MUSCAT, JUNE 5
Al Mughsayl Beach, one of the Sultanate of Oman’s most spectacular waterfront attractions, will be further developed to drive tourist traffic and investment inflows into this popular destination in Dhofar Governorate.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced in a post on Sunday that the project will be implemented in collaboration with Omran Group and Dhofar Governorate.
The ‘Observer’ has learnt that the development will cover a roughly 300,000 sq metre area on either side of the beachfront attraction. It is proposed to be implemented in two phases, an official said.
Located about a half-hour’s drive from Salalah City, Al Mughsayl Beach attracts tens of thousands of tourists and visitors during the khareef season when its famous blowholes — cavities in the limestone rock that spew plumes of seawater high into the air — become active. Together with its soaring limestone cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, white-sand beachfront and unique cave-like structure — known as Marneef Cave, Al Mughsayl is a must-visit destination for khareef tourists.
Now, with a view to developing the beachfront into all-year attraction, not limited to the khareef season alone, the Ministry has unveiled plans for a facelift that will ensure a steady flow of tourists round the year.
Planned for implementation in two phases, the first phase includes facilities catering primarily to families. Thus, in addition to ample car parking space, the development will also feature an area for entertainment, kiosks selling food and beverages, restaurants and eateries, an extended walkway along the way, gazebos for picnicking, among other amenities. In Phase 1, investments will focus on marine sports and an adventure park.
‘Conde Nest Traveller’, a prestigious international magazine, has included Al Mughsayl Beach in its ranking of 30 top beaches worldwide.
