Planning nature-based wellness in arid oasis regions: resource–readiness mismatch and regional complementarity in Dakhla–Kharga, Egypt

Planning nature-based wellness in fragile oasis regions requires balancing therapeutic resources, environmental safeguards, and destination readiness. This study examines the spatial mismatch between resource potential and development capacity in Dakhla and Kharga, Egypt’s Western Desert. Using planning maps, environmental records, demographic and tourism statistics, official planning information, and peer-reviewed research, the study applies multi-criteria scoring, environmental screening, and sensitivity testing to assess the appropriateness of natural healing units. Results reveal contrasting regional strengths: Dakhla offers greater natural-resource and tourism-development potential, whereas Kharga benefits from stronger accessibility, services, and institutional support. Baseline Natural Healing Units Appropriateness Index scores are 3.60 for Dakhla and 3.20 for Kharga, with the difference narrowing to 0.05 when accessibility and services receive greater weight. The findings support complementary regional development roles rather than a single-location strategy, while establishing critical environmental safeguards as non-compensable planning thresholds for sustainable wellness development.