Al Khad Village in Suhar: A summer tourist destination

Al-Khad Village, located in in Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, is a popular summer destination for many visitors due to its moderate summer climate, historical and cultural landmarks, and diverse agricultural crops cultivated on beautiful terraces are key features.

Among the most prominent crops are dates, citrus fruits, mangoes, grapes, wheat, barley, garlic, onions, and other agricultural products. These crops are irrigated by numerous aflaj (traditional irrigation channels) and springs, including Falaj al Suwaidi, Falaj al Dhahir, Falaj al Bilad, Falaj Hayl al Ajmah, Falaj Hayl al Rawashid, Falaj al Manzafah, Falaj al Khatwah, Falaj al Dahiyah, Falaj Huwayl al Khadhri, Falaj al Basus, Falaj Al-Waqan, Falaj al Malha, Falaj al Khubayn, Falaj Hayl al Zam, and Falaj al Huwayl. These aflaj are considered to be Ghayliyah (water-fed) aflaj.

The village's blend of mountainous terrain, scenic landscapes, and farms makes it a favorite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers along its many ancient trails.

The villagers also practice various professions, including handicrafts such as walking stick making, cattle and sheep breeding, and beekeeping, which provide a secondary source of income.

Al-Khad village boasts a number of caves that can be considered tourist attractions for those who enjoy exploration and adventure. These include Al-Qabil Cave, Al-Manzafa Cave, Al-Burj Cave, and Al-Qubaib Cave, among many others. The village is also an ideal destination for hiking, with its most prominent trails connecting it to neighboring villages, ranging in length from 3 to 6 kilometers. Ali bin Darwish Al-Ajmi, Head of the Tourism Promotion Department at the Heritage and Tourism Directorate in North Al Batinah Governorate, said:

He added, "The village features four mountain trails connecting it to several neighboring villages. To the north and east, there are approximately three main trails: the first connects it to the villages of Wadi Al-Sarmi, the second to the village of Katam, and the third to the village of Al-Sham, passing through the remaining villages of Wadi Haybi. To the south and west, there are trails connecting Al-Khad village to some villages in Al Dhahirah Governorate. The first trail connects it to the village of Al-Waqbah, and the second to the village of Falaj Al-Sudairiyin. There is also a paved road from Al-Khad village to all regions and governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, from Musandam to Salalah.

Al Ajmi said that the Heritage and Tourism Department in North Al Batinah Governorate is working on evaluating hiking trails in preparation for their official approval and launch.

This will be followed by promotion through official platforms. He noted that there are several trails in the village suitable for hiking enthusiasts, including: the trail from Al-Gharbi Mosque (Al-Fariq Mosque) down to Wadi al Khubain, up to Wadi al Malha Dam, then turning towards Qabil al Bilad and continuing to Al-Khad Sports Club's field before returning to the starting point via Sha'bat Qura (approximately 10-12 kilometers); a trail from the Public Council through Sha'bat Qura and Sayh al Salam to Wadi al Lajam, reaching Katam village and returning along the same route (approximately 7 kilometers); and a trail from the Public Council towards Al-Manzafa Castle, ascending the hills to Jabal al Ahwar al Sharqi, reaching the Al-Ala'im (stone towers), then descending to Rahbat al Khais, and then to Al-Lajam via Katam village, returning via Wadi Al-Lajam.

The starting point (estimated to be between 10-13 kilometers) is a route from the village center through Wadi al Khubain, then up one of the valleys to cross and return via Wadi al Malha, passing by the Wadi Al-Malha Dam, and from there back to the starting point (a distance of 10 kilometers).

Ali bin Darwish al Ajmi pointed out that the Heritage and Tourism Department in North Al Batinah Governorate, in cooperation with the local community, represented by sports and cultural teams, seeks to spread awareness of heritage and tourism among various segments of society regarding the importance of encouraging the development of rural tourism.

This aims to cultivate a culture of creating tourism products that provide job opportunities for local residents and support the heritage and tourism sector. It also encourages attracting mountain hiking enthusiasts from various governorates to explore the mountain villages, gorges, agricultural terraces, and historical sites.

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