Oman has its fair share of nature parks and protected areas.
Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Sanctuary for Natural Sceneries is about two hours from capital Muscat and can only be undertaken by four-wheel drive. The ‘green mountain’ is known for its Mediterranean climate, and produces a variety of fruits, such as apricots, plums, figs, grapes, pomegranages, apples and pears, as well as almonds, walnuts and saffron. As Saleel Nature Park, located in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, extends over an area of 220 sq km, and is predominantly covered by forests of acacia trees. It is home to a number of rare species such as the Arabian gazelle, the Omani wild cat and others, notably, the red fox and the Egyptian Eagle.Spread over 247 hectares, Al Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve comprises nine islands and features pristine white sandy beaches and a rich diaspora of coral reefs, sea turtles and migratory and indigenous birds. In 1984, the reserve was recognised internationally because it is located within the project of the Great Barrier Reef, considered an international nature reserve and one of the most beautiful diving locations in the Sea of Oman.