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    • Mountain Hiking in Oman Inspires Youth to Explore Nature and Support Sustainable Tourism

    By on June 30, 2026

    Muscat:  Mountain hiking and trekking activities have witnessed growing popularity in the Sultanate of Oman in recent years, driven by increasing interest among young people in outdoor adventure, nature exploration and eco-tourism. The trend has evolved beyond recreational outings into a community-based activity that supports domestic tourism, environmental awareness and healthy lifestyles.

    Oman’s diverse geography, which includes mountains, valleys, coastlines and historic villages, has encouraged the establishment of local hiking groups and companies led by young Omanis. These initiatives organize guided hiking trips that adhere to safety standards while introducing participants to the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

    Those involved in the sector affirm that hiking has become more than a recreational activity, serving as a platform for promoting physical and mental well-being, encouraging sustainable tourism and creating economic opportunities for local communities.

    Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al Amri, Chief Executive Officer of “Change Your Routine” Adventures, said the group’s journey began in 2016 through weekend hiking trips organised by a small group of friends exploring Oman’s mountains and valleys.

    He explained that sharing photographs of those trips on social media generated growing public interest, leading to the establishment of an organised entity that offers safe and professionally managed adventure experiences.

    Al Amri noted that hiking provides participants with an opportunity to reconnect with nature, relieve daily pressures and discover the Sultanate of Oman’s diverse natural landscapes and historical landmarks.

    He added that the group has expanded from a small initiative into a community comprising hundreds of members from different age groups and nationalities. It now offers qualified trail leaders, specialised safety equipment, satellite tracking systems, camping programmes and multi-day expeditions within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.

    He pointed out that early challenges included the limited availability of accurate digital maps for mountain trails and the need to conduct field surveys to assess routes and ensure participant safety, in addition to raising public awareness about hiking.

    Al Amri explained that hiking destinations are selected based on terrain, difficulty level, weather conditions and safety requirements while taking into consideration the varying experience levels of participants, including beginners, families and experienced hikers.

    He said Oman’s geographical diversity allows hikers to experience mountains, valleys and coastal areas within relatively short distances, while the country’s historic villages add cultural value to the overall experience.

    Ahmed bin Saif Al Shariqi, leader of the Sony Mountain Adventures Team, said his passion for nature and outdoor exploration motivated him to join hiking groups, describing the activity as a combination of fitness, recreation and discovery.

    He said regular participation has enabled him to explore new destinations, meet people with similar interests and strengthen his appreciation for nature while encouraging greater discipline and commitment to healthy living.

    Al Shariqi added that hiking has enhanced his planning, teamwork and decision-making skills, while reinforcing awareness of environmental conservation and responsible interaction with natural sites.

    He highlighted hiking trips to Jabal Al Akhdar, valleys and natural pools among his most memorable experiences, noting that the activity contributes to improving physical fitness, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

    He encouraged young people to participate in organised hiking activities while adhering to safety procedures and using appropriate equipment to ensure enjoyable and safe experiences.

    Specialists believe organised hiking groups have become an effective tool for promoting domestic tourism by introducing visitors to Oman’s rich natural attractions while supporting sustainable tourism practices and encouraging greater appreciation of the country’s environmental and cultural assets.

    Adventure enthusiast Salem bin Yaqoub Al Salti said hiking groups have played an important role in showcasing many of Oman’s natural attractions by organising expeditions, exploring new trails and documenting their experiences.

    He noted that several valleys and mountain trails have witnessed increased visitor numbers after being featured by hiking groups through various media platforms, helping to place these destinations on Oman’s tourism map.

    Al Salti explained that social media has significantly contributed to promoting the Sultanate of Oman’s environmental and geographical diversity, encouraging visitors to discover new destinations across the country.

    He added that exploring lesser-known routes helps distribute tourist movement across different regions, reducing pressure on popular sites while creating opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism activity.

    He said adventure tourism has evolved into a broader sector that includes cave exploration, specialised hiking trails and a range of outdoor experiences beyond traditional mountain hiking.

    Al Salti added that the sector offers promising economic opportunities by supporting tour guiding services, guesthouses, local restaurants, traditional crafts and small and medium enterprises, thereby increasing the tourism sector’s added value.

    Environmental conservation remains a key priority for hiking groups and organisers, who stress that protecting natural resources must accompany the growth of adventure tourism.

    Adventure enthusiast Ibtihaj bint Mohammed Al Bahri said hiking groups can play an effective role in preserving the environment by promoting responsible tourism practices and encouraging positive environmental behaviour.

    She explained that organised hiking programmes include awareness messages that encourage participants to respect nature, preserve natural sites and minimise environmental impact.

    Al Bahri noted that participants are encouraged not to leave litter, collect existing waste, remain on designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation and use reusable equipment wherever possible.

    She added that several volunteer initiatives have been organised to clean natural sites and promote environmental awareness, contributing to positive behavioural changes among participants.

    Al Bahri pointed out that increasing visitor numbers have created environmental challenges at some natural sites due to practices such as littering and damage to landscapes.

    She stressed that balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation requires cooperation among government entities, organisers and visitors while promoting a culture of environmental responsibility.

    Meanwhile, Amira bint Abdullah bin Salem Al Kharousi, Head of the Women’s Committee at the Sports Centre in the Wilayat of Al Awabi, said current indicators reflect a promising future for hiking and trekking activities in the Sultanate of Oman.

    She explained that increasing participation in hiking events demonstrates growing community interest, with several activities attracting large numbers of participants.

    Al Kharousi said hiking offers young people opportunities to explore nature, improve physical health, develop personal skills and create self-employment opportunities linked to tourism and outdoor activities.

    She added that hiking also strengthens social interaction and teamwork while reducing excessive dependence on smart devices.

    Al Kharousi emphasised the need to provide greater support for local adventure teams through specialised training in safety and emergency procedures, simplified organisational processes, expanded media coverage and improved services along hiking trails.

    She also called for expanding the training of trail leaders, installing directional signs, linking hiking routes to international mapping platforms and providing visitor facilities, including rest areas and outlets for local products.

    She highlighted the importance of strengthening emergency response and rescue services in mountainous areas while diversifying activities to suit different natural environments.

    Al Kharousi stressed that government and private sector institutions have a key role in developing infrastructure, promoting tourism and providing training and logistical support for the sector.

    She concluded by encouraging young people to pursue outdoor adventure responsibly, describing Oman’s diverse natural environment as an ideal destination for exploration, learning and personal development.

    Observers believe that hiking and trekking activities in the Sultanate of Oman are entering a more organised stage of development, supported by growing community initiatives and increasing awareness of sustainable tourism. The sector is expected to continue contributing to quality of life, environmental awareness and the promotion of Oman as a destination for adventure and eco-tourism.

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