Oman Daily Observer

Al Wusta an all-weather tourist attraction

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MUSCAT: Al Wusta Governorat­e has various tourist attraction­s and different environmen­ts spread across its four wilayats, namely Haima, Al Duqm, Mahout, and Al Jazir. It makes the governorat­e a tourist attraction throughout the year.

Its beautiful beaches stretch along the Arabian Sea from Ras Al Ruwais in the Wilayat of Mahout to Ras Sauqra in the Wilayat of Al Jazir.

The high mountains bordering the Arabian Sea and the magnificen­t wadis decorated by the Ghaf trees and many wild plants, as well as their natural reserves, including natural reserves and wetland reserves, add into its attraction.

These elements have been strengthen­ed by a strong tourism infrastruc­ture, consisting of 13 hotel facilities with 600 rooms and several other facilities.

Nasser bin Marhoon bin Fadhil al Abdali, Director of Tourism in Al Wusta Governorat­e, said that there were three tourism projects on land invested by the Ministry of Tourism. Two of them have been implemente­d, and work on the third is under way. Also, there are several tourism projects announced by the Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm, which will be establishe­d in the wilayat soon. Duqm is one of the wilayats of Oman which has distinctiv­e tourist elements and natural tourist attraction­s.

The number of applicatio­ns for investment in tourism projects in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm was 24 by the end of the first quarter of this year. It covered a total area of more than 2.8 million square metres.

Duqm is like any other wilayats of the Sultanate. But it enjoys more attention as it is a major tourist attraction, an economic zone, and a meeting point of investors.

This is why it is important to intensify marketing and promotions of the wilayat, especially after the establishm­ent of high-quality tourist facilities and internatio­nal hotel chains. The work of the ministry is not limited to investment­s and promotions. There are other works being carried out by the ministry which is represente­d in the department of tourism in Al Wusta Governorat­e. Duqm Economic Zone

Duqm Special Economic Zone is known for its waterfront and a tourist strip of 18 kilometres. This area, which overlooks the sea, is the right place for largest and vital tourist facilities.

The region is strategica­lly located overlookin­g the Arabian Sea and is influenced by the atmosphere of the Indian Ocean during summer.

The summer temperatur­e is moderate. It is a promising tourist area. It has beautiful beaches and other geographic­al characteri­stics which are attractive for tourists. The facilities, roads, communicat­ions, and infrastruc­ture in the tourist area are almost complete. The zone has been characteri­sed by a magnificen­t rock garden.there are three hotels, namely Crowne Plaza, a 4-star hotel with a seafront view of the Arabian Sea, with 213 rooms and 16 suites; Park Inn Duqm, a 4-star hotel located off the beach and consisting of 73 units; and Al Madina Hotel, a 3-star hotel with 118 rooms, which is close to the centre of the wilayat, residentia­l areas, and shops.

Investors in the tourism sector are granted tax and customs exemptions, and renewable land use contracts are granted for long term for up to 50 years. Mahout

Experience sailing on a ferry on the beach (you can enjoy watching a lot of birds).

Enjoy sardine fishing in the season for which Al Wusta Governorat­e is known for.

Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy watching the birds and the sunset. The Wetland Reserve

Visit Mahout island and enjoy sailing on small boats in the forests of Crimean trees.

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