Opinion

Call for more innovative recreational options

The Sultanate of Oman, located in the Arabian Peninsula, experiences extremely high temperatures during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

This extreme heat poses a significant challenge when it comes to providing recreational facilities for residents and tourists during the summer season.

However, Oman stands out in another aspect that sets it apart from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula: the presence of cool or moderate havens during the summer.

This is evident in Dhofar Governorate, which transforms into a green paradise during the summer, with temperatures dropping below the mid-twenties during the day and even lower during the night.

This turns the governorate into a sought-after destination for tourists from Oman, the Gulf and other Arab countries.

Its fame has even spread to parts of Asia and Europe.

While there are suitable havens for Arab tourists in many countries, the Dhofar Governorate remains the top choice for family tourism and nature lovers seeking rare sights.

Often referred to as ‘God’s Paradise’ in the Arabian Peninsula, it has made significant strides in the tourism industry over the past years.

By learning from tourist cities worldwide, it has developed advanced infrastructure to cater to tourists’ needs and offers exceptional entertainment activities, establishing itself as one of the most important tourist destinations in the region.

As temperatures soar to record levels, the Dhofar Governorate has become the top choice for hundreds of thousands of tourists. The governorate has utilised all its resources to accommodate large numbers of visitors, showcasing its innovation, uniqueness, and ability to amaze.

However, the Dhofar Governorate is not the only Omani haven for tourists during the summer. Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, an exceptional tourist destination not far from the Muscat Governorate, has also gained much popularity.

The Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has started focusing more on the tourism industry in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar by organising festivals, cultural, and entertainment events that attract tourists, providing a dual experience that enhances the enjoyment of the beautiful weather.

And to boost recreation in other parts of Oman which are not immune to summer heat, one solution to address the need for such is to focus on indoor options. Investing more in indoor recreational facilities allows residents and visitors to engage in physical activities and socialise without being exposed to the extreme heat outside.

Another approach to meeting the demand for recreational options in Oman’s hot climate is to develop water-based recreational facilities. Water parks are popular attractions worldwide and offer a refreshing escape from the heat.

By investing in water parks with slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other water attractions, Oman can provide an enjoyable experience for individuals and families seeking relief from the high temperatures.

Additionally, creating artificial lakes or ponds for activities like boating or fishing can also enhance the recreational opportunities available during the summer months.