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<p>Geotourism plays an increasingly important role in diversifying the Sultanate of Oman’s economy while promoting regional development and cultural heritage preservation. The Saiq Plateau, situated at ~ 2,000 m elevation in the Jabal Akhdar region of the Oman Mountains, represents a prominent geotourism destination accessible via a single road. Visitor records show a steady rise from approximately 100,000 in 2009 to more than 200,000 in 2024, underscoring its growing significance. This study examines the geotourism potential and associated challenges of the Saiq Plateau, with a focus on the remote mountain village of Al-Suwgra. Abandoned in 2009, Al-Suwgra was sustainably redeveloped into an eco-friendly heritage lodge in 2016 through initiatives led by local villagers. This transformation highlights a successful model of community-driven geotourism development in the Sultanate. Preliminary geological and geomorphological assessments indicate that large-scale slope failures are unlikely, as bedding planes dip away from the settlement, and the village is largely protected from rockfalls by encasing carbonate cliffs. A small hanging valley bisecting the site channels seasonal runoff, mitigating debris-flow hazards. The findings highlight that Al-Suwgra integrates sustainable geotourism development with effective geohazard mitigation, offering a replicable framework for mountain communities across the Sultanate.</p>

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Geotourism and geohazard risk at Al-Suwgra, Saiq Plateau (Jabal Akhdar, Sultanate of Oman)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月20日

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  • Andreas Scharf,
  • Talal Al-Hosni,
  • Sobhi Nasir,
  • Amani Al-Abri,
  • Mazin Al-Shereiqi,
  • Brian Spratley,
  • Sean Spratley,
  • Said Al-Mashrafi

摘要

Geotourism plays an increasingly important role in diversifying the Sultanate of Oman’s economy while promoting regional development and cultural heritage preservation. The Saiq Plateau, situated at ~ 2,000 m elevation in the Jabal Akhdar region of the Oman Mountains, represents a prominent geotourism destination accessible via a single road. Visitor records show a steady rise from approximately 100,000 in 2009 to more than 200,000 in 2024, underscoring its growing significance. This study examines the geotourism potential and associated challenges of the Saiq Plateau, with a focus on the remote mountain village of Al-Suwgra. Abandoned in 2009, Al-Suwgra was sustainably redeveloped into an eco-friendly heritage lodge in 2016 through initiatives led by local villagers. This transformation highlights a successful model of community-driven geotourism development in the Sultanate. Preliminary geological and geomorphological assessments indicate that large-scale slope failures are unlikely, as bedding planes dip away from the settlement, and the village is largely protected from rockfalls by encasing carbonate cliffs. A small hanging valley bisecting the site channels seasonal runoff, mitigating debris-flow hazards. The findings highlight that Al-Suwgra integrates sustainable geotourism development with effective geohazard mitigation, offering a replicable framework for mountain communities across the Sultanate.