The road network that connected the various governorates contributed to bringing the distances closer and making it easier for tourists to explore nature and unique tourist sites in the Sultanate of Oman. Today, whoever wants to get away from the city’s bustle, he has to drive his car towards the destination he wants to visit, to spend his day on the banks of the Wadis and enjoy the shade of trees.
Wadi Sabt, which is located in the Wilayat of Al Kamil W’al Wafi (250 km from Muscat) is classified among the exceptional sites that can be easily accessed.
This valley in South Al Sharqiyah is located between two banks, one mountainous and the other full of agricultural farms. Farmers cultivate date palms, bananas, mangoes, lemons, and these trees form a green belt that protects the area from floods. This bank attracts dozens of species of resident and migratory birds. It is a refuge for many types of butterflies and reptiles.
The people of Wadi Sabt depend on agriculture. Therefore, the heavy rains that fell during this month brought them happiness.
“Now Aflaj are full of water and we thank God for this blessing. We are happy and we are getting ready to plant the seeds and saplings, ” the farmers said.
The eastern bank of the valley consists of mountains and volcanic rocks, which form a natural barrier to control flooding valleys after heavy rains. These mountain slopes are characterised by unique geological formations that the visitor rarely finds except in a limited number of Omani villages and valleys.
Some compare the geological formations in Wadi Sabt to those in the village of Wadi al Arbiyeen in the Wilayat of Qurayat. A visitor to Wadi Sabt will be mesmerised by the crystal clear water that act as a mirror to the majestic mountains, especially at sunrise and sunset.
On the eastern side of the valley, the water flows into the water channel (falaj), and farmers consider it one of the main channels for delivering water to the farms surrounding the valley from the western side. Today, the waters of the falaj are in full flow thanks to the heavy rains recently after a dry spell
This valley provides opportunities for those interested in discovering rare geological sites in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as other opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
But the site blessed with natural diversity lacks basic facilities. “After the rain, dozens of tourists flock to this site, and all of them are in dire need of some necessary services, including toilets and cafes.”
Tourists urged authorities to conduct a field survey to develop this unique site, which is now trending on social media.
TEXT & PHOTOS YAHYA AL SALMANI
