Dhofar’s Desert Gems Showcase New Tourism Potential at Al-Mashash Heritage Forum, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 28, 2025

The Heritage and Al Mashash Tourism Forums in Oman’s Al Mashash District, Maqshan, Oman, Dhofar Governorate, wrapped up some rich cultural celebrations intended to display and honor the region’s diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty. This particular event has become an integral instrument to develop and market Dhofar desert gems while taking visitors into the depths of Oman. As the event was designed to market and enhance the desert beauty of Dhofar and to foster the region’s economic development, the event was scheduled for the tourism economically active winter seasons.

A Celebration of Dhofar’s Heritage and Natural Attractions

The Al-Mashash Heritage and Tourism Forum was designed to showcase the region’s diverse natural attractions, ancient traditions, and its growing significance as a key destination for cultural and adventure tourism. The forum commenced with the arrival of a tourist convoy from Salalah, which brought together tourists, locals, and international travelers eager to explore the remote desert landscapes of Dhofar.

Traditional performances, including music, dance, and storytelling, celebrated the Bedouin culture, setting the tone for the event. Among the most thrilling parts of the forum was the “Sand Challenge” competition. This off-road, four-wheel-drive event attracted adventure enthusiasts from all over Oman and beyond, creating an adrenaline-pumping spectacle amid the vast sands of the Empty Quarter.

Promoting Domestic Tourism and Local Economic Development

Organized by the General Directorate of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, in collaboration with the Office of the Wali of Maqshan, the forum is part of a larger government effort to boost domestic tourism and develop the desert regions of Oman, particularly the Empty Quarter. These initiatives are aimed at opening up new avenues for economic growth by focusing on the natural beauty, traditional arts, and handicrafts that define the Bedouin way of life.

The forum also plays a significant role in creating economic and social opportunities for the local communities. By spotlighting traditional Bedouin crafts such as weaving, pottery, and embroidery, the event helps to sustain local industries and bring them to the attention of a wider audience. Through such initiatives, the forum not only promotes heritage tourism but also provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their work, creating new economic opportunities within Maqshan and its surrounding districts.

Infrastructure Development: Connecting Maqshan to the World

Mohammed bin Amer Jadad, Deputy Wali of Maqshan, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the desert regions. The development of 170 kilometers of internal roads within Maqshan is a pivotal project that will better connect the district to surrounding areas. This road network is expected to enhance tourism activity, social stability, and economic growth by making it easier for both domestic and international tourists to access the region.

With the growing popularity of desert tourism, Maqshan is fast becoming a sought-after destination for travel operators. Marwan bin Abdulhakim Al-Ghassani, Director of Tourism Promotion, noted that international interest in the region is on the rise. Tourists from Europe, Asia, and the United States have increasingly shown interest in experiencing Maqshan’s desert landscapes, rich cultural offerings, and adventure tourism activities. This growing recognition of Maqshan as a prime destination speaks volumes about its tourism potential and the region’s ability to attract visitors seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

A Focus on Community Engagement and Youth Creativity

One of the standout aspects of the Al-Mashash Heritage and Tourism Forum was its emphasis on community engagement and the celebration of local talent. Among the highlights of the forum was the official opening of the Al-Mashash Quran Memorization Center, which aims to support the region’s youth in preserving their Islamic heritage and fostering a deeper connection to their cultural roots. The center will offer programs for students to learn and memorize the Quran, continuing Oman’s tradition of religious education.

In addition to religious and cultural performances, the forum also showcased local artisans and young talent through a crafts and student exhibition. The exhibition provided a platform for youth to display their creativity in traditional desert industries, offering a glimpse into the future of Oman’s craft-based economy. Local artists displayed intricate handwoven textiles, pottery, and handmade jewelry, offering festival-goers the chance to purchase unique, locally made goods while supporting the regional economy.

The Thrill of Adventure: Sand Challenge and Desert Sports

A key draw for adventure-seeking tourists was the two-day Sand Challenge, a high-energy off-road competition where four-wheel-drive vehicles raced across the rugged dunes of the desert. The event was designed to test the skills of drivers as they navigated challenging terrain, drawing crowds of both participants and spectators from across Oman. The challenge highlighted Dhofar’s potential as a premier destination for adventure tourism and desert sports enthusiasts.

In addition to the thrilling competition, the forum included live performances and artistic evenings, celebrating the Bedouin lifestyle through poetry, music, and dance. These performances not only provided entertainment but also served to deepen the understanding of Dhofar’s cultural heritage, ensuring that visitors walked away with a richer appreciation of the region’s unique history and traditions.

Impact on Tourism and Economic Growth in Dhofar

The Al-Mashash Heritage and Tourism Forum represents one of the foremost cultural events of the country, and serves an instrumental purpose to the country’s vision of developing tourism and integrating economic activities to promote growth in the desert areas of the country. The forum promotes the region and tourism activities in the area to be highly marketed. It focuses on the desire to promote activity on the cultivation of the desert and the region s culture and heritage in the area. The growing popularity of Maqshan and the greater Dhofar Governorate is the result of significant infrastructure development. The growing renovations to the area and the tourism of the area imply that the region will be poised to be of great importance to the country s developing vision.