Jabal Akhdar – Horse riders from Oman and abroad are taking to the rugged trails of Jabal Akhdar this week as the mountain destination looks to equestrian and adventure tourism to broaden its appeal.

The first Gulf Knights Gathering began on Wednesday, bringing together 22 male and female riders from Oman, other GCC countries, Egypt and the United Kingdom for a three-day programme combining horseback riding, camping and visits to mountain villages and farms.

Organised by Dakhliyah Governorate in cooperation with the Oman on Horseback team, the gathering runs until August 21 as part of the Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026.

The programme takes riders along mountain trails beginning at Al Ghalil Park and passing through juniper and wild olive forests before reaching a campsite at an altitude of about 2,400m.

Participants will also visit villages and agricultural terraces, learn about the production of essential oils and take part in festival activities, bringing tourism closer to communities and traditional livelihoods across the mountain.

Sheikh Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Saadi, Acting Governor of Dakhliyah, said the event was part of efforts to use Jabal Akhdar’s natural and cultural assets to diversify its tourism offering.

He said the initiative seeks to link tourism with villages, agricultural areas and local products, helping generate economic activity and increase benefits for local communities.

Including the gathering in the Jabal Akhdar Festival also strengthens the role of adventure and equestrian tourism in the area, he added, while drawing attention to the mountain’s terrain, agriculture and cultural heritage.

Known for its cooler temperatures, terraced farms and high-altitude settlements, Jabal Akhdar has increasingly been promoted for outdoor experiences alongside its established appeal as a summer destination.

Saif bin Ali Al Rawahi, head of the Oman on Horseback team, said the gathering was an extension of the group’s efforts to showcase Oman’s landscapes through equestrian tourism.

Al Rawahi said bringing together riders from Oman, the Gulf, Egypt and the UK would also provide an opportunity to exchange experience while exploring the mountain on horseback.

The gathering forms part of a wider programme of tourism, cultural and community events under the Jabal Akhdar Festival, aimed at attracting visitors while increasing the involvement of local institutions and residents.