Muscat – The selection of  Jabal  Akhdar, Dakhliyah, as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2027 is expected to give a major boost to Oman’s tourism sector by attracting more visitors and investment and creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises, tourism experts said.

The designation is expected to strengthen Jabal Akhdar’s position as a leading tourism destination in the Gulf, with its distinctive natural environment, agricultural heritage, cultural assets and range of tourism experiences.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said 2027 is expected to witness a package of events and initiatives aimed at highlighting the wilayat’s tourism assets, attracting more visitors and investments, and transforming the hosting into sustainable programmes and projects that maximise the sector’s economic impact.

The initiatives are also expected to strengthen the position of  Jabal Akhdar on the Gulf and regional tourism map by promoting its heritage and experiences that combine adventure, relaxation and authentic Omani hospitality.

The announcement of the wilayat’s selection came during Oman’s participation in the 10th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC, held recently  in Bahrain.

The selection followed the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s preparation of an integrated nomination dossier highlighting Jabal Akhdar’s natural, environmental, cultural and heritage assets, along with its investment opportunities.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Saif bin Ali Al Rawahi (in photo), head of the Oman on Horseback group, said the selection marked a new phase in the wilayat’s development as a major regional tourism destination.

“Jabal  Akhdar was chosen as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2027, marking the beginning of a new phase in its journey as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the region, with its exceptional nature, unique cultural and agricultural heritage, and experiences combining adventure, relaxation and authentic Omani hospitality,” he said.

Al Rawahi said  Jabal Akhdar has a combination of tourism assets, including its mountainous landscape, moderate climate, agricultural terraces and heritage villages.

He also highlighted its seasonal agricultural products, including roses, pomegranates, walnuts and honey, which contribute to the wilayat’s distinctive tourism identity.

He said the first Gulf Knights Gathering, held in  Jabal Akhdar in August 2026 with the participation of horse riders from Oman and abroad, demonstrated the potential for organising specialised events in the wilayat.

Al Rawahi said the selection as the Gulf Tourism Capital would encourage the organisation of more events throughout 2027 to support domestic tourism and attract visitors from outside Oman.

“We are currently considering hosting a three-month horse festival in  Jabal  Akhdar next year to attract as many equestrians as possible from both within and outside the country,” he said.

He stressed that the people of  Jabal Akhdar would be at the heart of the initiative and essential partners in its success through their agricultural, handicraft and cultural heritage, as well as the products and hospitality they offer.

He said the wilayat, in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, government entities and the private sector, would work to enhance the readiness of tourism sites, services and facilities, support community initiatives and small projects, and enrich the calendar of events.

The aim, he said, was to ensure that the benefits of the designation reach entrepreneurs, productive families, farmers and artisans, making it an important milestone in the wilayat’s development.

Ameer Al Balushi, CEO of Al Salam Gate Travel and Tourism, said the selection could have a positive impact beyond Jabal Akhdar and contribute to the wider tourism sector in Oman.

He said the designation would boost tourism across the sultanate, attract a larger number of visitors, support small and medium enterprises, and stimulate the hospitality and transport sectors.

“I expect  Jabal Akhdar, with its diverse tourism attractions and resources, to achieve a major surge in visitor numbers,” Al Balushi said.

He also called on private tourism companies to develop a variety of programmes and events and make the most of the designation to further promote and revitalise tourism in Oman.

The GCC Tourism Capital designation provides an opportunity for Jabal Akhdar to showcase its natural and cultural attractions to a wider regional audience while creating greater opportunities for local communities and tourism businesses.