RAKHYUT: Shaat Glass Viewpoint in the Wilayat of Rakhyout, Dhofar Governorate, has unveiled a striking new identity that reinforces its standing as one of the governorate's premier tourist destinations.
A modern development project has added an exceptional feature to the area's breathtaking natural landscape: a glass observation platform that offers visitors the chance to gaze upon steep mountain slopes and the Arabian Sea from a dizzying height, where the blue of the ocean meets the green of the mountains and the vast horizon beyond.
Situated on the slopes of Mount Sajer, part of the Qamar (Moon) Mountain range in Rakhyout, the Shaat Glass Viewpoint commands a view of the sea from an elevation exceeding 1,000 metres. It lies approximately 80 kM from the city of Salalah via the main highway connecting Salalah to the wilayats of Rakhyout and Dhalkhut.
The new project has imbued the location with a distinct touristic dimension, featuring a glass platform measuring 10 metres in length and 12 metres in width, complemented by viewing decks, seating areas, rest stops, pedestrian pathways, vehicle parking, service facilities, retail zones, a children's play area, and an open-air amphitheatre. Together, these amenities offer visitors a comprehensive experience that harmonises the enjoyment of nature with ready access to essential services.
The glass platform is distinguished by its design, which allows visitors to stand suspended above the natural terrain and take in an uninterrupted panoramic view of the sea and mountains — an experience that blends exhilaration, contemplation, and photography. This comes as Dhofar Governorate continues to see growing interest in natural sites that combine geographical assets with modern tourism infrastructure.
Ahmed Said Baqi, owner of Sajer Investment Company, the project's developer, stated that the construction of the glass platform adhered to multiple engineering and technical specifications, encompassing structural and environmental studies, load and wind analysis, safety assessments, and risk management protocols. These were complemented by soil testing prior to construction, as well as testing of the steel framework and glass panels following installation.
He added that the structure underwent a load test of up to 40 tonnes, while the glass itself consists of three laminated layers with a total thickness of 43 millimetres. He stressed that these measures are designed to ensure the durability of the facility, the safety of visitors, and the delivery of an enjoyable and secure tourist experience.
He said that the glass platform was executed in line with a vision set by Dhofar Municipality — the project's owning authority — aimed at leveraging the unique natural attributes of the Shaat site and offering visitors a novel experience that marries scenic beauty with safety and quality standards. He noted that the glass design was chosen to afford visitors an unobstructed field of vision, enabling them to appreciate the natural landscape from a fresh perspective, thereby enhancing the site's appeal and adding a distinctive landmark to Dhofar's tourism portfolio.
He further indicated that the project also provides a range of facilities and services designed to ensure visitor comfort and smooth site circulation, emphasising that the development was holistically conceived in terms of infrastructure, tourist amenities, and viewing and rest areas. He added that the strong visitor turnout since the site's opening underscores the importance of developing such natural attractions and supports efforts to stimulate tourism and economic activity in Rakhyout and Dhofar Governorate at large.
The visitor experience at Shaat extends beyond the glass platform. The site also features designated areas for family-run businesses adjacent to the viewpoint, showcasing Omani products and traditional cuisine, along with incense, perfumes, and handicrafts —adding an economic dimension to the visit that supports local production. — ONA
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