Wednesday 13 / May / 2026
Jabal Akhdar: The Wilayat of Jabal Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is witnessing a wave of youth-led initiatives that reflect a strong spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Set against a backdrop of natural beauty and cultural and tourist landmarks, these projects attract visitors from across the Sultanate of Oman, particularly during the summer months when Jabal Akhdar enjoys mild weather.
Among the standout initiatives are the “Eider” rest house project in the village of Saiq, the “Planting of 300 Olive Trees” initiative in Al Manakhir, the restoration of the historic village of Al Suwajrah, and the “Rummanah” (Pomegranate) project. Together, they offer visitors distinctive experiences that showcase indigenous tree species, unspoiled nature, Omani customs and traditions, heritage sites and local crafts — including the rose distillation industry for which Al Jabal Al Akhdar is famous.
Project owners told Oman News Agency (ONA) that their initiatives have helped revitalise tourism and economic activity in the area. They provide visitors with an introduction to sustainable agricultural tourism, demonstrate how to harness agricultural resources for tourism and share success stories that have become an inspiring model for heritage revival and sustainable development.
Ali bin Nasser Al Falahi, owner of the “Eider” rest house in Saiq, said the idea for the project emerged in response to the growing number of tourists visiting Jabal Al Akhdar year after year. Such heritage projects, he noted, activate community tourism and boost income for productive families and local artisans.
He used natural materials from the local environment — various types of rare stone for agricultural terraces and pine wood for balconies and outdoor seating. Other spaces were planted with local fruit trees such as pomegranate, grapes, peaches, walnuts, apricots, olives and figs. The rest house also features imported varieties, including jujube and ornamental trees.
To appeal to visitors seeking a tranquil atmosphere, Al Falahi added outdoor seating, cabins, a café serving coffee and juices and swimming pools suitable for all ages. He also plans to expand the project in the future by offering a wider range of services to meet tourist needs.
Abdullah bin Nasser Al Shuraiqi, a resident of the village of Al Suwajrah, said that after the last inhabitants left in 2014, the village’s young men launched an ambitious initiative that brought life back to the community. Meticulous restoration of traditional buildings began, and the implementation of a sustainable tourism model helped transform the village — more than 400 years old — into a unique destination attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. Al Suwajrah today offers a cultural and tourist experience that highlights Oman’s rich heritage and proves that young people can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity, he said.
In the first phase, efforts focused on restoring old houses and converting them into heritage inns using local materials such as stone and gravel, and the timber of ancient trees — including al‑Al‘alan, al‑Otum and al‑But — for roofing, to preserve traditional Omani architecture. Infrastructure development included a suspension bridge of ropes and wood to improve access, paved agricultural paths, cobbled alleys and directional signboards, Al Shuraiqi added.
Construction and operational costs between 2020 and 2025 reached about RO 500,000, with work continuing to further develop the village, Al Shuraiqi said.
He added that Al Suwajrah offers visitors a unique range of experiences: heritage accommodation, craft workshops (wood carving and Omani coffee making), mountain adventures, unspoiled nature, traditional farming, sheep herding, and handicrafts such as stick‑making and traditional cooking. In 2025, the village received more than 30,000 visitors, with over 700 overnight guests.
The village is known for landmarks including Aamer Cave and the Hidden Lakes, Al Shuraiqi said. Activities include stargazing, the Pomegranate Trail and Via Ferrata climbing. Interactive maps and updated event schedules have been introduced, and social media platforms enable direct booking of rooms, accommodation and food services.
He pointed out that the ancient village of Al Suwajrah embraces sustainability as a fundamental pillar across three dimensions. Environmental sustainability is achieved through reducing plastic use — cutting costs by 75 percent — and using sustainable local timber from trees that have died or been affected by natural factors, such as al‑Otum, al‑Al‘alan and wild olive.
Social sustainability comes from employing and training local community members and reviving traditional crafts such as al‑Otum stick‑making and carpentry. Economic sustainability is secured by creating new job opportunities for villagers and opening income channels through tourism and online sales of local products.
Mahmoud bin Salim Al Tobi, Trustee of Endowments for the village of Al Manakhir, said the project to plant 300 olive trees, part of the public endowment for the village, is overseen by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. It holds great long‑term environmental, social and economic importance for Oman and was implemented at a cost exceeding OMR 62,000.
The idea arose because the olive tree is long‑lived and evergreen, enhancing the village’s appearance, ensuring abundant production and promising returns from the harvest for the public endowment, Al Tobi said. Added to this is the global quality of Jabal Akhdar olive oil, which has earned international recognition.
The initiative includes high‑quality saplings from the Diwan of Royal Court’s nursery, focusing on three varieties: Koroneiki, a small Greek variety producing oil with up to 28 percent content; Coratina, an Italian variety with high oil density reaching 27 percent; and Arbequina, a Spanish variety common in intensive farming, known for its fruity flavour. Production is expected to begin next year, with olives to be marketed in Oman and internationally.
The project was supported by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman LNG, Bank Muscat, Galfar company and a community contribution from villagers.
The initiatives respond to local market needs, aiming to enhance the tourist experience and empower Omani youth to invest in the tourism assets of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, particularly in areas of high tourist appeal that have become a primary destination for entrepreneurial projects supporting sustainable local development.
