Sur – The Ras al Hadd Turtle Reserve has confirmed its readiness for the annual sea turtle nesting season, one of Oman’s most significant environmental events, which begins in June and continues for five months.

The Ras al Hadd Advisory Committee convened last week to review final preparations. The meeting, chaired by Dr Hilal al Habsi, wali of Sur, was attended by officials from the South Sharqiyah governorate.

The nesting season draws thousands of visitors each year to witness green turtles laying their eggs on the reserve’s protected beaches. The phenomenon is considered unique to Oman and holds ecological significance.

During the meeting, committee members reviewed a range of measures, including the reserve’s capacity to handle tourist numbers, implementation of conservation protocols, and awareness campaigns targeting visitors and local communities.

Authorities stressed the need to preserve natural habitats during the nesting period and ensure visitor activities remain sustainable.

Covering 120sqkm, the Ras al Hadd Turtle Reserve is one of the largest and most important nesting sites in the Indian Ocean for green turtle (Chelonia mydas), which has been classified as endangered.

More than 20,000 turtles are estimated to migrate from locations including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Somalia to the area each year.

Visitors are offered guided tours twice daily – once in the evening and once in the early morning – led by marine conservation specialists.

These tours aim to educate the public while minimising disruption to the turtles. The reserve also features untouched sandy beaches, which contribute to its status as an eco-tourism destination.

Guests receive instructions on how to avoid harming the nesting environment.