New attraction in Rakhyut offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea
Salalah, [date] — Dhofar Governorate continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination,
supported by its natural assets and a range of projects that reflect the diversity of its tourism offering.
Dhofar Municipality introduces new tourist sites each year to enhance the visitor experience during the
Khareef Dhofar season.
The Shaat Glass Viewpoint, the first project of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman, opened on [date] in the
Wilayat of Rakhyut. It combines a suspended glass viewing platform with panoramic views of the mountain
slopes and the Arabian Sea, attracting visitors from within and outside Oman, as well as photography
enthusiasts.
Shaat was selected for the project because of its natural setting. It is among Dhofar Governorate’s most
prominent tourist sites, distinguished by its considerable elevation and direct views of the sea. The location
also offers scope for development in a manner that preserves its environmental character while enhancing
its tourism appeal.
The site provides an integrated range of facilities, including the glass platform, viewing areas, seating and
rest areas, pedestrian paths, vehicle parking, toilets, prayer rooms and directional signage. The platform
measures 10 metres in length and 12 metres in width.
The viewpoint is surrounded by stalls operated by productive families, offering locally made products.
These include Omani foods such as kaak, traditional Omani bread, sweets and thareed, alongside incense,
perfumes and handicrafts.
The municipality said the site had received 50,593 visitors and more than 12,350 vehicles between its
opening and [date], making it one of the leading destinations for visitors during the Khareef Dhofar 2026
season.
Access to the platform is organised in groups of no more than 30 people, with each group allowed 10
minutes. This arrangement is intended to ensure the smooth movement of visitors and allow them to enjoy
the site and take photographs in comfort and safety.
Entry fees have been set to make the site accessible to different age groups. Children under 5 are admitted
free of charge, while tickets cost RO 1 for visitors aged 5 to 15 and RO 3 for those over 15.
Engineer Suhail bin Said al Amri, project manager of Shaat Viewpoint, said the project had been preceded
by comprehensive engineering and technical studies. These covered structural and environmental
assessments, load and wind analyses, safety evaluations and risk management, as well as geotechnical
boreholes and laboratory testing of soil and rock to verify bearing capacity and confirm the stability of the
site.
He said the steel structure supporting the platform had undergone a series of tests, including load-
resistance testing, inspection of the materials used and a review of all installation components against
approved engineering specifications. A 40-tonne load test was also carried out to confirm the capacity and
structural performance of the platform.
“The glass panels were subjected to stringent testing before and after installation, including static-load
resistance testing of two tonnes per panel, in addition to quality inspections carried out in accordance with
international specifications for such platforms,” al Amri said.
“Each panel consists of three layers with a total thickness of 43 millimetres and weighs approximately 300
kilograms. This gives the panels a high capacity to withstand loads and impacts while maintaining their
structural integrity, including in emergency situations.”
Al Amri said the project had been implemented in accordance with international engineering codes and
using high-quality construction materials. Safety measures include high protective barriers, a clearly
defined capacity limit for the platform, continuous monitoring and on-site supervision, as well as
evacuation and emergency plans.
A specialised team manages visitor movement and provides visitors with the necessary instructions before
they enter the platform.
He said the municipality was continuing to study opportunities to further develop the site and add facilities
that would enrich the visitor experience.
The project, he added, helps present Oman as a destination offering innovative and safe tourism
experiences in an exceptional natural environment. It also strengthens the country’s ability to attract
visitors interested in nature-based and adventure tourism, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
