Jabal Akhdar’s tourism set for revitalisation with new roads, airport

Jabal Akhdar’s tourism set for revitalisation with new roads, airport

Muscat: Tourism in Jabal Akhdar is set to receive a significant boost with new road projects and plans for a proposed airport, according to experts in the tourism industry. The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology is currently exploring an alternative route from South Al Batinah to Jabal Akhdar. The construction of a new road aims to provide easier access to Jabal Akhdar, eliminating the need for four-wheel-drive vehicles and enhancing tourist traffic to the scenic green mountains. In a recent development, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has invited tenders from specialised companies for site selection studies, master plans, design, and supervision for the proposed development of Jabal Akhdar, Masirah, and Sohar Airports. Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, emphasised the current accessibility issue, stating that Jabal Akhdar struggles to attract enough tourists due to its limited access with four-wheel-drive vehicles. He expressed optimism that addressing this challenge would bring a positive transformation to Jabal Akhdar, making it accessible to a broader audience. He told Times of Oman: "It's an elephant in the room issue. Tackling this matter will make Jabal Akhdar thrive. Enabling broader access to the mountains through a road suitable for saloon