MUSCAT: A modern development project has added an exceptional feature to the area’s breathtaking natural landscape: a glass observation platform that offers visitors the chance to gaze upon steep mountain slopes and the Arabian Sea from a dizzying height, where the blue of the ocean meets the green of the mountains and the vast horizon beyond.

Situated on the slopes of Mount Sajer, part of the Qamar (Moon) Mountain range in Rakhyut, the Shaat Glass Viewpoint commands a view of the sea from an elevation exceeding 1,000 metres. It lies approximately 80 kilometres from the city of Salalah via the main highway connecting Salalah to the wilayats of Rakhyut and Dhalkhut.

The new project has imbued the location with a distinct touristic dimension, featuring a glass platform measuring 10 metres in length and 12 metres in width, complemented by viewing decks, seating areas, rest stops, pedestrian pathways, vehicle parking, service facilities, retail zones, a children’s play area, and an open-air amphitheatre. Together, these amenities offer visitors a comprehensive experience that harmonizes the enjoyment of nature with ready access to essential services.

The glass platform is distinguished by its design, which allows visitors to stand suspended above the natural terrain and take in an uninterrupted panoramic view of the sea and mountains—an experience that blends exhilaration, contemplation, and photography. This comes as Dhofar Governorate continues to see growing interest in natural sites that combine geographical assets with modern tourism infrastructure.

Ahmed Said Baqi, owner of Sajer Investment Company, the project’s developer, stated that the construction of the glass platform adhered to multiple engineering and technical specifications, encompassing structural and environmental studies, load and wind analysis, safety assessments, and risk management protocols. These were complemented by soil testing prior to construction, as well as testing of the steel framework and glass panels following installation.
He added that the structure underwent a load test of up to 40 tonnes, while the glass itself consists of three laminated layers with a total thickness of 43 millimetres. He stressed that these measures are designed to ensure the durability of the facility, the safety of visitors, and the delivery of an enjoyable and secure tourist experience.
He explained that the glass platform was executed in line with a vision set by Dhofar Municipality—the project’s owning authority—aimed at leveraging the unique natural attributes of the Shaat site and offering visitors a novel experience that marries scenic beauty with safety and quality standards. He noted that the glass design was chosen to afford visitors an unobstructed field of vision, enabling them to appreciate the natural landscape from a fresh perspective, thereby enhancing the site’s appeal and adding a distinctive landmark to Dhofar’s tourism portfolio.
He further indicated that the project also provides a range of facilities and services designed to ensure visitor comfort and smooth site circulation, emphasizing that the development was holistically conceived in terms of infrastructure, tourist amenities, and viewing and rest areas. He added that the strong visitor turnout since the site’s opening underscores the importance of developing such natural attractions and supports efforts to stimulate tourism and economic activity in Rakhyut and Dhofar Governorate at large.
The visitor experience at Shaat extends beyond the glass platform. The site also features designated areas for family-run businesses adjacent to the viewpoint, showcasing Omani products and traditional cuisine, along with incense, perfumes, and handicrafts—adding an economic dimension to the visit that supports local production.
The new vista has attracted large numbers of visitors since its inauguration. According to data published by Dhofar Municipality in early August, the site has received more than 50,000 visitors, with access to the platform regulated in groups of no more than 30 persons at a time, each for a limited duration, to manage foot traffic and enhance visitor safety.
The development of the Shaat Glass Viewpoint reflects a strategic approach to harnessing natural assets in the creation of novel tourism experiences while preserving the site’s distinctive character. In 2025, Dhofar Municipality announced the implementation of the second phase of the site’s development, comprising rest areas, public facilities, viewing points, car parks, and landscaping works, at a total cost exceeding RO 1 million.
With the project now fully realized, the Shaat Glass Viewpoint emerges as a model tourism destination that fuses natural beauty with innovative design, offering visitors to Dhofar Governorate a one-of-a-kind experience that places them at the heart of the scenery – standing above the glass, with the mountain’s depth beneath their feet, the expanse of the Arabian Sea before them, and Dhofar’s verdant mountains surrounding them during the Khareef (monsoon) season.
Shaat Glass Viewpoint has also become a favoured photography location across the governorate, thanks to its sweeping panoramic views and the rich diversity of its terrain and landscapes.