Nizwa – Jabal Akhdar welcomed 101,608 visitors in the first half of 2026, marking a 13.2% increase over the same period last year, highlighting the growing appeal of one of Oman’s leading mountain destinations.

The rise comes as Jabal Akhdar prepares to become the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2027, with authorities working to strengthen infrastructure, develop new tourism experiences and expand investment opportunities for businesses and local communities.

Data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) showed that visitor numbers increased from 89,780 in the first half of 2025 to 101,608 in H1 2026.

The growth coincided with increased tourism activity, including the annual Rose Spring Festival, which draws visitors to experience Jabal Akhdar’s agricultural traditions and seasonal rose harvest.

Sheikh Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Saadi, Wali of Nizwa, said the selection as Gulf Tourism Capital provides an opportunity to strengthen Jabal Akhdar’s position on the Gulf tourism map and make greater use of its natural, agricultural, cultural and heritage assets.

He said 2027 would be a pivotal year for enhancing the wilayat’s readiness, developing tourism products and experiences, and creating year-round offerings that could increase visitor stays and tourism spending.

The efforts will also seek to increase the participation of SMEs, entrepreneurs, artisans and farmers in tourism-related economic activities.

Issa bin Saleh Al Subhi, Director of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) in Dakhliyah, said Jabal Akhdar has 246 SMEs, 11 artisans and 44 registered craft businesses.

He said these businesses could benefit from increased tourism activity in accommodation, hospitality, restaurants, cafes, transport and tourism experiences.

Agriculture remains central to the area’s economic and tourism identity, with pomegranates, olives, saffron, roses, aromatic plants and other fruits among its key products. There are 14 agricultural investment projects covering approximately 166 feddans, with a combined investment value of RO3.5mn.

The wilayat is also witnessing development and service projects worth more than RO5.7mn, including road upgrades, public facilities and improvements to health and administrative services.

Among the ongoing works are consultancy services for the design of a dual carriageway and the upgrading of the 5km entrance to Jabal Akhdar, which is 90% complete. Planning for an investment park focused on agricultural and handicraft products, tourism events and programmes is 50% complete.

A major project is Al Jabal Al Aali , with an estimated investment value of RO1.2bn. Covering 11.8sqkm at an altitude of about 2,400m, it is planned to accommodate around 10,000 residents, with more than 2,500 residential units and 2,000 hotel rooms, alongside tourism, leisure, cultural and sports facilities.