A trip to Hujrat al Sheikh.

Last week, I had a very interesting and beautiful mini trip to a very special place. I will never forget those two weekends, I was filled with positive energy and very pleasant memories. It has been a long time since I have seen beautiful places that Oman has, but we are slowly discovering new places and beautiful people in the soul and mind.

My dear readers, I will tell you about our trip starting with Friday. Being a weekend day, at home with my loved ones, we had a delicious lunch. My husband told us that he had a surprise for us, we got ready for the road. I was extremely happy that we would finally leave the house.

I was curious where we were going, and he answered that we were going to Hujurat al Shaykh, the location is after Barka, 84 km from Muscat. On the Hujurat al Sheikh heritage alley I am in this location for the first time, my husband said that it has opened.
 

The excitement and curiosity of seeing new places and spending time with my family made me forget about sleeping for a while. My daughter fell asleep immediately, she was tired.

I arrived in Wadi al Maawil at around 4pm, the entrance to Hujrat al Sheikh had old and traditional and abandoned houses, which made me curious to explore this location.

I learned from those working there that it officially opened on November 12, 2024 in the Wilayat of Wadi al Maawil, it is a traditional stone-paved tourist trail in the Wadi al Maawil region of Oman, connecting the Hujrat al Sheikh neighborhood, Al Safalah Castle and Bait al Ghasham Museum.

Stretching over 1.5 kilometers, this scenic trail is set to become a must-see for locals and tourists alike. As we strolled along the alleyway of Hajrat al Shaikh, we connected with nature and learned about its history, visiting three important historical sites: Hajrat al Shaikh, Al Safala Fort, and Bayt Al-Ghasham Museum. As we strolled along the route, we passed by some charming farms and picturesque villages, getting lost in the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

The location offered facilities and services for visitors. It was opened especially for visitors, the alley includes several cafes and rest areas, providing essential services for those exploring the route. We noticed informative signs that guided us to various location landmarks, which define the names of the carts, historical fortresses, rare trees and traditional aflaj and irrigation systems.

We stopped at a cafe on the alley, had a coffee and a very tasty cake. After that we set off further to explore the area, we noticed a zoo with exotic birds, large and small sizes. We saw small and large parrots, of different kinds, ostriches, crows, tits, eagles and others. The Zoo was pleasantly maintained where you can sit and rest with your family.

Set in the heart of lush green oases, the Hajrat al Shaikh walkway offers a serene environment that encourages relaxation and recreation. This unique destination is for health and well-being, ideal for sports activities from morning until evening. With its breathtaking surroundings, visitors of all ages are invited to stroll while enjoying the beauty of nature.

The Hajrat al Shaikh walkway is designed to reflect the local heritage, using stone materials that blend in with the surrounding environment. Amenities such as cafes, rest areas and kiosks have been designed to meet the needs of visitors, with plans to add exercise stations for an enhanced experience.

The walkway is set to become a hub for various activities, including walking events, with the Wadi al Maawal Adventure Team. With several sports activities planned, Hajrat al Shaikh Alley is not just an alley, it is also a vibrant community space that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

The alley enhances tourism by better utilizing the historical and natural sites of the area. Visitors will enjoy the charm of Hajrat al Shaikh. This wilayat is a harmonious combination of ancient castles, forts and historical towers that preserve a rich history and culture of the country. Walking through the alleys of its ancient quarters, visitors are transported back in time, where there are imposing structures, ancient mosques, Quranic schools that once housed revered scholars of jurisprudence and religion.

While walking along the alley full of people, we also entered the Al- Safala Fortress which is an emblem of the Wilayat and the heritage housed in the Al-Ghasham Museum. Each stop along the walkway offers a view of the wealth, history and cultural heritage of the region.

These castles, towers and mosques are evidently set within ancient streets and enclosed by sturdy circular walls. Made of stone and clay, these historical monuments testify to the remarkable architectural skills of their creators.

Over time, some of these historical treasures have fallen into disrepair. However, the essence of their grandeur remains untouched, leaving visitors captivated by their charm and elegance. Wadi al Maawil is not only a repository of historical landmarks, but also boasts a rich tapestry of traditional industries. The skilled craftsmen here continue to create daggers, jewelry, ceramics and palm leaves, maintaining ancient traditions in their daily lives.

It was dusk outside. We were tired and hungry. We stopped at a cafe for a coffee and a snack to keep us energized. The place was crowded.

When we left Hajrat, it was already night, we were getting ready to go home. We discovered a beautiful and interesting location. I want to come back again and recharge with positive energy where we can relax with my family.

On the way home, my husband told me that the next day we were going to Nizwa for the night. I was very happy. I wanted to visit these beautiful places again.

Written by Bogus Elena