Oman is rapidly becoming a premier destination for outdoor adventure and eco-tourism. We sat down with Saud Al-Zohli, founder of Cliffora, to talk about his decade-long journey in rock climbing, the rich philosophy behind his brand, and his ambitious vision for the newly announced Cliffora Climbing School.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey? How long has rock climbing been part of your life, and what does this sport mean to you?
Saud Al-Zohli: I’m an outdoor enthusiast and rock climber based in Oman, deeply connected to our mountains and wild spaces. Rock climbing has been a central part of my life for over 10 years, starting from a pure curiosity to explore Oman’s rugged limestone cliffs and canyons, which quickly grew into a lifelong dedication.
To me, rock climbing is much more than a physical sport — it’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a continuous journey of self-discovery. When you are on the wall, everything else fades away; it demands total presence, mental resilience, and problem-solving under pressure. It teaches patience, trust in your own preparation, and how to push through perceived limits one hold at a time. Beyond the personal challenge, climbing is about connection — connecting deeply with nature and building a passionate, supportive community.
Whether it’s opening new multi-pitch routes, practicing deep water soloing along our coastline, or sharing the wall with others, this sport represents freedom, focus, and purposeful adventure.
Q: How did the idea of developing rock climbing and extreme sports in the region come about? What inspires you the most in this mission?
Saud: The idea grew naturally from looking at our surrounding landscape with a fresh perspective. Oman is home to some of the world’s most unique rock formations — dramatic limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and pristine coastlines — yet for a long time, extreme sports like rock climbing were mostly pursued by visiting athletes rather than built as a sustainable local ecosystem. The realization was clear: we have world-class terrain right in our backyard, and we needed to create the infrastructure, training, and community to make it safe and accessible for everyone locally.
What inspires me most in this mission is seeing the transformative power of this sport on people. Watching local youth and beginners step out of their comfort zones, overcome fear on the wall, and build mental resilience is deeply rewarding. Beyond individual growth, I’m driven by the vision of positioning our region as a premier global hub for outdoor adventure and eco-tourism — showing the world what Oman has to offer in rock climbing and deep water soloing, while cultivating a strong culture of environmental stewardship and community leadership.
Q: In your view, what forms the core philosophy and DNA of Cliffora? What key values do you aim to share with everyone who joins you?
Saud: At its heart, Cliffora’s DNA is built on three core pillars: Authentic Adventure, Empowerment through Community, and Environmental Stewardship. Cliffora is much more than an outdoor company or climbing school — it is a home for growth, discovery, and connection.
We believe that nature and the rock wall are incredible teachers. Our philosophy centers on creating an inspiring, safe, and welcoming space where anyone — from complete beginners to experienced athletes — can step into the wild, push past self-imposed limits, and discover their true potential.
The key values we aim to instill in everyone who joins us are:
• Resilience & Personal Growth: Viewing every challenge on and off the wall as an opportunity to build mental strength, patience, and confidence.
• Safety & Technical Excellence: Maintaining world-class standards in safety and instruction, ensuring that adventure is both thrilling and deeply responsible.
• Community & Inclusivity: Fostering a supportive, family-like ecosystem where every milestone is shared and celebrated.
• Respect for the Environment: Practicing leave-no-trace principles and encouraging active protection of our unique natural landscapes.
Q: What does it feel like to introduce people to this sport and share the untouched, raw beauty of Oman with them?
Saud: It is a deeply fulfilling and humbling experience. There is something truly magical about witnessing the moment someone stands before our towering limestone cliffs or steps off a cliff into the clear waters of Oman for the first time. You get to see their initial awe as they realize the sheer scale and untouched beauty of our landscape.
Introducing people to this sport is about much more than teaching technical movement — it’s about guiding them through a transformational personal moment. Watching someone overcome hesitation, push through fear, and reach the top of a climb with a newfound sense of confidence is deeply rewarding. Oman’s raw, rugged wilderness has a unique way of grounding people and stripping away everyday stress. Being able to share our hidden canyons, coastal routes, and mountain walls with both local climbers and international visitors fills me with immense pride. It is an honor to act as a bridge between world-class outdoor adventure and the timeless, authentic spirit of my homeland.
Q: Oman is renowned for its unique terrain. What are your top 5 recommended spots in Oman for an international traveler or climbing enthusiast to visit?
Saud: Oman is a paradise for outdoor lovers due to its rich geographical diversity. If I had to highlight five top spots for an international climber or adventure traveler, they would be:
1. Balad Sayt (Al Seer & La Gorgette sector): Located in the heart of Wadi Bani Awf, this stunning traditional mountain village is home to incredible crags like Al Seer and La Gorgette, offering world-class sport and multi-pitch climbing surrounded by dramatic canyon scenery.
2. Hadash (Wadi Mistal): Oman’s premier high-altitude sport climbing destination. Perched in a serene mountain village, it features world-class pocketed limestone with technical routes ranging from beginner to advanced.
3. Sharaf Al Alamayn: Situated high on the ridge above Al Hamra, this spot provides incredible high-elevation climbing, refreshing cool temperatures, and spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding gorges.
4. Jebel Misht: The ultimate mecca for big-wall and multi-pitch climbing in the region. Its legendary 1,000-meter cliff face attracts experienced traditional climbers from across the globe seeking an epic alpine-style challenge.
5. Qantab: Famous for its picturesque coastal geology, offering fantastic sea cliff climbing, deep water soloing (DWS), and pristine seaside adventure spots.
Q: You mentioned plans to launch the Cliffora Climbing School. Could you tell us more about this initiative — who is it designed for, and what are your next steps?
Saud: The Cliffora Climbing School was created to bridge the gap between passion and professional, safe outdoor instruction. Our goal is to make real rock climbing accessible, safe, and empowering for everyone in the region.
Who It Is Designed For:
The school is built for all progression levels. It caters to absolute beginners who have never touched rock before, gym climbers looking to transition from plastic to real outdoor limestone, and experienced climbers aiming to master lead climbing, anchor building, or technical movement on harder routes. Whether someone wants a half-day taster or a structured certification, we have a path for them.
Our Next Steps & Future Plans:
• Structured Certification & Mentorship: Expanding our certified top-rope and lead belay courses, ensuring that every climber who trains with us develops world-class safety habits, self-reliance, and technical competence.
• Developing the Base-Camp in Balad Sayt: Building a dedicated climbing hub and adventure camp directly at the foot of the crags in Balad Sayt — complete with gear rental, lodging, and community spaces for local and international climbers.
• Community & Youth Development: Launching ongoing weekly training groups and youth programs to nurture local talent and establish Oman’s next generation of outdoor leaders and competitive athletes.
Manish Singh is an entrepreneur, media executive, and international publishing professional who has built one of the fastest growing independent media networks spanning business, leadership, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and luxury. He is the Founder and CEO of Credible Media LLC, UAE, a Dubai based media company dedicated to helping individuals, brands, and organizations amplify their stories through premium editorial features, digital publishing, and strategic media exposure.
