Al Jabal Al Akhdar Boosts Tourism Readiness Ahead of Gulf Tourism Capital 2027

Oman’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar Prepares to Become Gulf Tourism Capital 2027

Al Jabal Al Akhdar: Al Jabal Al Akhdar is entering a new phase of tourism development following its selection as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2027, with preparations underway to strengthen its tourism readiness and maximise the economic opportunities associated with the distinction.

The development comes amid growth in tourism activity and the governorate’s diverse natural, agricultural, cultural and heritage assets, alongside development projects, infrastructure improvements and tourism investments aimed at supporting private-sector participation and expanding opportunities for small and medium enterprises and the local community.

According to data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Al Jabal Al Akhdar received approximately 101,608 visitors during the first half of 2026.

Hotel establishments in the area recorded revenues of about RO 7.8 million by the end of July 2026, with 44,365 guests and an occupancy rate of 32.1%.

Sheikh Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Saadi, Governor of Nizwa and Acting Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the selection of Al Jabal Al Akhdar as Gulf Tourism Capital 2027 provides an opportunity to strengthen its position on the regional tourism map and build on its natural, agricultural, cultural and heritage resources.

He said the governorate views 2027 as an opportunity to enhance tourism readiness, develop tourism products and experiences and capitalise on the area’s ability to offer year-round activities.

He added that developing year-round tourism experiences could contribute to increasing visitor stays and tourism spending while expanding the participation of SMEs, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and farmers in tourism-related economic activity.

Al Saadi stressed that achieving the benefits of the designation requires continued cooperation among government institutions, the private sector and the local community, alongside further development of infrastructure, services, events and tourism experiences while preserving the Green Mountain’s natural and cultural identity.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar offers a diverse range of attractions, including mountainous landscapes, a moderate climate, agricultural diversity, heritage villages, aflaj, historical sites, mountain trails and cultural traditions, creating opportunities for nature, rural, agricultural, environmental and adventure tourism.

Issa bin Saleh Al Subaihi, Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada) in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said Al Jabal Al Akhdar is home to 246 SMEs, 11 craftsmen and 44 craft registers.

He noted that these businesses can benefit from increased tourism activity through accommodation, hospitality, restaurants, cafés, transport, tourism activities and experiences, as well as the marketing of agricultural and craft products and the organisation of events and tourism programmes.

Agriculture remains an important part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar’s economic and tourism identity, with products including pomegranates, olives, saffron, roses, aromatic plants and other fruits, alongside integrated agricultural projects.

The governorate has 14 agricultural investment projects covering approximately 166 acres, with a combined investment value of about RO 3.5 million.

A package of development and service projects worth more than RO 5.7 million is also being implemented, covering roads, public facilities, health and administrative services and tourism- and investment-related infrastructure.

Among the ongoing projects are consultancy services for the design of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar dual carriageway and development of the wilayat’s entrance, extending for 5 kilometres, with completion reaching 90%.

Consultancy work for an investment park plan in Al Jabal Al Akhdar has reached 50% completion.

Other works include the rehabilitation of dirt roads serving several villages, while maintenance of the Marwah road has reached 40% completion. The second phase of internal roads, extending for 3.7 kilometres, has reached the contracting stage.

The governorate is also witnessing major investment projects, including the High Mountain project, with an estimated investment value of RO 1.2 billion.

The project will cover approximately 11.8 square kilometres at an elevation of around 2,400 metres above sea level and is planned as an integrated community capable of accommodating about 10,000 people, with more than 2,500 residential units and 2,000 hotel rooms, in addition to tourism, recreational, cultural and sports facilities.

Several development projects have also been completed and received, including the Green Mountain Public Park, covering approximately 20,000 square metres and featuring recreational and service facilities, open spaces and landscaping.

The governorate has also completed an internal roads project extending for 7 kilometres, supporting connectivity between villages and residential communities and accommodating urban expansion.

Ahmed bin Hamad Al Nabhani, a member of the Municipal Council representing Al Jabal Al Akhdar, said the designation provides wider opportunities for SMEs, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and farmers to benefit from growing tourism activity through service development, investment, partnerships and the promotion of local agricultural and craft products.

Walid bin Saif Al Zakwani, also a member of the Municipal Council representing Al Jabal Al Akhdar, stressed the importance of active community participation in making the most of the designation while preserving tourism sites, trees, aflaj, agricultural terraces and local heritage.

He highlighted the importance of providing visitors with a welcoming experience reflecting the authenticity of Omani society and the distinctive character of Al Jabal Al Akhdar.

Preparations for 2027 focus on raising tourism readiness, expanding the tourism offering and maximising the economic opportunities associated with tourism through coordinated efforts between government institutions, the private sector and the local community, while safeguarding the natural, agricultural, cultural and heritage assets that define the Green Mountain.