Surge in visitors boosts scope for investments in Jabal Akhdar projects

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has reported an impressive visitor turnout in Jabal Akhdar, Dakhliyah, with 30,867 tourists recorded in the first quarter of this year.

The surge underscores the region's growing appeal as a tourist destination and highlights the potential for further investment in its tourism sector, the ministry stated.

Sheikh Sultan bin Mansour al Ghufaili, Wali of Jabal Akhdar, stressed the importance of enhancing tourism infrastructure to accommodate the growing influx of visitors. Currently, the wilayat has 16 hotels that offer a variety of lodging options, reflecting the government's robust support to expand the local tourism industry.

Ghufaili also mentioned several ongoing projects aimed at developing services, the economy and tourism in the area, including a new hotel nearing completion. He attributed the increased tourist activity to Jabal Akhdar's natural beauty and its reputation as a destination that can be visited year-round, which enhances its attraction for investments.

Ali bin Saeed bin Muhammad al Adawi, Director of Department of Heritage and Tourism in Dakhliyah, praised the area's unique climate and natural characteristics, which make it suitable for a wide variety of tourism activities. He reaffirmed the government's dedication to boosting infrastructure and highlighted the Mountain Destination Project in Jabal Akhdar as a key development.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning recently unveiled plans for the groundbreaking Us$2.4bn Mountain Destination Project. Situated at an altitude of 2,400m, the destination is poised to redefine luxury living. The development encompasses 2,527 residential homes, 2,000 hospitality rooms in avant-garde hotels, and a purpose-built health and wellness village.

Additionally, Adawi pointed out multiple promising investment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, dining, leisure activities, handicrafts and organic products, all set to benefit from the burgeoning tourism market in Jabal Akhdar. These initiatives are expected to not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute significantly to the local and national economies.