Quriyat – The village of Hail Al Ghaf in the wilayat of Quriyat has increasingly become a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy its unique natural scenery, where lush greenery, flowing water and surrounding mountains combine to create a picturesque landscape.

Local residents have responded positively to the growing number of visitors by offering fresh local produce and traditional items that the area is known for, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

Muscat Daily visited the village during the weekend and spoke with Omani vendors and visitors who said the area witnesses particularly strong footfall during weekends.

Hail Al Ghaf is considered one of the most well-known villages in Quriyat and lies about 12km from the centre of the wilayat. The village is surrounded by mountains on three sides – giving it a distinctive natural setting that attracts nature lovers and tourists.

Yaqdhan Al Balushi, one of the local vendors, said the village is famous for growing a variety of fruits including mangoes, bananas, dates, papaya and lemons. He described Hail Al Ghaf as a lush green oasis irrigated by the village falaj, which is fed by Wadi Dayqah, one of Oman’s most famous and water-rich wadis. The wadi flows down from the high mountain peaks of Dima Wa Al Taieen.

“We sell all kinds of available fruits, and many tourists and residents visit us, especially during the weekend,” he said.

The village’s mango trees create a striking natural scene, with branches stretching over both sides of the road leading into the village, forming a green canopy that welcomes visitors. Mango trees in Hail Al Ghaf are believed to be among the oldest in Oman and are known for producing high-quality fruit. 

Some of the trees are estimated to be decades old and remain evergreen with strong growth, with certain trees producing more than 14,000 fruits annually.

Another vendor, Yusuf Mohammed, said Hail Al Ghaf also serves as an important local hub for trading agricultural products that are distributed within the wilayat and beyond. Among the most popular products sold are mangoes, dates, bananas and lemons.

He noted that the high quality of the village’s agricultural produce is attributed to the fertile soil and fresh water that irrigate its farms.

In addition to its agricultural richness, Hail Al Ghaf is home to several heritage and tourism landmarks. These include 300-year-old Falaj Hail Al Ghaf, Bait Al Burj in Hillat Al Jabal, Hail Al Ghaf Tower located at the centre of the village, the traditional village falaj and Harat Al Sharia, which features old mud houses reflecting the area’s heritage.

Ahmed Al Siyabi, another vendor selling mangoes, said many visitors – particularly tourists – come to the village, with the largest numbers arriving during weekends.

Visitors say the harmony between nature, agriculture and community hospitality makes Hail Al Ghaf a charming destination worth visiting for those looking to experience the authentic beauty of rural Oman.