Thursday 26 / December / 2024
Muscat: Ras Al Hadd in Sur witnessed a huge influx of tourists in 2019 with Ras Al Jinz Scientific Centre in the wilayat reaching 70,000 visitors.
The tourists were visiting from all around the world, especially during the turtle season as it is considered to be one of the most popular times for tourists to flock in the area, compared to the other 10 months of the year.
According to Saud Al Alawi, Director of Tourism in the South Al-Sharqiyah governorate, Ras Al Hadd is a major tourist attraction in wilayat Sur of the governorate. It is about 55 km away from the centre of the wilayat.
“The sun rises first in this piece of land before any other place in the entire Arabian Peninsula. It is also one of the most important tourist attractions. They come here from within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.
“It has a number of natural sites such as beaches, terrain, soft sand and moderate weather throughout the year. Birds come here in large numbers in its water pounds and make it their abode. There are also various rock formations and beautiful natural bays,” he said.
Speaking about the hotel establishments in Ras Al Hadd, Al Alawi added that, “There are a number of rest houses, camps and hotels. It includes three hotels and rest houses as well as six guest houses in addition to two camps.
“The work is underway on two other accommodation facilities. The occupancy rate for these tourist and hotel establishments reaches 100 per cent during weekends and official holidays. This indicates a large tourist movement in the area.”
Ras Al Hadd is located on two important seas, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It has many tourist spots such as Khor Al Hajar and Khor Grama and small islands. This area is known for the arrival of migratory birds and the large numbers of turtles found here.
“In this regard, the government decided to set up a museum, known as Ras Al Jinz Scientific Centre in Ras Al Jinz. This was done to save and maintain the natural life of turtles and the surrounding environment. It is also sensitizing the Omani society regarding the environmental requirements of turtles,” he said.
Nasser Al Ghailani, Director of the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Museum said that the Scientific Centre of Tourists organises daily tours to see the status of turtles found in the Sultanate.
“It also provides a tourist guide who gives the visitors and tourists relevant information and guidelines. They also brief them about the process of reproduction of turtles, which continues between 60 to 120 days depending on the types of turtle and its origin from which it belongs. They also get information about the methods, which the turtle uses to protect eggs from any threat,” Al Ghailani said.
He added that, “The turtle reserve has various activities for all museum visitors, including entry into Ras Al Jinz beach, at a very small fee. Here they can enjoy the natural beauty of the beaches, its soft sand and its beautiful atmosphere. It is a major tourist attraction. The tourist can also walk around the surrounding mountains and practice hobby of diving and mountain biking, etc. The reserve organises night tours to see turtles and watching the stars.”
One of the tourists, Ahmad Al Balushi said that he was very happy to visit this place, and he particularly liked Fort of Ras Al Hadd.
“[I was] fond of its beauty and design. I really appreciate the way the tourists were received at the fort with a big heart. The building is known for its heritage style, which includes a number of antiques, and ancient weapons such as cannons, rifles, and others,” he said.
