Oman has launched a major new tourism project in the Wilayat of Nakhal, located in the South Al Batinah Governorate. The country’s longest tourist walkway is now in development, connecting Nakhal Fort to Ain Al Thawwarah Park through a scenic 3-kilometre route that highlights the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The new path aims to support rural tourism and open up economic opportunities for local communities. Visitors will walk through agricultural villages, natural springs, and traditional aflaj irrigation systems along the picturesque Wadi Nakhal.
According to His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Saleh Al Busaidi, Wali of Nakhal, the goal is to make this historically and ecologically rich region more accessible while empowering residents to participate in its tourism economy.
Project details:
- The walkway will be developed in phases, with the first kilometre already planned and construction of later sections to follow.
- The path will be built using paved stone or interlocking materials and will include eco-friendly lighting.
- Public amenities will be added along the route to enhance the visitor experience.
To reduce traffic and crowding at Nakhal’s most visited landmarks, the project also includes electric shuttles to ferry tourists between the fort and the park.
Local farmers whose lands border the walkway will be invited to create small-scale ventures such as eco-lodges, cafés, and other tourism-related services. The aim is to turn the walkway into a vibrant and sustainable destination while creating jobs in hospitality and ecotourism.
A main supervisory committee has already met to approve the action plan and form sub-committees to begin implementation.
