Oman unveiled the longest tourist walkway in the Wilayat of Nakhal, located in the South Al Batinah Governorate. The total project cost, including service facilities, is anticipated to exceed OMR1 million ($2.6 million).
The 3-kilometer path will connect the historic Nakhil Fort with Ain Al Thawra Park, meandering past numerous natural springs, traditional aflaj (irrigation systems), and agricultural villages along Wadi Nakhal. This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic value of the wilayat, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA).
Sheikh Khalifa Saleh Al Busaidi, Wali of Nakhal, emphasized that the project is designed to boost tourism while highlighting the scenic and natural attractions of the villages and farms along the route. The walkway will be developed in multiple phases, with the first phase covering one kilometer and subsequent phases to follow.
Project features
The new project will feature adequate lighting, stone or interlocking pavement, and various public amenities.
The Wali also noted that local farmers whose lands the walkway crosses will be encouraged to establish their own tourism projects in collaboration with relevant authorities. Potential projects may include eco-lodges, cafes, and electric tourist vehicles to transport visitors between the fort and Ain Al Thawra Park. This initiative is expected to alleviate traffic congestion at the park while creating job opportunities for locals.
The main supervisory committee for the project has already convened its first meeting to approve the action plan and establish sub-committees to initiate implementation.
