Thursday 26 / December / 2024
Muscat: Masirah Island is witnessing an influx of tourists who come to explore the island, including its sites and surrounding waters.
Also, the island is witnessing construction of a number of hotel and tourism projects to accommodate the growing numbers of tourists from around the world.
Masirah Island is located in the southeast of the Sultanate, and is the largest island in Oman. It represents the beauty of the sea, as it appears to be a jewel amidst blue water.
Visitors to Masirah Island become enchanted by the beauty of the surrounding nature, representing the diversity of its environments.
The marine environment makes up the majority of this island. One can also see arable lands where grass grows during the rains. Additionally, there are mountains in Ras Half, Rasiah, Alijah and other areas. Furthermore, the island climate is moderate throughout the year.
Visitors to Masirah also enjoy cool breezes, while its beaches offer an unparalleled opportunity to watch rare sea turtles laying eggs, which is a popular activity among tourists.
The island can be reached on large ferries, called Aliassorahs. Aliassorahs carry cars, goods and people to and from the island.
These ferries are operated by the Shannah-Masirah maritime line, providing service for tourists, transporting passengers, as well as supplying various goods, while contributing to strengthening and revitalising social and economic development efforts on the island.
Since August 2014, two new ferries owned by National Ferries Company have been added to the fleet. Each ferry can carry 154 passengers, as well as 38 vehicles of various sizes.
Surfing is one of the attractions for tourists on Masirah Island and paragliding competitions are also held.
It is also one of the most popular destinations for lovers of sea sports, especially diving, riding jet skis and water skiing.
“The hotels of the Masirah Wilayat become filled with guests, especially during holidays”, according to PR officer Khamis Ali Khamis Al Jahmani. The most important tourist facilities include Masirah Resort, Masirah Hotel, Dana Gulf, and Sirabish Hotel, in addition to the new hotel, which is ready for operation and located downtown.
Al-Jahmani adds that the tourist season on Masirah Island begins at the beginning of May and reaches its peak in June among foreign tourists. Some set up tents in camps close to the sea. There is also a turnout among Omani visitors and those from the Gulf countries.
One of the popular tourist landmarks on the island is the Marsis Old Fort, which stands witness to the history of the Wilayat since ancient times and is located in the village of Marsis.
Another important monument on the island is the Islamic cemetery, located in Safaji village.
Also,a German group that visited the area in the past identified a number of monuments, discovered by archeologist Gerd Vaasgeri of the German Mining Museum in Bochum, as well as Ali Bikhit Al-Shanfari, the former archaeological director at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.
