Monday 30 / June / 2025
Salalah: The Environment Authority in Dhofar Governorate, in cooperation with the National Survey Authority and the Royal Air Force of Oman, today implemented the Metal Compass Project at the summit of Samhan Mountain.
The project aims to document the highest elevation point in Dhofar Governorate and transform it into a prominent environmental landmark on Oman's tourism and environmental map. Implemented within the Samhan Mountain Nature Reserve, the project provides valuable data about the reserve's characteristics to enhance environmental, tourism, and cultural awareness.
A concrete monument topped with a metal compass structure marking the four cardinal directions and nearby environmental/tourism landmarks has been installed at "Moden" summit to highlight the reserve's cultural and natural identity. Standing at 1,757.6 meters above sea level, Moden summit represents one of Oman's most distinctive natural locations and the country's second-highest mountain peak.
Engineer Zahran Ahmed Al Abdulsalam, Director General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, stated: "This project establishes Samhan Mountain summit as a promising environmental, tourism and cultural landmark offering unique experiences for both visitors and local communities."
The project enhances the reserve's status as a premier ecotourism destination while preserving its rich natural resources and authentic cultural values. Al Abdulsalam added that it invites enthusiasts to explore the reserve's natural, geological and biological aspects, which will expand fundamental knowledge for deeper understanding of its unique ecosystem and guide conservation efforts.
Notably, the Samhan Mountain Compass Project incorporates scientific, environmental, tourism and cultural dimensions. It provides crucial data about various aspects of the reserve's ecosystem, encourages preservation of natural resources, and boosts the tourism appeal of Samhan Mountain and its nature reserve.
