SALALAH: The ‘Jabjat’ area in the Wilayat of Taqah is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Dhofar Governorate during the annual Sarb season, which attracts a significant influx of visitors and tourists from across the country.
Well-known for its stunning natural beauty, this region is characterised by its mild climate and expansive green plains, making it an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts seeking relaxation in a peaceful environment.
One of Jabjat's most famous natural features is the Acacia trees, locally known as ‘Talh,’ which provide ample shade for visitors during the day. These trees lend the area a unique charm, offering an exceptional experience, especially after the khareef season when the fog that blankets the Dhofar mountains lifts, revealing clear and breathtaking landscape views.
In addition to its natural beauty, Jabjat boasts a relatively well-developed tourism infrastructure, offering various essential facilities. These include well-equipped tents that appeal to camping and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as scattered kiosks serving traditional food and beverages. Mobile toilets have been strategically placed throughout the area to meet visitors' needs, reflecting a growing focus on enhancing the tourist experience.
Significant developments in Jabjat have been driven by the efforts of the wali in Taqah, along with local shaikhs and elders. An agreement has been reached to allocate temporary tourism projects and heritage camps primarily to residents, to empower them economically and provide new job opportunities.
Strict regulatory measures have also been implemented to organise the operation of mobile camps, aiming to curb the disorganised activities that have previously harmed the environment and vegetation. The operation of temporary restaurants and kiosks has also been regulated, with priority given to residents, ensuring that the local community benefits from the growing tourist activity.
As the Sarb season approaches soon, many visitors have already started to flock to Jabjat to enjoy its natural beauty and spend quality time with family and friends. Residents are hopeful that the new measures will contribute to environmental sustainability and provide a distinctive tourist experience.
Ahmed Al Maashani, a member of the Nature Conservation Association (currently in the process of being established), voiced his concern about preserving Jabjat’s environment. He urged visitors to respect the green areas and pastures and to avoid driving their vehicles in these spaces to protect the vegetation. He also called for refraining from lighting fires near the shade trees and urged visitors to avoid discarding cigarette butts on the ground.
Al Maashani emphasised the importance of using designated rubbish bins to maintain cleanliness and highlighted the need for a continuous water supply to meet visitors' needs, thus preserving the area’s natural beauty.
Mohammed al Mashikhi, a resident of Jabjat, noted that the area still requires more essential service projects to meet the growing demands of visitors during the Sarb season.
Among the key projects are the need to expand health centre services and upgrade it to a fully equipped hospital. He also called for the construction of a large mosque to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers, especially for Friday prayers. Additionally, Al Mashikhi stressed the importance of improving road infrastructure leading to Jabjat to ensure easier and safer access to the area.
Jabjat stands as a prime example of balancing tourism development with environmental conservation, with a focus on improving the quality of services for both residents and visitors.
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