers and mountain villages. Camping is a popular activity along the banks of perennial wadis, and relaxation is available on its beaches overlooking the Sea of Oman."
He added that the governorate is a destination for adventure tourism. He said that the number of licensed hotel establishments in the governorate as of the end of October 2025 reached 249, comprising 11 hotels, 8 hotel apartments, 5 rest houses, 2 campsites, 173 guesthouses, 48 eco-lodges and 2 heritage lodges.
He added: "A number of wadis and villages in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq are witnessing active tourism, including Ain Al Kasfah, which is a tourist destination and is currently undergoing infrastructure development and the construction of swimming pools and integrated service facilities. Wadi Al Hawqain also witnessed active tourism coinciding with the launch of the second Al Hawqain Forum, which concludes on Saturday."
He said that Wadi Al Haymali in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq is a tourist destination where visitors can discover many attractions such as old neighbourhoods, agricultural paths, water pools, rock inscriptions and palm oases spread along the banks of the valley. In addition, there is the village of Balad Sayt, which is one of the mountain villages belonging to Wadi Bani Awf in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq and is an ideal choice for many tourists, as the village stands out as a green agricultural oasis amidst a mountainous environment surrounded by towering mountain peaks."
He added that the villages of Al Awabi are witnessing an influx of visitors, including Al Alya village in Wadi Bani Kharous, which is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the state, due to its diverse tourist attractions, including nature, heritage, culture, and other features such as the health walkway called "Mountain Happiness Path", and Al Subaikha village, which is a haven that helps tourists relax and learn about the activities that the villagers work in, such as agriculture.
He pointed out that Nakhal is witnessing a large influx of visitors from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman, saying: “Nakhal Castle is at the forefront of these tourist places in the state, which is frequented by visitors, and during which the visitors learn about the handicrafts and archaeological artefacts contained in the castle.” - ONA
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