Muscat – Following up on the development of tourism projects and heritage villages, H E Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, visited Misfat al Abriyeen in the wilayat of Al Hamra, Dakhliyah, on Wednesday.

At an elevation of 1,000m above sea level nestled in the foothills of Jebel Shams, Misfat al Abriyeen has become a tourist attraction in recent years due to its picturesque location and views of old mud houses built atop rocks. The village also has terrace farms, narrow alleys and a walking trail that crisscrosses plantations and mud houses still being used by local residents.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said, ‘The visit aimed to review the heritage projects in the village that are carried out by the local community and Al Misfat al Ahlia Company. Ministry officials discussed developing the heritage village with new projects.’

In May 2021, Misfat al Abriyeen was chosen by World Toursm Organization (UNWTO) as one of the Best Tourism Villages.

‘The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy,’ the ministry stated.