Sohar Islamic Strengthens Smart Tourism and Local Economy During Al Jabal Al Akhdar Rose Season
Muscat: Sohar Islamic has reinforced its commitment to innovation and development in Oman by sponsoring the “Smart Passport for Rose Explorer 2026.” This initiative, organized by ELIF Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation, is part of the annual rose season in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, located in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Although the Smart Passport initiative has concluded, the rose season continues to thrive, drawing visitors and sustaining economic activity within the local ecosystem.
Interactive Guide Enhances Visitor Experience
The Smart Passport served as an interactive guide, allowing visitors to navigate event locations, farms, markets, and local projects. It also provided opportunities for participants to win prizes and rewards. This sponsorship aligns with Sohar Islamic’s strategy to support innovative initiatives that utilize modern technologies to preserve cultural and environmental authenticity, thereby contributing to national development across key sectors such as tourism and community engagement.
Fahad Al Zadjali, Head of Sohar Islamic, emphasized the significance of the sponsorship, stating that it reflects the bank’s confidence in national initiatives and institutional partnerships that enhance local experiences. He noted that the seasonal passport acted as both a marketing tool and a digital link connecting tourism, culture, and the economy. The rose season in Al Jabal Al Akhdar attracts multinational visitors and generates an estimated market value of around OMR 210,000 annually, underscoring its economic importance rooted in local cultural heritage and Oman’s natural wealth.
Technological Integration in Tourism
The passport functioned as an integrated platform, combining both digital and printed versions. It offered an interactive experience through QR code stamp systems that represented structured exploration routes. The initiative was supported by a gamified digital journey designed to enhance visitor engagement. This approach encouraged longer stays and reinforced Al Jabal Al Akhdar’s reputation as a model for sustainable smart tourism. The technological ecosystem included interactive maps, real-time tracking and analytics systems, and customized dashboards, along with incentives such as digital badges, discounts, and raffles, further enriching the tourism experience.
Boosting Agri-Tourism and Local Economy
The project also played a vital role in supporting agri-tourism by connecting visitors with the value chain of Omani rose production. It stimulated the local economy through increased demand for seasonal products and services, including farms, distillation workshops, and hospitality facilities. The broader rose season continues to generate momentum for these sectors, contributing to economic growth and sustainability.
Sohar Islamic is committed to expanding its strategic partnerships and investing in high-value opportunities that benefit all stakeholders. These national initiatives not only provide information and rewards to visitors but also stimulate local commerce. They enable companies and entrepreneurs to access accurate data that improves business efficiency. Additionally, the initiatives support the development of an integrated database of tourism attractions, offering decision-makers smart analytical reports that enhance future planning and reflect interconnected economic, tourism, and development dimensions.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Sohar Islamic reaffirms its dedication to supporting projects that leverage natural and cultural assets to create innovative tourism experiences. This commitment strengthens environmental connections and embeds sustainability principles across various sectors. The sponsorship reflects the bank’s ongoing role in empowering initiatives that integrate technology with local identity, delivering sustainable economic and social value while reinforcing Oman’s position as a dynamic tourism destination characterized by diversity and innovation.
About Sohar International
Sohar International is recognized as Oman’s fastest-growing bank, driven by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that facilitates prosperity and growth for customers, communities, and individuals. The bank aims to help people succeed by providing responsive banking solutions tailored to their evolving needs. It offers innovative services across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. With a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint, including a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at www.zawya.com.
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Published on 2026-04-19 15:43:00 • By the Editorial Desk
