Zip-lining is not new to Oman; Millennium Resort Musannah established the country’s first zip-line venture in its sprawling facility a couple of years ago. That initial excitement is now expected to be augmented by the proposed new zip-line facility at Misfat Al Abriyeen village, which is planned to be the longest in the country, attracting adventure tourists from within and outside the country.
Complementing the zip-line facility is Bank Muscat’s forthcoming project in association with the Tourism Ministry. The Bank recently signed an agreement with the Ministry and Al Misfat Al Ahlia company to launch a landmark tourism development project in Misfat Al Abriyeen. The agreement, initiated as part of the bank’s Imprints CSR programme, was signed at the bank’s head office in the presence of H.E Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism, Sheikh Waleed Al Hashar, CEO of Bank Muscat, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the bank’s management team.
Zip-Line
The new proposed zip-line in Misfat Al Abriyeen, the quaint village located in Wilayat Al Hamra in A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, is expected to boost tourism to this picturesque destination, which is marked by mud homes and agricultural terraces. It will provide unique opportunities for adventure seekers to zip-line through this old village and quench their thirst for all things adventure. The currently operational zip-line facility at Millennium Resort is a 175-meter long dual zip line that is managed by a team who are trained and fully certified to international standards by Arrampica, a UK-based internationally renowned artificial adventure support service provider.
In a statement issued last month, the Ministry of Tourism said the operation of the proposed zip-line project at Misfat Al Abriyeen will be shared between Al Masfah Company as the owner and Oman Refreshments Company as the founder, while the Ministry will act as the technical advisor and supervisor of the project. The project is expected to boost the tourism potentials of the spectacular heritage village, which is a perfect cocoon of human and natural edifices that coexist in subliminal harmony. The zip-line project will further attract investments from travel and tourism companies to create exciting opportunities for domestic and international tourists to explore this 300-year old village, with its intrinsic elements of interest.
Tourism Development Project
The Ministry of Tourism had conducted a comprehensive study in 2015 on the cultural heritage of the village and investment potential to develop a sustainable tourism project in cooperation with stakeholders in the private sector and the local community. The new project is based on the study by the University of Liverpool, UK, which was commissioned by the Tourism Ministry and Bank Muscat. When completed, the project will create a unique tourism experience centred on the old Misfat village, highlighting Omani tourism strategy based on a sustainable development model that benefits local communities with the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage.
The main components of the project include the restoration of the main gate of Misfat Al Abriyeen, preserving its original features. Restoration of some old mud houses will be done to set up a restaurant and bakery serving authentic Omani cuisine for tourists and visitors. Vehicle parking facility, tourist information centre and office, souvenir shop and signage leading to the tourist spot will be developed. The project will be completed within eight months to one year.
Misfat Al Abriyeen
Located in Wilayat Al Hamra, this old hamlet with its distinctive alleyways, antiquated homes and high mud buildings, alongside lush agricultural terraces weaving the mountain, is about 1000 metres above sea level. With homes of inhabitants located at the top of the mountain and farms on the slopes, it has been classified as a unique example of Oman’s strong focus on all things tradition and culture. It continues to attract tourists and visitors, many of who are keen to imbibe the essence of old-world charm packed in its alleyways and abounding mud walls, which seem as if they are extensions of the mountain. The homes have a rustic appeal, with natural décor elements heightening their charm, as they sit in close proximity to each other. Cobbled lanes and narrow alleys create a maze of mystery, giving visitors a feel of life untethered by modernisation and technology. Interestingly, there is a little platform to get an eyeful of the village vista.
Visitors, generally, find the panorama of the village and the mountains to be visually captivating; many frequent it during the weekends to hike along the slopes and experience the stunning scenery of the contemplative meditation between the mountain and the mud homes. Misfat Al Abriyeen is a world away from the busy city life and visitors would be forgiven for thinking they have trespassed into a time machine. Now, with the Ministry of Tourism planning to augment the potentials of this wondrous village with the longest zip-line facility and Bank Muscat joining in to develop tourism, it is geared to become a must-visit destination in Oman.