Fanja Heritage House honours past while engaging with present
Known as the Fanja Heritage House, the site is now a popular exhibition and heritage inn, offering visitors a quiet retreat from urban life. It stands as an example of how heritage preservation can contribute to sustainable tourism and economic growth.
The house, originally built around 40 years ago, was revived and opened to the public two years ago by photographer and entrepreneur Saif bin Nasser al Rawahi. His vision was to preserve the memory of his ancestors while supporting tourism and the local economy in Bidbid.
Divided into three main areas, the site features a café serving traditional and modern cuisine, with seating arranged across the premises to allow visitors to enjoy the surroundings. The second area includes scenic walking paths, trees, animals, and access to Wadi Fanja, offering a natural extension of the heritage experience. The third section serves as a guest inn for overnight stays.
Rawahi said that by May 2025, the site had welcomed over 160,000 visitors from 63 countries, highlighting both the success of Omani youth in tourism initiatives and the growing interest in authentic heritage experiences. 'The beauty of the place, and the link between nature and Omani heritage, continues to attract people from all walks of life,' he said.
The heritage exhibition at the house includes three sections. One is dedicated to traditional Omani clothing, showcasing the diversity of regional attire. Another displays archaeological items made from wood, palm fronds and silver, including antique ornaments. A third section presents photographs of the Omani environment, customs and traditions, capturing the cultural essence of the sultanate.
Rawahi's project has become a model for reviving heritage spaces in a way that honours the past while engaging with the present — inviting both locals and international visitors to experience a living story of Omani identity.
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