The natural creeks of the Wilayat of Sur in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate alongside their ecosystems are major tourist attractions. The creeks of Ras Al Jinz, Al Hajar, Khor Jarama, Shiya, Al Bathaa, Al Rasagh, Qalhat and Tiwi are coastal lakes or coastal tidal lakes that are in for tourism development to be transformed into distinctive natural, recreational and environmental tourist attractions as the governorate is marking the Wilayat of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism this year.
Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, said that the Wilayat of Sur boasts a lot of natural and tourist components apart from the natural creeks. The tourism and recreational development plans seek to establish beautiful seafronts as well as enhancing coastal activities, trekking, camping and ecotourism, which contribute to economic growth.
He added: “The first phase of the Khor Al Batah development project has been approved. It involves cleaning and deepening the creek, developing the surrounding tourist and investment areas, establishing investment sites on banks as well as the construction of hotels, chalets and tourist facilities. The second phase will include the establishment of basic services. He noted that the project will open up broad horizons for investment
Khor Al Batah is one of the largest natural creeks in the Wilayat of Sur with a total area of about 5 square kilometers. It is a commercial port where commercial ships and fishing boats of various types dock. It extends for a distance of 4 kilometers from Ras Al Mil with its famous lighthouse to the Tina area in the city center. On its eastern bank is the village of Al Aija, and on its western bank is the main neighborhood of the old city of Sur. The villages of Nasma and Skaikra are located to the south of the Khor Al Batah.
Speaking about Khor Jarama in the Niyabat of Ras Al Hadd, Al Maawali said: "A project is currently under development which involves the establishment of a tourist development marina and paving the road leading to it. There is also a study of the project by the consultant the budget of which has already been approved. Regarding Khor Al Hajar in Ras Al Hadd, he said that a fishing anchorage has been set up on the creek. He noted that the governorate is currently implementing a project to develop the Al Tina area in Jabal Eid funded by Oman LNG. The project includes a 1.2-kilometre walking and cycling tracks, an open theatre, car parks for celebrations, umbrellas, a children’s playground, seating areas, among other facilities. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
