Youth-led projects in Wadi darbat boost tourism in Khareef Dhofar season

Wadi Darbat in Oman's Dhofar Governorate is experiencing a surge in tourism and economic activity during the Khareef Dhofar season, largely thanks to innovative Omani youth-led projects. These ventures are transforming the valley's natural beauty into diverse tourism services and experiences, fostering economic vitality, seasonal employment, and entrepreneurship.

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The increasing demand during the Khareef season has served as an incentive to expand our investments and develop our services, in line with the sustained growth in tourism traffic and the year-on-year increase in visitor numbers to Dhofar Governorate.

The projects encompass a wide range of offerings, including hospitality facilities, rural rest houses, tourist chalets, cafés, watercraft services, and adventure tourism. They also focus on environmental conservation and promoting Omani handicrafts and heritage products, enhancing the quality of services for both domestic and international visitors.

Project owners have noted a significant increase in demand during the Khareef season. This growing interest serves as a strong incentive to expand their investments and refine their services, aligning with the consistent rise in tourism traffic and visitor numbers to the Dhofar Governorate.

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The project aims to embody Omani rural identity through a design inspired by the local environment, using natural materials such as wood and clay, in addition to showcasing heritage products including ghee, honey, pottery, and traditional crafts.

Salim Mohammed Al Mashani, owner of the Reef Darbat Rest House, explained his project embodies Omani rural identity through a design inspired by the local environment, using natural materials like wood and clay. It also showcases heritage products such as ghee, honey, pottery, and traditional crafts, thereby supporting local artisans and family businesses while promoting community-based tourism.

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The project has evolved from just three chalets at its launch five years ago into an integrated tourism destination offering online booking services, meal provision, and upgraded facilities and interior décor, alongside providing employment opportunities for Omani talent and a commitment to cultivating native plants and environmental conservation.

Said Mahad Al Mashani, owner of "Darbat Chalets," shared that his project has grown from three chalets five years ago into a comprehensive tourism destination. It now offers online booking, meal services, upgraded facilities, and interior décor, while creating jobs for Omani talent and prioritizing native plant cultivation and environmental conservation. Hamid Alawi Ba Omar, owner of the "Molo Darbat" café, highlighted its popularity since opening in 2022, combining nature with modern services and becoming a favored spot for photography and social media promotion. Mohammed Mohsen Al Maamari's "Darbat Park Boats" project has expanded from three boats in 2008 to over 85, employing 48 people, including 33 Omanis, and adding hospitality facilities and a café to manage visitor flow.

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The café, which opened in 2022, has become one of the valley's premier tourism destinations, thanks to its integrated experience combining nature with modern services. Its design has also made it a favourite spot for photography enthusiasts and content creators, thereby contributing to the destination's promotion across social media platforms.