Arabian Oryx Sanctuary

The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary is a large protected area in Oman situated between coastal mountains and desert plains. Seasonal coastal fog provides moisture that supports vegetation growth and creates conditions where the oryx herds can find food and water.

The reserve was established in 1994 as Oman's first protected natural area and received UNESCO World Heritage designation that same year. This official status helped save the Arabian oryx from extinction after the species had vanished from the wild.

The sanctuary demonstrates the region's commitment to bringing back a species that had disappeared from nature due to past hunting. Today, visitors can witness how these animals thrive in their restored habitat and what recovery looks like on the ground.

The area is best visited during cooler months when conditions are more comfortable for walking and observing wildlife. Guided tours are the standard way to explore the sanctuary and understand the conservation work being done here.

Wadi Ja'aluni within the sanctuary marks the last place where wild Arabian oryx roamed before disappearing from the region in the 1960s. Walking through this valley today offers a direct connection to where the species once lived freely.