Salalah – Adventure enthusiasts are converging on Dhofar to experience the excitement of zipline rides in Wadi Darbat and Raysut, which have quickly become khareef’s most popular attractions.

Muscat Daily spoke with several visitors who shared their excitement over the zipline and other activities lined up for visitors to Dhofar Khareef 2024.

Badr al Siyabi, a visitor from Muscat, described the 120m zipline in Wadi Darbat as an “adrenaline-charged experience coupled with breathtaking views of the wadi. The combination of speed and the panoramic scenery makes it a unique adventure”.

Khalid al Ameri, who visited Dhofar with his family, highlighted the diverse range of adventure activities available. Besides the zipline, Ameri and his family explored natural wonders such as the Tawi Attair sinkhole. “The zipline is a hit with all age groups. It’s not just about the thrill; it’s about experiencing the natural beauty of Dhofar in a memorable way.”

Elaborating on the global appeal of ziplines, Dhofar Tourism and Adventure Company’s Abdul Hakim Amer al Maashani said, “Ziplining is recognised worldwide as an exciting adventure sport. We prioritise safety through rigorous risk assessment and adherence to international standards.”

The Wadi Darbat zipline project, which began with a single line and a pleasure boat return in 2022, has significantly expanded. In 2023, there were two parallel lines, each 120m long and 8m high.

The Raysut site offers an 80m line at a height of 7m, complemented by a Via Ferrata Stages Challenge involving 200m of climbing.

According to Maashani, the zipline project posed significant challenges, including high costs, spatial constraints and extensive facilities required. “Despite these challenges, we’ve ensured comprehensive safety measures, including waist belts, helmets and weight checks. We are licensed by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, with regular inspections conducted by Royal Army of Oman.“

The project has created 45 job opportunities for young Omanis during Dhofar Khareef.

There were 816,081 visitors to Dhofar this season till August 15 – 10.3% more compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 739,884 visitors, according to preliminary estimates of National Centre for Statistics and Information.