Six decisions regulate visitor entry, camping and overnight stays to protect wildlife
Oman's Environment Authority has issued six decisions regulating the management of nature reserves. They cover visitor entry, camping, overnight stays and documentary filming, and specify activities prohibited to protect wildlife. The decisions were published in the Official Gazette on 25 October 2026 and take effect on 26 October 2026.
The decisions cover Khor Salalah Nature Reserve, Al Jabal Al Gharbi Nature Reserve, Al Dhahirah Nature Reserve, the khor reserves along the Salalah coast, Al Buraimi Oasis Nature Reserve and Ras Al Shajar Nature Reserve.
Before visiting or camping
The provisions require permits to enter the reserves concerned, camp or stay overnight. The rules for Al Jabal Al Gharbi, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi Oasis and Ras Al Shajar reserves also make roaming and mountain hiking subject to a permit.
Applications must be submitted to the Environment Authority using the designated form. The competent body must decide on an application within 30 days of receiving it complete, making advance trip planning and completion of the necessary procedures important.
Specific exemptions from the entry permit include reserve residents and their first-degree relatives, school pupils on educational trips, official government delegations, and specified military, security, government and academic personnel performing the duties set out in the provisions. These exemptions concern entry only and do not automatically waive permits for other activities.
What about photography?
The provisions require a permit for photography or filming intended to produce documentaries or promote the reserve. Personal photography is not mentioned in this clause, which specifies the purposes for which a permit is required.
The khor reserves along the Salalah coast include Khor Rori, where the coastal landscape, water and natural habitats meet. It is shown in the two photographs accompanying this article.
No hunting; keep to designated routes
The provisions prohibit hunting and the use of weapons, laying poison, and collecting fossils, archaeological objects, stones or other items found in the reserve. They also prohibit driving vehicles off designated routes, damaging trees and plants, polluting water sources, and introducing alien or invasive wildlife species.
Other activities require permits, including lighting fires outside designated areas, studies and research, and collecting wildlife samples. An entry permit does not replace the permits required for these activities.
The decisions include fees and schedules of offences and administrative fines. Details vary by reserve and activity. Anyone planning a visit or camping trip should therefore check the provisions for the intended reserve and confirm the permits and fees applicable to their trip.
Source: Oman's Official Gazette, issue 1671, dated 25 October 2026; Environment Authority Decisions Nos. 190–195/2026.
Photos: Juozas Šalna / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. · https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/