Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate Accelerates Growth with Projects, Tourism, and Innovation

Muscat: Oman’s Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate is emerging as a powerhouse of sustainable development, with a multi-sectoral transformation led by His Excellency Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed Al Hajri. The Governorate is currently implementing 68 development projects valued at over RO 44.7 million, while an additional 10 projects worth RO 5.2 million are in the award stage—underscoring a dynamic push to upgrade infrastructure and enhance public services.

Under the Governorates Development Program, Ad Dakhiliyah has received 40 projects totaling RO 16.3 million. From 2022 to 2025, 70% of the allocated budget (RO 12.68 million) has already been disbursed. His Excellency emphasized that project selection is based on readiness, socioeconomic impact, and long-term value creation.

As a rising hub in Oman’s knowledge economy, Ad Dakhiliyah leverages its educational institutions, cultural assets, and a dynamic youth population. The number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has exceeded 14,200, supported by over RO 8 million in grants disbursed between December 2024 and February 2025. Notably, local content contributions reached 20.5% in Q1 2025, surpassing targets by 7.5%.

Youth empowerment is central to the governorate’s agenda, with initiatives such as a youth innovation and entrepreneurship award and the establishment of four specialized centers to support startups and skill development.

On the infrastructure front, major investments are underway. Road construction projects covering 203 km are progressing with an allocated budget exceeding RO 16.2 million. Between 2022 and 2024, an additional 245.5 km of roads were completed at a cost of RO 19.6 million, including 33 km dedicated to industrial zones.

Investment momentum in the governorate is at an all-time high. The number of active projects rose from 8 in 2022 to 53 in 2025—an astounding 562.5% increase. These initiatives aim to enhance public services, diversify the economy, promote job creation, and strengthen the tourism sector.

Tourism development remains a strategic focus. The revitalization of Misfat Al Abriyeen is 40% complete, while restoration efforts in Al Aqar, a historic neighborhood, are also underway. Misfat Al Abriyeen alone attracted more than 115,000 visitors in 2024, demonstrating the economic potential of heritage tourism.

Thanks to its dramatic landscapes, the governorate is fast becoming a hotspot for adventure tourism, offering mountain climbing, paragliding, and cave exploration. These activities are complemented by robust infrastructure and popular events like the Green Mountain Summer Festival and Rose Season, which support local SMEs and attract thousands of tourists.

The Mountain Spring Festival 2025 marked a 50% increase in visitors, welcoming over 80,000 attendees and supporting 30 local entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, cultural celebrations such as Soka and Samail Festivals have significantly boosted community engagement and economic activity.

In the realm of agri-tourism, Ad Dakhiliyah is promoting the cultivation of pomegranates, roses, and olives in regions like Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams. These initiatives not only support food security but also offer immersive tourism experiences rooted in Omani traditions and sustainable rural practices.