Four young Omanis have come together to form a company that provides people in Oman an opportunity to experience adventure tourism while exploring the natural splendour of the sultanate

In their quest to position Oman, particularly Dhofar Governorate, as a premier destination for adventure tourism, a group of four young Omanis – Abdul Hakim Amer al Maashani, Mazen Ali Zaabanut al Mahri, Abdullah Ahmed, and Murshid Yahya al Naqeeb al Yafei -joined forces, driven by their shared passion for exploration and adventure.

Their collective vision gave rise to ‘Dhofar Tourism and Adventure Company’ to provide people in Oman with an opportunity to experience thrill while exploring the sultanate.

Abdul Hakim, chairman of the company, reflected on their journey, acknowledging the initial challenges they faced. Unified by their desire to showcase Oman’s natural beauty and capitalise on its diverse landscapes, they formed the Dhofar Tourism and Investment Company, with a primary focus on cave exploration, he disclosed.

Since its establishment in December 2020, the company has made significant progress, discovering nine caves in Dhofar, to date, while prioritising the safety of its members during expeditions. Their overarching goal, as articulated by Abdul Hakim, is not only to explore and document Oman’s cave systems but also to foster a culture of adventure within the community and bolster tourism initiatives.

Talking about their programme, he said “We seek to promote domestic tourism and attract international tourists to Oman. Their event calendar features a variety of adventurous activities, including cave explorations, hiking, and mountain climbing, and diving in Dhofar’s wadis. Programme highlights include the thrilling Zipline experience in Wadi Darbat and the Adventure Cave in Dhofar Governorate, promising participants an adrenaline-driven adventure.

Talking about the culture of adventure, he explained that it is a transformative journey that fosters self-discovery and personal growth. By engaging in adventurous activities, individuals learn to rely on themselves for problem-solving and decision-making, which builds confidence and self-assurance. Moreover, facing setbacks and obstacles during these pursuits teaches resilience, enabling individuals to tackle challenges with a positive mindset in various aspects of life.

He added, “Patience and persistence are integral components of an adventure culture, as participants learn to wait for the right conditions and endure long journeys to achieve their goals. Embracing mindfulness, adventurers appreciate the richness of each moment, fostering patience and a deeper connection with the experiences they encounter.”

According to Abdul Hakim, the adventure culture promotes independence by encouraging individuals to take initiative, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. This independence empowers individuals to pursue their passions with confidence, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of their capabilities and potential.

The group members emphasised the meticulous planning that precedes every adventure, with detailed attention given to participant activities, location study, weather conditions, and safety measures, the responsibility of which is shared by all the key members. “This thorough planning ensures a fulfilling and secure experience for all involved,” said Mazen Ali.

He highlighted various reasons why adventure travel is beneficial for individuals, citing research indicating that nature walks can reduce stress and negative thinking patterns. He also encouraged people to immerse themselves in nature to alleviate the strains of daily life.

Despite the hurdles encountered, including financial constraints and a lack of awareness about adventure tourism, the foursome remain optimistic. They stressed the importance of expanding adventure tourism guide courses to cultivate qualified guides and ensure tourist safety.

While acknowledging the government’s efforts to develop the adventure tourism sector, the group has also called for strategic projects and substantial financial support to accelerate sustainable development in Oman’s adventure tourism landscape.

Abdul Hakim was optimistic about the future of Omani tourism, reiterating the team’s commitment to documenting the country’s caves, promoting adventure tourism, and advocating sustainable practices. He encouraged Omani youth to embrace opportunities in adventure tourism, emphasising the significance of training and qualification in excelling in this field.