Muscat – A YouTube series called One Minute in Oman is gaining enormous popularity in the country both among citizens and residents.

Showing the unseen beauty and cultural richness of Oman, the series provides captivating visual experience of the country’s enchanting landscapes, and information on camping and trekking sites and places to explore, all within the span of a minute.

The creators want to showcase caves, beaches, cliffs, wadis and oases that are still unknown to most, even in Oman. Each minute compresses all the information of the location, including tips on how to reach, what to do and safety measures to be adopted.

The series is produced under the banner of Gargarah Oman YouTube channel and is the brainchild of Murtadha al Lawati.

“Our primary goal is to provide viewers a glimpse into the essence of Oman, condensing its wonders and uniqueness into bite-sized, immersive videos,” said Lawati, who wears the hat of director, producer and concept maker for Gargarah Oman.

By making these short videos, Lawati aims to spark curiosity, inspire wanderlust and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country. “The concept of presenting Oman in one-minute videos emerged from our desire to capture attention in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.”

Lawati realised the fact that concise, visually captivating content has the power to engage viewers and leave a lasting impression. “So I carefully selected and curated videos on a wide range of stunning locations and natural wonders. These allow viewers to experience the diversity of Oman in a compact format, encapsulated within a minute.”

One Minute in Oman aims to inspire both local and international viewers to explore the wonders of the sultanate and increase tourism.

Its small team of creators uses DSLRs, Insta360, drones, GoPros and mirrorless cameras to film and edits instantly with Final Cut Pro. Lawati does the editing himself for better creative control in story telling.

“As an explorer and travel blogger myself, I am constantly amazed by the hidden gem that is Oman. With One Minute in Oman, my ultimate goal is to share my sense of wonder and discovery with viewers, encouraging them to embark on their own journey of exploration and appreciation.”

Through the captivating visuals and condensed storytelling of each episode, Lawati hopes that viewers will be inspired to delve deeper into Oman’s rich tapestry. “I want to generate curiosity and interest in Oman using social media platforms, collaborations with tourism organisations and engagement with travel enthusiasts.”

Some of the challenges Lawati faces are extreme heat when out in nature shooting and the need to navigate difficult terrain to reach locations. “Whether it’s climbing up a steep hill, trekking through a desert, or finding the perfect vantage point, getting the shots I envision requires careful planning, physical exertion and adaptability,” he explained.

Another challenge he encounters is ensuring that the camera does justice to the breathtaking scenery. “Sometimes, despite my best efforts, the camera fails to fully capture the grandeur and beauty of Oman’s landscapes. In such cases, I find it necessary to re-shoot certain scenes to ensure that the final footage truly reflects the magnificence of the surroundings.”

One Minute in Oman serves as a quick snapshot of the remarkable places to visit in Oman. Lawati wants to expand the series from adventure spaces to exploring different themes, such as historical sites, traditional crafts and local cuisine. “This will offer viewers a broader understanding of Oman’s diverse offerings and foster a deeper appreciation for its culture,” he said.