Al Jabal Al Sharqi in Al Hamra: Boosting Tourism and New Business Opportunities for Investors in Oman
AL HAMRA: Al Jabal Al Sharqi (The Eastern Mountain) is undergoing a significant transformation that is establishing it as a vital hub for domestic tourism and local community empowerment. This progress is driven by continuous efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and improve the accessibility and readiness of natural sites.
Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, highlighted that the governorate has made the development of Al Jabal Al Sharqi a top priority. The goal is to create a comprehensive tourism environment that meets visitor expectations while upholding sustainable environmental practices. In partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the governorate is working to increase service efficiency, manage visitor flow, and ensure seamless entry and exit to provide a balanced and safe tourism experience.
One of the key initiatives is the “Al Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis” project, which is among the most prominent development efforts in the governorate. The project tender was launched in April, and currently, bids are under review. Covering 10,000 square meters, the project will offer a full range of tourism and service facilities, including separate prayer halls for men and women, a 300-square-meter investment restaurant, an outdoor theatre, 13 shaded seating areas, pedestrian pathways, open spaces, and various amenities designed to attract visitors year-round.
Governor Al Hajri emphasized that this project represents a practical application of Oman Vision 2040, promoting high-quality developments that utilize the unique geographical and environmental features of each wilayat. The emphasis on sustainable tourism development goes hand in hand with robust support for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), which are critical in service delivery and generating economic opportunities for citizens.
He added that Al Jabal Al Sharqi is a destination for tourists throughout the year, particularly attracting camping and adventure enthusiasts, which calls for adequate infrastructure to meet these demands. The development strategy focuses on involving local communities in project execution and fostering an environment that encourages youth initiatives, thereby nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit within the tourism sector.
Shaikh Sulaiman bin Said al Azri, Wali of Al Hamra, announced that the “Al Hamra Tourism 2025” event will commence on August 1 at Al Jabal Al Sharqi and run through August 30. The event promises a rich program featuring a variety of activities for all age groups, combining entertainment, adventure, and cultural experiences. — ONA
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The transformation of Al Jabal Al Sharqi into a year-round tourism hub presents significant opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in Oman to tap into a growing market focused on sustainable and adventure tourism. With strategic investments in infrastructure and community engagement aligned with Oman Vision 2040, smart investors should consider ventures that support SMEs and innovative service offerings, while businesses must prepare to meet rising demands for quality, eco-friendly tourism experiences. This development also mitigates risks by balancing visitor traffic and ensuring environmental sustainability, fostering long-term regional economic resilience.