The 'Blue Tears' of Khairan – Oman’s hidden bioluminescent wonder

Muscat: You may have seen the sparkle of fireflies on a summer’s night. The fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction in their glowing abdomens, a process known as bioluminescence.

But did you know that seascapes can also glow and glitter, thanks to the light producing abilities of many marine organisms!

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Bioluminescent creatures are found throughout marine habitats, from the ocean surface to the deep seafloor.

Photographer Majid Al-Amri says: "In the Khiran area of Muscat Governorate, where mountains embrace the sea and rocks greet the horizon, one of the rarest natural phenomena in Oman reveals itself—bioluminescence, also known as the 'Blue Tears.'

“After a half-an-hour hike along a rocky trail stretching two kilometres, we reached this hidden beach, illuminated by tiny marine organisms that emit a glowing blue light whenever the waves caress them," Al Amri added.

Brilliant blue bioluminescence had lit up Bandar Al Khairan, Seeb, Marina Bandar al Rowena, Dimaniyat, Al Bustan, Yiti areas.