Muscat – To offer recreational facilities and stimulate the economy, South Batinah will set up an entertainment centre in the Khabbat al Ja’adan area and also offer 11 plots of land for investment.

Known for its unique topography and location, Khabbat al Ja’adan is sometimes referred to as the Dunes of Barka, given its proximity to the area, while at other times it is referred to as Ramlat Tawq, the sand dunes that extend for 10km. The dunes are located between the wilayats of Barka and Nakhal.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, an official of the governorate said, “The Municipal Council approved the establishment of a recreational centre in Khabbat al Ja’adan, and also announced establishment of 18 residential areas in the governorate on Wednesday.”

According to the official, the 11 plots of land offered for investment are in Rustaq, Barka, Musannah, Al Awabi and Wadi al Maawal.

The projects aim to attract tourists and boost the economy. South Batinah also aims to achieve the objectives of the Governorate Development Programme, which has received the attention of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

His Majesty the Sultan raised the amount allocated to the Governorate Development Program-me from RO10mn to RO20mn for each governorate for the current Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), starting from 2022.

About the governorate’s efforts to promote tourism, the official said, “The governorate announced a three-month tourism festival starting in November with the aim of promoting tourism in all its wilayats. The festival will include several entertainment activities, folk art, exhibition of seasonal products such as dates and honey, and handcrafted products.”