Wednesday 30 / October / 2024
Muscat, Oman: Misfah Al Abriyyin village in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate attracts a wide range of visitors from both inside and outside Oman. The village is considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the wilayat due to its diverse elements of nature, heritage, culture, and other unique features that distinguish it from other tourist villages in Al Hamra.
During the first half of this year, the number of visitors to the village exceeded 50,000, both from within and outside Oman.
The village is famous for its many ancient ruins and heritage landmarks, including the historic Rogan Castle, built during the Persian presence in Oman more than 1,000 years ago; Bait Al Baitain, which remains standing after being constructed 500 years ago; the Misfah Al Abriyyin falaj, notable for its unique engineering that channels water from the valley to irrigate all the farms in the mountainous village; and six inns and guesthouses.
All these historical sites contributed to Misfah Al Abriyyin village receiving the ‘Best Tourism Village Award’ through the first edition of the United Nation World Tourism Organization’s initiative in 2021. This initiative aims to identify villages committed to promoting and preserving their cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Varied features
Sultan Al Mukhmari, Acting Director of the Department of Historic Sites Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), said that the Misfah Al Abriyyin village in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations due to its diverse elements of nature, heritage, culture, and other attributes that distinguish it from other villages in the wilayat. It is renowned for its architectural heritage and traditional agriculture, embodying an Omani oasis. Originally a self-sufficient community relying on ancient falaj irrigation systems for at least 2000 years, the village operates as a cohesive rural unit, self-sustaining and interconnected. It also plays a vital role in creating a sustainable future for the local community through initiatives led by the MoHT, contributing to Oman Vision 2040.
Traditional irrigation systems and agriculture
Al Mukhmari added that the residents of Misfah Al Abriyyin village maintain traditional irrigation and agriculture systems, and the addition of tourist programs such as various tourism activities and experiences has made it a focal point for tourists from different nationalities. This has contributed to it becoming a place of accommodation for them through heritage inns, offering them a unique experience that combines the past and present. He emphasized that the village stands out for its stunning natural scenery, including palm and lemon farms. Additionally, the village is distinguished by its ancient houses, gates, and roads. The old council of Misfah Al Abriyyin and the old market in the village, along with the ancient customs and traditions practiced by its residents during religious festivals, allow tourists to learn about these traditions during these occasions.
He also mentioned that Misfah Al Abriyyin village received one of the most important tourism village awards in the world through the World Tourism Organization’s initiative in its first edition held in 2021. This initiative aims to identify villages committed to promoting and preserving their cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Criteria for evaluating tourist villages
Al Mukhmari clarified that tourist villages are assessed based on a set of criteria encompassing nine fundamental areas. These include cultural and natural resources, promotion and preservation of cultural assets, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development, integration within the value chain, governance and tourism priorities, as well as infrastructure, communication, health, safety, and security.
Global tourist icon
Husni Al Abri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company, stated that the Misfah Al Abriyyin village is considered a global tourist icon, where the tourism strategy of the village aims to focus on key aspects, including community collaboration and resilience. It aims to develop and enhance leading community cooperatives through Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company, implementing tourism-related activities, developing capacities and resilience within the community cooperative for tourism management, achieving a balance between the aspirations of residents and tourists, and shaping and managing visitor expectations.
Collaboration between the ministry and the village
Al Abri added that the areas of cooperation between the MoHT and the residents of Misfah Al Abriyyin village include facilitating all challenges and investments for projects in the village, supporting Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company in restoring the main village gate and some old houses for investment purposes, and creating job opportunities for locals. He pointed out that the comprehensive study project conducted by the MoHT with the Archiam Heritage and Culture Center at the University of Liverpool encompassed artistic, cultural, and social aspects to reconstruct the old village and utilize it as a heritage tourist village. The study serves as a roadmap for any project undertaken in the village to ensure it preserves its unique identity and style.
He also mentioned that there is significant cooperation between the village and various government and private entities to attract tourists throughout the year. This is achieved through organizing recreational activities by tourism companies within and outside the village, which in turn contribute to attracting tourists.
Plans are underway for new project developments
Al Abri affirmed that the village is currently working on several plans to introduce new and unique projects within and around the village to enhance tourist activities and adventure tourism. They are also working on establishing a hotel on the village’s frontage as an additional accommodation option. Construction works are ongoing in the village’s infrastructure, including parking facilities, in collaboration with various governmental and private entities.
He emphasised that the unique geographical diversity between valleys and mountains facilitates various activities such as mountain climbing and exploring the caves, valleys, and traditional Omani falaj systems that characterize Misfah Al Abriyyin uniquely. He also noted that the village participated in recent meetings alongside other tourist villages worldwide in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, and in the Italian village of San Gimignano to benefit from successful experiences, exchange ideas, and share experiences.
