Muscat – South Batinah has announced plans to improve access to Wakan Village, situated in Wadi Mistal in the wilayat of Nakhal, with development of a new road and cable car project. The initiative aims to bolster tourism and showcase the natural beauty of the region.

South Batinah Governor’s Office has floated a tender, inviting bids from companies specialising in urban and civil engineering consultancy, architecture and project management to design the road and cable car system. Interested firms, holding valid registration with the Tender Board, are encouraged to submit proposals. Technical specifications and conditions for the project are available on the official website.

The tendering process, emphasising support for the local economy and employment, will prioritise bids that demonstrate a commitment to Omanisation and the use of national products.

Deadline for tender document acquisition is set for April 19, with final submission deadline on May 9.

Tusker Engineering Consultancy, Renardet SA & Partners, and Modon Engineering have already expressed interest in the project.

It has garnered positive reactions from local residents and tourism enthusiasts. Abdullah al Riyami, a resident of Wakan, highlighted the potential impact of a cable car on tourism, drawing attention to the village’s mild summer and cool winter temperatures, and its rich agricultural landscape. “The village is known for its agricultural terraces, cultivating a variety of fruits such as grapes, pomegranates, apricots, peaches and figs, besides legumes,” Riyami said, adding that Wakan’s peak tourist season aligns with its fruit harvesting period, particularly apricots.

Adventurer Nasser Salim underscored the importance of the project in revitalising tourism, stressing the need for better access to the village, which currently requires a vehicle with four-wheel drive.

He also highlighted the appeal of an existing hiking trail connecting Wakan Village to Jabal Akhdar to outdoor enthusiasts.

The new project follows directives from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to develop Wakan, aiming to provide essential infrastructure to leverage its tourist potential. With over 32,000 visitors of various nationalities in 2023 (Ministry of Heritage and Tourism data), the project is expected to further boost Wakan Village as a prominent tourist landmark in Oman.