Thursday 16 / May / 2024
MUSCAT: The South Batinah Governorate has initiated a tender process for consulting services aimed at crafting designs and documents for both road and cable car infrastructure leading to the picturesque Wakan area in Wadi Mistal, nestled within the Wilayat of Nakhal.
Interested parties can acquire Bid Documents until April 19, with the final submission date set for May 9.
Wakan has emerged as a magnet for visitors, offering a harmonious blend of mountainous terrain and verdant plains, peppered with archaeological treasures steeped in history.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, during a January cabinet meeting, underscored the imperative of establishing a clear timeline for the development of the Al Jabal Al Abyad area and the village of Wakan.
This directive aims at fortifying basic infrastructure and fostering conducive conditions to unlock the full potential of these areas' tourism gems.
Firms specialising in urban engineering consultancy, master planning, civil and architectural engineering consultancy, quantity surveying, project management, electrical and mechanical engineering consultancy, landscape design, and geographical and continental surveys are eligible to participate in the bid.
In line with a commitment to bolster the local economy and workforce, preference will be accorded to bids demonstrating substantial Omanisation and the utilisation of domestic products.
Perched 2,000m above sea level in the Western Hajar Mountains, Wakan stands as a quaint mountain village, adorned with captivating terraced gardens that command sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and the enchanting Wadi Mistal below.
In a bid to enhance tourism amenities in Wakan, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has undertaken infrastructure improvements within the village, including the construction of a 1.1-kilometer rock steps walkway leading to the village's highest summit.
This scenic pathway culminates in a breathtaking overlook, offering panoramic views of the valley extending from the village borders to the foothills of the mountains enveloping the Wilayat of Nakhal, aptly known as Wadi Mistal.
This enhancement initiative is geared towards enriching the overall tourist experience and fostering a culture of hiking within the area. Wakan serves as the starting point for several hiking trails and is conveniently located approximately 150km from Muscat, accessible via the Nakhal-Awabi road turnoff to Wadi Mistal.
The introduction of the cable car project represents a significant leap forward in enhancing accessibility to this hidden gem, making it more enticing for both domestic and international tourists.
By providing a seamless and exhilarating journey to Wakan, the cable car promises to elevate the overall visitor experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that are unparalleled.
By harnessing the region's natural and cultural assets in a sustainable manner, Wakan stands poised to emerge as a model for responsible tourism development in Oman, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of heritage preservation and economic growth.
