Oman Opens Dar Al Abri in Wajmah Village, Transforming a Heritage House into a Mountain Retreat

A new hospitality project in Rustaq, South Al Batinah, revives traditional Omani architecture while offering visitors an authentic accommodation experience surrounded by mountain scenery.

Oman has officially opened Dar Al Abri, a heritage hospitality project in Wajmah Village in the Wilayat of Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate, following the restoration and conversion of a traditional house into tourist accommodation.

The project combines architectural preservation with the development of alternative accommodation options in Oman’s mountainous regions, offering visitors an experience rooted in the country's rural heritage.

The property was inaugurated on Sunday, November 1, 2026, under the patronage of H.E. Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, in the presence of Eng. Masoud bin Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, alongside government officials and representatives of relevant authorities.

Dar Al Abri has been developed through the adaptive reuse of an old house in Wajmah Village, preserving elements of its traditional architecture while adapting the property to accommodate visitors.

The project reflects a growing interest in transforming existing heritage buildings into distinctive tourism products rather than relying exclusively on newly constructed hotels and resorts.

This approach offers opportunities to preserve architectural identity while introducing visitors to traditional Omani lifestyles and local environments.

Financial details, including the project's investment value, number of rooms, and accommodation capacity, have not been disclosed in the available reports.

Wajmah Village is located in Wadi Al Sahtan in the Wilayat of Rustaq. It is known for its traditional houses built along mountain slopes, agricultural terraces, and historic aflaj irrigation systems.

These features give the village a distinctive architectural and natural character, setting it apart from conventional coastal and urban tourism destinations.

Restoring historic houses for hospitality purposes provides an opportunity to preserve the identity of traditional villages while giving older buildings a renewed economic and social function.

The appeal of Dar Al Abri lies in its heritage setting and mountainous location, offering travelers an opportunity to experience traditional Omani architecture and rural life rather than simply visiting nearby natural attractions.

Wajmah Village and the surrounding Wadi Al Sahtan area offer an appealing setting for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers interested in exploring Oman’s mountain communities.

Visitors planning a stay are advised to confirm reservation arrangements, available facilities, and road access conditions in advance, given the property's mountainous location.