Overview
Jebel Akhdar, meaning Green Mountain in Arabic, is a mountain plateau in the Al Hajar range of northern Oman, rising to approximately 2,000 metres above sea level. The area is renowned for its terraced agricultural landscapes, temperate climate, and dramatic canyon scenery that set it apart from the arid lowlands typical of the Arabian Peninsula. Jebel Akhdar has been inhabited for centuries, with traditional communities cultivating roses, pomegranates, walnuts, and other crops on ancient terraced fields irrigated by the falaj system. In recent years, the area has emerged as one of Oman’s premier tourism destinations, with luxury resorts and adventure tourism activities attracting domestic and international visitors year-round.
Key Facts
- Mountain plateau rising approximately 2,000 metres in the Al Hajar range
- Located in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, accessible via a controlled mountain road
- Known for Damask rose cultivation and the annual rose harvest festival
- Features dramatic canyon landscapes including the Wadi Bani Habib heritage village
- Home to luxury hospitality properties including Alila Jabal Akhdar and Anantara
- Temperate climate allows cultivation of fruits and crops uncommon in the Gulf region
- Designated as a protected area to balance development with environmental conservation
Significance for Vision 2040
Jebel Akhdar exemplifies Vision 2040’s approach to sustainable tourism development that leverages Oman’s unique natural and cultural assets. The area’s development as a high-value tourism destination generates employment and income for local communities while showcasing traditional agricultural practices and heritage architecture. Vision 2040’s tourism strategy emphasizes quality over quantity, targeting affluent travellers seeking authentic experiences, and Jebel Akhdar’s luxury resorts combined with cultural immersion opportunities align perfectly with this positioning. The preservation of the falaj irrigation system and terraced farming traditions contributes to intangible cultural heritage conservation. Careful management of visitor numbers and infrastructure development ensures that tourism growth does not compromise the environmental qualities that make Jebel Akhdar attractive.