To express their love and loyalty to the country and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Buraimi Charity Team in cooperation with the Administration of Tourism for North Batinah organised a hiking expedition for around 800 citizens last week. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Nasser Abdullah al Maqbali, head of the Buraimi Charity Team, said, “The aim was to promote domestic tourism, explore mountains and inculcate the culture of fitness among people.” 

The 15km hike began at 7am at Al Khan Village in Buraimi and ended at around 12pm at Hansa Village in Sohar, North Batinah. Participants carried photos of His Majesty the Sultan, the national flag and banners expressing their joy on the occasion of the 49th National Day.

“Citizens sang songs expressing their love for His Majesty the Sultan. Eight hundred citizens from different wilayats including women and children took part. Participants passed through plains, wadis and mountains. It aimed to highlight some of the unexplored sites. “We distributed about 200 prizes including restaurant vouchers, climbing sticks and perfumes. Twenty private companies sponsored the prizes.”

The team has organised 16 hiking tours since 2017 in Buraimi and Sohar to promote domestic tourism and attract more tourists. “We are organising our next hiking expedition on November 23 to celebrate the 49th National Day. The 16km journey will be from Buraimi Gate to Buraimi Hospital Roundabout.

“We call upon young people and families to participate in the event. We are cooperating with the ROP and the Ministry of Health to provide security and medical support to participants including children and women.” Registrations for the next event can be done on 92531770.