JAALAN BANI BU HASSAN: The Ghaf Park was officially inaugurated on Wednesday in the Falaj Al Mashayikh area of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, covering an area of approximately 30,000 square metres amid a dense natural spread of Ghaf trees.
The inauguration was held under the auspices of Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of Al Sharqiyah South.
The project reflects the governorate’s commitment to preserving Oman’s environmental heritage and protecting native natural elements, particularly the Ghaf tree, which is deeply rooted in the Omani landscape. The tree is valued for its ecological, aesthetic and cultural significance, as well as its role in supporting biodiversity, combating desertification and sustaining vegetation cover.
Designed to preserve the site’s natural character, the park integrates recreational and service facilities within its environment to enhance both its ecological and aesthetic value.
The park includes pedestrian walkways, children’s play areas, and strategically placed shaded seating zones distributed across green spaces. It is also equipped with solar-powered lighting, underscoring the project’s focus on environmentally friendly solutions and the use of clean energy.
Additional facilities include prayer rooms, restrooms and parking areas, offering a well-balanced recreational space that combines environmental preservation with visitor convenience.
The Ghaf Park represents a significant addition to the environmental and tourism landscape of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.
It enhances green spaces, highlights the importance of Ghaf trees and strengthens awareness around the conservation of natural resources — supporting broader sustainable development goals and boosting the appeal of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan as a nature and eco-tourism destination.
The Governor noted that the project reflects the governorate’s direction towards development initiatives rooted in local environmental identity, emphasising harmony between growth and sustainability.
He said the park serves as a model for community spaces that integrate natural elements into recreational planning, thereby enriching the region’s environmental and tourism profile.
The design, he added, carefully preserves existing vegetation while blending it with recreational and service elements to offer a cohesive visitor experience aligned with the governorate’s environmental identity.
He added that Ghaf Park is not only a natural retreat but also a community space supporting family, sports and tourism activities. It contributes to environmental awareness and reinforces efforts to expand green spaces and activate natural sites as sustainable development and tourism destinations. - ONA
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