Hoota Cave reopens for visitors

Muscat: Starting from today, tourists will be able to visit the famous Hoota Cave in Al Dakhilya.

A statement from the cave’s administration read: “Hoota Cave’s administration would like to inform you that cave visits have been resumed. Our doors are open again to our dear visitors.

“Hoota Cave is open daily on the weekdays and weekends. From 9 am to 5 pm and the last tour starts at 4 pm. We recommend checking beforehand for holidays opening hours,” the statement added.

An official from Hoota Cave told Times of Oman that the cave’s famous train, which takes visitors into the entrance to view the cave’s incredible rock formations and facilities, is also fully operational starting from today.

According to a statement from the officials, the Hoota Cave train is currently the only electric train in Oman.

Entrance into the cave is restricted at a maximum of 750 visitors at any one time.

The statement by the administration read, “A maximum of 750 people can visit the cave each day. During very busy periods it will be essential to book ahead and you must arrive at the ticketing office at least 15 minutes before your allotted time.”

According to the administration, the cave costs OMR3.5 for Omani adults and 1OMR for Omani children. The entrance costs OMR7 for expat adults and OMR3.5 for children. However, children under the age of 6 can enter the cave for free, and there are special rates for school and college trips.

Hoota cave has been closed since May 25, due to weather conditions and heavy rains in the area that caused it to close for visitors.

According to the cave’s administration, “The cave is estimated to be over 2 million years old.

“Hoota Cave is located at the foot of Jabal Shams, Oman’s epic mountain. It is the first and only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula with a total length of around 4.5 kilometres, of which just 500 metres is accessible to the general public,” the statement added.