STAFF REPORTER
TAQAH, AUGUST 22
Shiheyt in the Wilayat of Taqah, Dhofar Governorate, stands out during the Khareef season as one of the prime natural destinations combining lush greenery, fog, and expansive pastures. Its proximity to Wadi Darbat, continues to enhance its attraction.
It is distinguished by its vast plateaus and green pastures during Khareef, as well as agricultural lands that historically served as an important source of food and livelihood. Its proximity to Taqah City has facilitated communication with local markets and services, supporting both agricultural and pastoral activities.
Wadi Darbat is one of the most prominent natural features near Shiheyt. Abundant water and favourable climatic conditions have enabled agricultural prosperity and the production of various crops, including coconuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, papayas, corn, lemons, and other produce benefiting residents of the region and neighbouring areas.
Shiheyt is also associated with the Ardit Farm, one of the well-known farms in the mountain area of Taqah. Its agricultural output has supplied essential produce to locals and supported surrounding communities, while farming itself has played a key role in strengthening social ties and community cooperation.
Additionally, the area hosts the "Shiheyt Sinkhole, a natural geological formation created by the dissolution of limestone over long periods. Defined by its oval shape, impressive depth, and vegetation growing at its base, the sinkhole possesses unique natural and touristic value, making it a popular pit stop for Khareef visitors.
As a trending destination, tourists have called for the development of services and facilities to ease traffic and access to tourist sites while preserving the environment, pastures, and green spaces.
Abdullah bin Sulaiman al Farsi, a visitor from the Wilayat of Ibri, noted that Shiheyt features stunning scenery and mild weather during Khareef. He highlighted that the fog, greenery, open pastures, and mountain views make it a highly attractive destination.
Al Farsi pointed out the importance of providing mobile toilets along the main road during the season, as well as establishing designated parking areas on the road shoulders. This would serve visitors and prevent vehicles from trampling pastures and green zones, thereby preserving the area's scenic beauty.
Meanwhile, Ali bin Mubarak al Azri, a visitor from the Wilayat of Nizwa, suggested exploring the possibility of opening an additional access route from Shiheyt toward Wadi Darbat. Given the area's proximity to the wadi, he explained that a new outlet would smooth traffic flow and ease congestion on the current road, particularly during peak hours.
Al Azri added that while the Shiheyt Sinkhole attracts many visitors, reaching it requires better access. Currently, the lack of a clear, paved, and independent road forces visitors to navigate through residential neighbourhoods and intersecting streets. He advocated for building a direct, paved road to the site away from residential areas, alongside parking spaces at the perimeter. This would streamline tourist access while protecting local residents' privacy and ensuring site safety.
He emphasised that developing the location and offering basic facilities could create economic opportunities for local youth through small businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, and visitor services, thereby boosting the local economy.
Similarly, Mohammed bin Qasim al Ajmi, a visitor from the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq, praised the striking natural beauty of Shiheyt during Khareef, noting that the foggy atmosphere and green carpet covering the mountains and pastures give the site a distinct character blending mild weather with diverse natural scenery.
Al Ajmi emphasised that the area deserves to be a primary destination for tourists during Khareef due to its rich mix of mountains, greenery, fog, and open pasturelands. He also urged visitors to keep tourist sites clean and dispose of waste properly, stressing that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that requires awareness and positive behaviour to preserve these natural sites for future generations.
Visitors expressed their appreciation of Dhofar Municipality and the sanitation workers deployed across tourist sites during the Khareef season, noting that ongoing cleaning operations help maintain the area's beauty and remove litter left behind by some visitors.
Access to Shiheyt requires a 4x4 vehicle, particularly for those hoping to reach Wadi Ghidhat or explore beyond the village. Though it lacks major infrastructure, Shiheyt’s quiet charm is exactly what makes it stand out. It offers a different kind of tourism — one not built on crowds or commercial centres, but on connection to nature and a slower, more thoughtful pace of travel.
HIGHLIGHTS
Shiheyt is known for its foggy atmosphere, expansive green pastures, and picturesque mountain views during Khareef
Ardit Farm: A prominent mountain farm in Taqah that supports local food supply and community cohesion.
Sheheet Sinkhole: A major geological landmark formed by dissolved limestone over time, featuring an oval shape
Visitors recommend opening an additional direct route from Sheheet to Wadi Darbat to reduce peak-season traffic congestion.
Need a direct road to the Sheheet Sinkhole to avoid routing traffic through quiet residential neighbourhoods.
Access to Shiheyt requires a 4x4 vehicle, particularly for those hoping to reach Wadi Ghidhat or explore beyond the village.
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