MUSCAT – These projects contribute to economic vitality, provide seasonal employment opportunities and support entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism.
They are commonly distributed across hospitality facilities, rural rest houses, tourist chalets, cafés, watercraft services, and adventure tourism, in addition to environmental conservation initiatives and the promotion of Omani handicrafts and heritage products. This has contributed to the quality of services provided to visitors arriving from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman and raising from abroad.
A number of project owners in Wadi Darbat told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the increasing demand during the Khareef season has served as an incentive to expand their investments and develop their services, in line with the sustained growth in tourism traffic and the year-on-year increase in visitor numbers to Dhofar Governorate.
Salim Mohammed Al Mashani, owner of the Reef Darbat Rest House project, explained that 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. This contributes to supporting artisans and family businesses and promoting community-based tourism.
Said Mahad Al Mashani, owner of the “Darbat Chalets” project, noted that the project has evolved from just three chalets at its launch five years ago into an integrated tourism offering destination 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.
In the food and beverage sector, Hamid Alawi Ba Omar, owner of the “Molo Darbat” café, explained that 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 favorite spot for photography enthusiasts and content creators, thereby contributing to the destination’s promotion across social media platforms.
Mohammed Mohsen Al Maamari, owner of “Darbat Park Boats” project, stated that the project began with just three boats in 2008 and has since expanded to over 85 boats, operated by 48 employees—33 of whom are Omani nationals. He noted that the expansion has included the development of hospitality facilities and the establishment of a modern café, helping to accommodate the growing number of visitors and reduce waiting times.
In the adventure tourism sector, Eng. Abdul Hakim Amer Al Mashani, co-founder of Dhofar Tourism and Investment Company, affirmed that the “Zip Line” project—launched in 2022—has undergone continuous development phases. This year, the project aims to implement four launch lines and four return lines, providing approximately 72 seasonal job opportunities and reinforcing Dhofar’s position as a preferred destination for adventure tourism, with a focus on qualifying national talent to manage and operate the project.
These initiatives represent a successful model of youth-led investment in Wadi Darbat’s natural and tourism assets, transforming them into sustainable economic projects that stimulate tourism activity, diversify income sources, and create employment opportunities – thereby fulfilling key aspects of the Sultanate of Oman’s developmental, economic, and tourism objectives.