The ‘Birds at Al Mouj Golf’ book written by well-known bird watchers, Hanne and Jens Eriksen was recently unveiled at an official launch event at Marsa Plaza, under the patronage of HE Najeeb bin Ali Al-Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs.
The event gathered bird-watching enthusiasts, golf members, media personnel and local individuals from the community to celebrate Al Mouj Golf’s extraordinary diversity of bird species Oman inhabits.
Al Mouj Golf and Al Mouj Muscat is home to 173 bird species, from the most beautiful to the rarely spotted birds in Oman and the region, all of which are included in the 180-page ‘Birds at Al Mouj Golf’ book, featuring imagery and a brief of each bird and the month it was spotted. Golfers are not only able to enjoy the phenomenal Greg Norman designed championship golf course but also appreciate the rich bird life and landscapes; hand in hand.
Commenting on the launch, HE Najeeb bin Ali Al-Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs said, “It is an honour to support the event and showcase Oman’s unique offering. Al Mouj Golf’s recent sustainable practices have not gone unnoticed, locally and worldwide and is continuously being implemented, bringing endless wildlife and birds to the area.”
Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said, “We are truly delighted to unveil the ‘Birds at Al Mouj Golf’ book alongside Hanne and Jens Eriksen. From early on it was clear that Al Mouj Golf would attract a vast number of birds, both residential and birds migrating for the winter seasons, with significant initiatives implemented in our efforts to conserve the biodiversity and natural habitats of Muscat wildlife. We are proud that the authors of the book have truly encapsulated the beauty, showcasing Oman in all its glory; as a beautiful destination for tourists.”
A championship course of the highest standard and winners of the 2019 IAGTO Sustainability Award for Community value, Al Mouj Golf received significant praise earlier in the year for its host of sustainable and community friendly practices, which have been instrumental in bringing a plethora of wildlife and bird species to the area. The facility has also been GEO Certified® since August 2017.
Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation added his support to the launch: “Congratulations to all those involved, for putting so much time and effort into researching and producing this wonderful publication. A commitment to foster nature is a key part of the GEO Certified® label, and we have been impressed not only by the diversity and richness of wildlife on the course at Al Mouj Golf, but also the way the course management team have sought to encourage this by carefully increasing the amount of natural habitat on the course.”
Furthermore, Oman continues to acquire a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting new golf destinations. In addition to the Sultanate’s leading golf course, visitors will discover some of the most captivating attractions in the Middle East, including the Daymaniyat Islands, a protected nature reserve home to an abundance of coral, turtles, whale sharks and other sea life only 30 minutes away by boat from Al Mouj Marina and Muscat, the country’s understated and charming capital, which provides a refreshing contrast to the skyscraper-studded cities synonymous with Oman’s neighbouring countries.
Early morning bird watching tours are offered by Al Mouj Golf for all to enjoy, every Monday up until April 30, 2020.
