MUSCAT – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the governorate currently has 51 guest houses and 36 eco-lodges, while more than 20 additional projects have received approvals and are expected to complete licensing procedures this year.
Hassan bin Sulaiman Al Jabri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in North Al Batinah Governorate, said the growth of guest houses and eco-lodges has become a key part of the governorate’s tourism offering, providing visitors with experiences that combine comfort with authentic Omani culture and traditional lifestyles.
He noted that these establishments contribute to promoting domestic tourism, creating employment opportunities for local communities and supporting related economic activities.
The department conducts regular field inspections to monitor service quality and ensure compliance with approved classification standards, helping enhance visitor experiences and improve the competitiveness of tourism facilities.

North Al Batinah’s tourism appeal is supported by its natural landscapes, including valleys, mountain villages and scenic trails that attract adventure and nature enthusiasts. Popular destinations include Wadi Al Hawasna, Wadi Haybi and Wadi Al Jahawer, offering opportunities for hiking, camping and nature exploration.
The governorate also features rural and agricultural tourism experiences, where visitors can explore traditional irrigation systems, farms, local products and heritage villages, including Al Ghaizin, Badat, Al Khad, Halhal Bani Ghaith, Al Haylin, Shida and Al Ghadifa.
In heritage tourism, North Al Batinah is home to several historic landmarks, including Sohar Castle, Al Suwaiq Fort, Al Khaboura Fort, Saham Fort, Liwa Fort and Shinas Fort, alongside traditional markets, crafts and Omani cultural practices.
Adventure tourism is also gaining momentum, with mountainous areas and valleys attracting hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, while natural springs such as Ain Sahban in Wadi Al Jizzi, Ain Bat in Liwa and the hot spring in Saham support wellness and relaxation tourism.
On the investment front, a usufruct agreement was recently signed to establish a three-star tourist resort in Al Falij area of Saham with an investment value of OMR 2 million, adding to the governorate’s hospitality infrastructure.
Al Jabri highlighted the important role of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector, saying they represent a significant share of hospitality establishments and contribute to entrepreneurship and local economic development.
He added that youth initiatives, including hiking activities, exploration tours, tourism content creation and heritage promotion, are helping increase awareness of the governorate’s tourism potential.
The North Al Batinah Tourism Forum continues to support emerging tourism businesses, promote tourism packages and empower young people working in the sector.
He pointed out that the governorate’s combination of heritage sites, natural attractions, marine environments and investment opportunities supports Oman’s broader efforts to develop tourism as a key economic sector under Oman Vision 2040.