MoHT implements restoration, maintenance projects in Suwaiq
Al SUWAIQ: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) is actively carrying out multiple restoration and maintenance projects aimed at preserving and rehabilitating historical and archaeological landmarks in the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq, Al Batinah North Governorate. This initiative aligns with the ministry's ongoing commitment to safeguarding Oman's rich cultural heritage across various wilayats and governorates.
Hassan bin Sulaiman al Jabri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Al Batinah North, highlighted that the directorate is undertaking a series of restoration efforts, focusing on key historical sites that reflect Oman's architectural and cultural legacy.
Among the key projects is the recently completed Al Maghabsha Wall, which underwent extensive restoration, including repairs to its walls, towers and internal components. Additionally, significant work is being carried out to restore the Al Hilal Wall, with completion anticipated within the current year. The project encompasses the renovation of walls and the maintenance of towers, ensuring structural stability and long-term preservation.
The Al Maghabsha Wall, which dates back to the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy (1807–1856 AD), is characterised by its rectangular fortress-like design. Measuring 45 metres in length and 44 metres in width, it features four cylindrical towers, each spanning three floors, emphasising its strategic and defensive significance.
Meanwhile, the Al Hilal Wall, constructed in the 13th century AH (19th century AD), showcases a square-shaped structure with an elevated entrance comprising two floors, which historically served as a vantage point for guarding and surveillance. The structure also houses two large cannons, underscoring its defensive role in the region's history.
Al Jabri underscored the importance of these restoration efforts, noting that preserving such heritage sites is crucial for documenting Oman's history and enabling future generations to appreciate their historical significance.
Additionally, restored forts and castles serve as major attractions for domestic and international tourists, contributing to the growth of cultural tourism in Oman. By preventing these landmarks from deterioration and extinction, the ministry aims to fortify national identity and promote Oman's historical narrative on a global platform. - ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Dhofar gears up for khareef with 100 tourist sites, 7,300 rooms
SALALAH, June 7 Dhofar Governorate is gearing up for its signature tourism season with a marked increase in hospitality capacity, as the number of licensed establishments reaches 100, offering 7,300 rooms, the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed. The expansion — driven by new hotel openings in Salalah, Taqah and Mirbat — is part of wider preparations for Khareef 2025, a key period for tourism in Oman. 'This capacity growth reflects our strategic focus on readiness and service excellence,' said Abdullah bin Omar al Sabbah Baaboud, Assistant Director of the Promotion Department in Dhofar. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, he noted, is working in tandem with stakeholders to upgrade tourism infrastructure and attract further investment into the hospitality sector. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a vital contributor to economic diversification and local development. According to official data, Dhofar welcomed 1.048 million visitors during the Khareef 2024 season, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. Omani visitors surged by 70.1 per cent to over 734,500, while Gulf visitors rose 16.9 per cent, reaching nearly 177,000. Visitors from other Arab nations also posted a modest increase of 3.6 per cent. By end-2024, Dhofar had 83 licensed hotel properties offering 6,537 rooms. The additional supply — set to reach 100 hotels by summer 2025 — aims to meet rising demand and expand accommodation options for a diverse visitor base. The 2024 season also featured a significantly extended calendar of events, running for 90 consecutive days. Activities ranged from cultural showcases and family entertainment to sporting attractions such as the Salalah International Cycling Tour, drawing broad audience engagement across the governorate. The ministry implemented targeted marketing campaigns, participated in international travel exhibitions; and organised media and trade familiarisation trips. Social media outreach also intensified, partnering with regional influencers to reinforce Dhofar's profile as a leading monsoon destination. Officials expect further growth in visitor arrivals over the coming seasons, supported by continuous infrastructure upgrades and broader investment in tourism services. With Khareef tourism now a centrepiece of Dhofar's economic strategy, the governorate is on track to solidify its standing as a premier destination in the Arabian Peninsula.
Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
Tourism master plan for Oman's White Mountain
MUSCAT, JUNE 7 Spanish-based tourism and hospitality industry consulting firm THR Strategic Tourism Advisors has announced that it has been appointed by Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to master plan the development of Jabal Al Abyadh (The White Mountain) into a sustainable tourism attraction. Located in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Jabal Al Abyadh is the second highest peak in Oman, reaching an elevation of around 3,000 metres. Unlike other well-known mountain destinations in the governorate, notably Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal Shams, which are connected by modern access to the summit of the White Mountain is only via graded tracks that are off-limits to only but the most skilled motorists. But with Jabal Al Abyadh enjoying almost the same favourable natural and weather-related characteristics as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal Shams – cooler climes, rugged landscapes, campsites and other features suited for adventure tourism – authorities have decided to open up this location to tourism development as well. 'We are excited to share that we've officially launched a project to develop a tourism master plan for Jabal Al Abyadh, also known as Oman's White Mountain,' said THR. The company added in a post that a team from THR, accompanied by representatives from the ministry and local experts, had recently made an initial site visit to 'explore this breathtaking destination, located less than a 2-hour drive from Muscat'. Commenting on the significance of the mountain destination, THR added: Al Abyadh holds remarkable potential for nature-based and cultural tourism, with its stunning wadis, rich archaeological sites, awe-inspiring caves, and above all the warm hospitality of its people. This visit was an essential step in understanding the area's assets and identifying opportunities for sustainable tourism development that honours both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.' According to experts, the toponym 'White Mountain' is a reference to the presence of extensive limestone and ophiolite rock formations in Jabal Al Abyadh. Part of its appeal also stems from the presence of abandoned mountain villages and ancient Aflaj system, underscoring the mountain's historical value. Additionally, pastoral communities on the summit have preferred to live traditional lives as goat-herders while eschewing many of the creature comforts afforded by modern living. THR, which has undertaken over 1100 projects in around 70 countries, specialises in tourism and hospitality industry consulting, destination strategy, marketing and management, resorts and hotels, and tourism development plans.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
South Al Sharqiyah: A summer haven for adventure and nature lovers
Muscat: South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is a prime summer tourist destination thanks to its rich natural diversity and geographical location, which includes beaches, mountain valleys, golden sands, and nature reserves. The governorate boasts several tourist destinations, including the Fath Al Khair Center, Ras Al Jinz Nature Reserve, and the Al Sulayyil Nature Reserve in the Wilayat of Al Kamil and Al Wafi. South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is famous for its historical and archaeological assets, including several historic castles and forts. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reported that the number of visitors to tourist sites in the governorate during the past year (2024) reached 38,793, while the number of visitors to the governorate in the first quarter of 2025 reached approximately 5,655. Abdullah bin Rashid Al Hajri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, said that the governorate is one of the Sultanate of Oman's governorates, some of whose wilayats enjoy moderate summer weather and a tourist attraction that combines a coastal environment with towering mountains and sweeping valleys. This creates an exceptional destination for adventure and exploration enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and an ideal place for camping, fishing, watching turtles, kitesurfing, and visiting traditional shipbuilding workshops. Al Hajri added that South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is unique in the presence of green turtles during the nesting period from June to August, making it a tourist attraction in the governorate. The Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate pointed out that visitors to the governorate during the summer can visit many historical sites such as (Bilad Sur Fort, Al Sunaysla Fort, Ras Al Hadd Fort, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort, and Al Ayjah Fort), in addition to visiting tourist sites in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate during the summer, including the turtle reserve in Ras Al Jinz, Wadi Al Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Mebam Village, Masirah Island, Kabikab Tombs, and Falaj Al Jila, which has been classified on the World Heritage List.
