The idea behind the educational entertainment platform (Sa’iH and Thinker in Oman) is based on linking science in general and, specifically, helping users acquire scientific concepts, with scientific tourism—which relies on discovering natural tourist sites in the Sultanate of Oman, and connecting the tourist’s observations of these sites to scientific foundations.

This project is considered one of the rare initiatives due to its pioneering concept that innovatively links education with tourism through the term natural scientific tourism.

Importance of the Project This project is a leading initiative that specifically draws the attention of students, and of citizens in general, across the Arab world, to re-examine environmental and tourism sites and to care for them differently. The platform corrects many alternative misconceptions about scientific sites and provides scientifically accurate information about various natural locations.

The application has also dedicated a special section to rare living organisms in Oman (rare plants, rare animals, birds, and marine life). This is done by providing information about them, their importance, and ways to benefit from them. This encourages users to reconsider what they see—plants, animals, and birds—enhances their appreciation of them, and motivates them to protect and care for them. For example, the application includes a section on rare plants found in Oman, explaining their importance, which increased users’ awareness of these plants.

What distinguishes the app is that it is not static, but interactive. Students can upload photos they took during their visits to natural tourist sites, receive interaction/feedback from other users, and they can also upload the site’s GPS location, which helps others reach and enjoy those places.

How Was the National Open Data Portal Used? First, we reviewed the most important Omani animals, plants, and birds that were added later to the platform through the Publishers section, specifically via the Environment Authority icon. We conducted a survey of the most important Omani birds, plants, and animals using the animal and bird statistics file from the Biodiversity Center.

Next, we identified the most important natural tourism sites in the Al-Wusta (Central) Governorate, and we compiled the key beaches in that region from the file: “Natural Tourism Sites in Al-Wusta Governorate.”