Oman’s Environment Authority is taking legal action against a tourist after a viral video surfaced showing him disturbing sea turtles at the Ras Al Hadd nesting site. The footage, which depicted the visitor sitting on the back of an adult turtle and holding a baby turtle, prompted immediate intervention by authorities for clear violations of the Sultanate’s wildlife protection laws.
Screengrab from video. Photo: Rassd_24/X
Following the incident, environmental officials issued a stern public reminder that any practices threatening natural habitats will not be tolerated. The Ras Al Hadd area, located in the Sharqiya region, is a critical environmental sanctuary that attracts up to 12,000 nesting turtles annually between June and October, making strict compliance with conservation guidelines essential for the country’s biodiversity.
