With an aim to promote domestic tourism and showcase Oman’s unique attractions to tourists, two enterprising youth – Abdullah Khamis al Farsi and his brother Mohammed – hailing from Sur, started a project called Oman Exploration two months ago. The aim of the project is to provide quick trips around Oman for tourists.

Abdullah and Mohammed, who have got quite a grip on what tourists seek during their trips to Oman, have devised concise trips with all the trappings of Arabia’s lures, to give visitors a feel of the life, culture and pulse of the sultanate with a few days. Trips can be customised to suit the needs and time frame available to different tourist groups of various sizes.

The trips include activities like camping, hiking and swimming in picturesque locations such as Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, visits to Al Ayjah Lighthouse, hiking to the highest spot above the popular Sur bridge and opportunities to watch colourful sunsets. Initially, all this is being offered in the wilayat of Sur.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Abdullah said, “We offers experienced drivers who take tourists to cities as well as off-road adventures, camping outdoors that is facilitated by tents carried on the car roof, opportunities to savour local food and music, as well as the service of knowledgeable Omani guides who give visitors insights about places/events and hidden stories behind various cultural observances in Sur.

Abdullah disclosed, “We’ve shot films of the tourist trips and posted them on social media, such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, to which many tourists responded from different parts of the world.” Hence, they succeed to facilitate trips of tourist groups from many countries, including UK, India and South Africa.

“We also organise visits to Bedouin settlements where tourists can experience their lifestyle, visit a camel farm, drink fresh milk, learn about Bedouin customs, and enjoy traditional food. At the end of the day, we organise a dinner and a simple outdoor party, which goes on till midnight,” Mohammed said.

In March, the brothers set off on a trip across the sultanate in their cars to promote tourism. Their plan is to drive through all the governorates of Oman and shoot films of the picturesque places and nature on the way.

“We are now camping in the wilayat of Sur, in South Sharqiyah,” said Abdullah. “The trip aims to promote tourism and document traditions and customs, besides addressing the need to preserve the environment.”

They carry along in their camper vehicle kitchen utensils, a small oven, a gas cylinder, a small refrigerator, and other necessities. They have also installed solar panels on the roof of the van for electricity at night.

The brothers camp at different spot for a few days, shooting videos of each place and documenting facts regarding hiking, swimming, fishing, climbing mountains, discovering caves and valleys, which can facilitate tourists.

Giving details about the sites, they revealed, that ‘Ezbah’ is a name given to a place where the Badawi tribe keep their camels. It is a secluded place characterised by tranquility and provides a good environment for adventure tourists. The traditional ‘Ezbah’ is located with an open tent with Bedouin hospitality.

Also, Fatah Al Khair is an air museum dedicated to the shipbuilding traditions of the city of Sur. Built over 70 years ago, the wooden fishing vessel has strong historical significance about a bygone era. It was brought back to Yemen, restored and grounded on dry land, and said to be hand-built without any nails. Fatah Al Khair is located in Al Qanjah Boat Yard within the Sur Maritime Museum.

There are other destinations of interest, like the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve which is a big draw for tourists who wish to see the fascinating nesting turtles.

The Farsi brothers say they have experience a lot during their trips around Oman and wish to share all that with tourists. Initially accepting small groups, since they can accommodate around three tourist in each car, they hope to soon expand their business to take bigger groups around Oman, those willing to tag on with their own four-wheel-drive cars.