Muscat – Wadi al Maawil in South Batinah celebrated the inauguration of Hujrat al Sheikh Tourist Walkway, a 1,500m path connecting the Hujrat al Sheikh neighbourhood to Bait al Ghasham Museum on Saturday.
The project, costing over RO80,000, was completed through a community partnership involving local authorities, government entities and private stakeholders.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Salem bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.
Saud bin Saeed al Maawali, Deputy Chairman of South Batinah Municipal Council, said, “The Hujrat al Sheikh Tourist Walkway is a collaborative effort between South Batinah Governor’s Office, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and other public and private entities. The project aims to promote tourism by blending history and nature.”
The walkway connects three key heritage sites – Hujrat al Sheikh neighbourhood, Al Safalah Castle and Bait al Ghasham Museum. Visitors can enjoy these landmarks while passing by Al Washhihi Falaj and green oases nestled among palm groves. The stone-paved pathway reflects traditional design, complemented by heritage-inspired aesthetics of farm walls along the route.
The project includes cafes and kiosks operated by Omani staff, over 60 solar-powered lighting poles and seating areas along the trail. Informative signboards highlight details of the historic landmarks, rare trees and aflaj for which Wadi al Maawil is renowned. Plans are underway to establish heritage inns in collaboration with local farm owners.
“We are studying the possibility of replicating this project in other villages of Wadi al Maawil, given the natural beauty of these areas,” Maawali informed.
The walkway is expected to enhance South Batinah’s tourism appeal, offering a unique experience that combines cultural heritage with natural beauty.
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