Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has published a bilingual guidebook for the Al Hajar Geological Park, highlighting one of Oman’s flagship geotourism projects as part of efforts to preserve the sultanate’s geological heritage and promote sustainable tourism.

Published in Arabic and English, the guide introduces the geological park and outlines its role in protecting natural heritage while showcasing Oman’s unique geological landscapes to local and international visitors.

The ministry stated that Al Hajar Geological Park is the sultanate’s first national geopark and efforts are ongoing to meet the requirements for inclusion in the Unesco Global Geoparks network.

The guide is divided into two sections. The first focuses on the park’s economic, cultural and environmental significance, highlighting its contribution to sustainable tourism, conservation of geological heritage and the creation of tourism and business opportunities for local communities through the sustainable use of natural and cultural assets.

The second section presents 20 tourism products within the park, selected for their geological, natural and cultural significance. The ministry said these attractions are intended to enrich visitors’ experiences while consolidating the park’s position as an integrated tourism and cultural destination.

Alongside the guide, the ministry also released an English-language map of the geological park, identifying tourism sites and visitor attractions across the protected area.

The park stretches across the northern Al Hajar mountain range and spans three governorates — Dakhliyah, South Batinah and North Sharqiyah. It includes 11 wilayats – Nizwa, Samail, Bidbid, Izki, Al Hamra, Jabal Akhdar, Rustaq, Al Awabi, Nakhal, Wadi Al Maawil and Mudhaibi.

The guide is part of the ministry’s wider strategy to raise awareness of Oman’s geological assets, support sustainable tourism development and advance the sultanate’s bid to secure international recognition for Al Hajar Geological Park under Unesco’s Global Geoparks programme.