Misfah Al Abriyyin village, located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is a popular tourist destination for visitors from both inside and outside Oman due to its diverse elements of nature, heritage, culture, and unique features. The village boasts many ancient ruins and heritage landmarks, such as Rogan Castle, Bait Al Baitain, and the Misfah Al Abriyyin falaj, which channels water to irrigate the farms in the mountainous village. In recognition of its cultural heritage and sustainable development efforts, the village was awarded the ‘Best Tourism Village Award’ by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2021.
Sultan Al Mukhmari, Acting Director of the Department of Historic Sites Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, highlighted the importance of Misfah Al Abriyyin village as a prominent tourist destination in the region. The village embodies an Omani oasis with its traditional architecture, agriculture, and ancient falaj irrigation systems. It plays a crucial role in creating a sustainable future for the local community, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to promote cultural heritage and sustainable development through various initiatives led by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The residents of Misfah Al Abriyyin village maintain traditional irrigation and agriculture systems, adding tourist programs and experiences that attract visitors from different nationalities. The village offers unique accommodations in heritage inns, providing guests with an immersive experience that combines the past and present. With its stunning natural scenery, palm and lemon farms, ancient houses, gates, roads, and traditional customs and traditions, tourists can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the village.
Tourist villages are evaluated based on various criteria, including cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, tourism development, governance, infrastructure, communication, health, safety, and security. Misfah Al Abriyyin village has received international recognition for its commitment to promoting and preserving cultural heritage and sustainable development through the World Tourism Organization’s initiative. The strategic focus on community collaboration and resilience aims to enhance tourism activities, develop capacities within the community cooperative, and create a balance between residents’ aspirations and visitor expectations.
Husni Al Abri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Misfah Al Abriyyin Civil Company, emphasized the global significance of Misfah Al Abriyyin village as a tourist icon. The collaboration between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the residents of the village focuses on overcoming challenges, supporting investment projects, restoring historical sites, creating job opportunities for locals, and preserving the village’s unique identity and style. The village is working on introducing new projects and infrastructure developments, including a hotel, parking facilities, and recreational activities to enhance the visitor experience and promote adventure tourism in the region.
In addition to ongoing plans for project developments, Misfah Al Abriyyin village actively participates in meetings with other tourist villages worldwide, sharing successful experiences and exchanging ideas to further enhance its tourism offerings. The unique geographical diversity of the village, with its valleys, mountains, caves, and traditional Omani falaj systems, sets it apart as a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and nature experiences. With its strong focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement, Misfah Al Abriyyin village continues to attract visitors and contribute to the local economy while preserving its rich heritage for future generations.
