Omran launches first of its kind women to women tourism program entitled Zaree

Inaugurated by the Honorable Sheikha Safiya bint Hamdan Al Shehhi Member of the State Council and Chairperson of the Omani Women Association in Khasab, Zaree is an income generating project that will sell special tour packages exclusively to female tourists who wish to visit Khasab Castle and embark on a cultural experience of a lifetime.

Established by Omran in association with the Ministry of Tourism and a group of local women, the program aims to empower communities in Wilayat Khasab to become economically self-sufficient and self-employed.

After a private guided tour of the castle, female tourists will have a unique opportunity to savor local delicacies as well as try on traditional garments, apply henna and learn common Arabic phrases. This rare insight into the lives of these women will create a distinctive platform to bridge cultures and exchange ideas.

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism, "Every Wilayat tells a unique story and we are pleased that the first chapter of Zaree will be written in Khasab. Choosing the iconic Khasab Castle to be at the heart of the program's activities links Zaree to Oman's rich history. We have reached out to our global offices to ensure that the program extends to a wider audience through strategic tie-ups with various cruise and tour operators. The Ministry of Tourism is working closely with Omran not only to promote Khasab as a destination but also to give tourists an opportunity to explore Oman and develop a deeper understanding of our traditions and customs."

At the launch event, Eng. Wael bin Ahmed Al Lawati, Omran CEO said, "With around 50 cruise ships carrying between 400 to 4,000 passengers each expected to arrive in Khasab over the course of this season, there is no doubt that the Wilayat was the perfect launch pad for Zaree. The interaction between the women of Khasab and the women of the world will channel a cultural dialogue between civilizations, one that will make their visit even more memorable and meaningful."

He added, "Zaree is envisioned to become an authentic tourism product and will reflect the heart and charm of the Omani people while delivering economic value to local communities. This is particularly true as the women behind Zaree represent the Wilayat and its culture and are not paid tour guides. By connecting cultures, we are sparking curiosity among tourists to come and embrace the magic of Zaree. Based on its success, Omran will study the potential of rolling out the program to other regions in the country."

Fulfilling its promise to create memorable destinations and experiences, Omran has developed a sustainable program which will deliver long-term benefits to local communities and the national economy. By providing the required seed funding, know-how, training and marketing support in addition to selecting strategic partners such as the Ministry of Tourism, Omran is able to bring this first-of-its-kind program to life.