Latest news with #A'Dakhiliyah
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Nizwa: sustainable development bridging heritage and investment horizons
Nizwa — The Wilayat of Nizwa in the Governorate of A'Dakhiliyah stands as one of Oman's most prominent cultural and touristic destinations, renowned for its rich historical legacy and archaeological landmarks that chronicle significant chapters of the nation's past. Its distinctive architectural and heritage sites beautifully encapsulate Oman's authentic cultural identity. The iconic Nizwa Fort dominates the historical landscape as a masterpiece of traditional Omani architecture and engineering. Adjacent to the fort, the vibrant Nizwa Souq (market) showcases exceptional local craftsmanship, from intricately forged daggers and handcrafted silverware to traditional markets selling livestock, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. Falaj Daris, recognized on UNESCO's World Heritage list as one of Oman's largest aflaj irrigation systems, represents another jewel in Nizwa's heritage crown. This ancient water network sustains extensive agricultural lands while demonstrating centuries-old Omani ingenuity in sustainable water management. The recent development of a public garden within the falaj has further enhanced its ecological and touristic value. Nizwa's strategic geographical location, combined with its diverse topography of wadis (valleys), mountains, and verdant oases, has established it as a prime destination for cultural and eco-tourism. These natural assets, along with progressive development initiatives, have positioned the Wilayat of Nizwa as an attractive investment hub for tourism and infrastructure projects. Nizwa has achieved remarkable progress in sustainable development through Strategic initiatives have been launched in Nizwa in a bid to achieve remarkable progress in sustainable development. These initiatives have further enhanced urban infrastructure and quality of life. Significant development projects currently underway include A'Dakhiliyah Square launched earlier this year, an RO 7 million Integrated Public Transport Station, and restoration works in Haray Al Aqr where wall rehabilitation stands 65% complete with pathway paving 20% finished. The Public Garden Project has reached 40% completion, collectively aiming to elevate Nizwa's status as Oman's premier cultural-tourism destination while creating new economic opportunities. Harat Al Aqr (an old neighborhood renovated by the locals) has transformed into a flagship example of youth empowerment, hosting 78 entrepreneurial ventures that have generated over 300 jobs for young Omanis. This revitalization has turned the historical quarter into a dynamic center for innovation and traditional crafts, featuring heritage cafes, artisanal shops, private museums, restored guesthouses, and classic car exhibitions. The area's cultural renaissance has dramatically increased property values from RO 10 to RO 1,500 per square meter and now attracts over 20 official delegations annually. Sheikh Saleh Thiyab Al Rubaie, Wali of Nizwa, emphasized to Oman News Agency (ONA) that developmental projects are strategically designed to strengthen local economies while preserving cultural heritage. He noted Nizwa's unique historical assets perfectly position it to benefit from sustainable tourism and knowledge-based economic models. The Wali highlighted how historical neighborhood restoration forms a cornerstone of Nizwa's economic strategy, serving the dual purpose of safeguarding cultural identity through architectural conservation while creating employment via tourism and SME development. Nizwa Industrial City, under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), represents another facet of Nizwa's growth with 186 operational projects across 7.2 million square meters of developed area, attracting RO 504 million in cumulative investments and generating 6,100 jobs with a 45% Omanization rate. Eng. Ishaq Ibrahim Al Kharousi, Acting Director General, revealed Madayn's upcoming RO 1.2 million Entrepreneurial Complex and ongoing studies for an integrated residential zone within the industrial city. On her turn, Ahlam Hamad Al Qasabi, Director of Heritage and Tourism, outlined the ministry's comprehensive SME support programs including streamlined licensing procedures, specialized training initiatives, and incentive packages for heritage hospitality ventures. She noted how the conversion of historical homes into heritage inns perfectly illustrates the purple economy approach, citing 600,000 visitors to Harat Al Aqr in the first quarter of 2023 as evidence of this model's success in merging cultural preservation with economic viability. The ministry continues to prioritize fortress restorations and historical documentation to enhance Oman's sustainable tourism offerings while safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This comprehensive development approach positions Nizwa as a model for balanced sustainable growth, where cultural heritage preservation and modern economic development progress hand in hand, creating new opportunities while maintaining the unique identity. —— Ends/AH
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa: A landmark embodies religious, cultural significance of A'Dakhiliyah
Nizwa — Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, embodies the historical, religious, and cultural prominence of the wilayat, distinguished by its unique architectural character that reflects authentic Omani heritage. The mosque's architectural design, inaugurated on 18 September 2015, draws inspiration from the traditional style of A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, emphasizing simplicity in form and the optimal use of interior ornamentation. The mosque is distinguished by its four minarets, which lend it a distinctive charm, setting it apart from other mosques across various wilayats. The design also incorporates traditional materials and authentic Omani building colors, reinforcing the mosque's connection to the identity of the place. The mosque is located at the intersection of major roads linking Nizwa to Muscat, Salalah, and Bahla, within a new urban development plan underway in the city. Built on an 8,000-square-meter plot adjacent to Wadi Nizwa, it is clearly visible from all directions. The mosque's floor has been significantly elevated above ground level to protect it from floods and to highlight its prominent geographical location. The mosque's structure consists of a main prayer hall covering 3,546 square meters, with interior dimensions of 60 meters by 60 meters, accommodating approximately 4,500 worshippers. The main prayer hall is accessed via the qibla axis through a grand and spacious staircase and a covered courtyard. Four additional entrances allow entry from the garden to the north and south of the mosque, leading to the courtyard area adjacent to the hall via a large staircase. The covered courtyard and two open courtyards can serve as additional prayer spaces, surrounded by an arched wall enclosing ablution areas and shoe storage cabinets. The outdoor areas can accommodate around 5,300 worshippers as supplementary prayer spaces. The mosque includes a women's prayer hall with a capacity of 434, located on the ground floor and accessible separately through external courtyards and a lobby. All main facilities of the mosque are situated on the ground floor, elevated five meters above ground level, including ablution areas, offices, and auxiliary services. Meanwhile, all equipment is housed in the service floor above the main prayer hall. The mosque's architectural design features a 27-meter-diameter dome rising 55 meters above ground, flanked by four minarets, each standing 80 meters tall, marking the four corners of the main prayer hall. The exterior finishes of the prayer hall include side buttresses and parapets atop the building, all inspired by the region's prevailing architectural style. The main prayer hall is enclosed by a protective wall clad in stone, adorned with arched forms and enhanced with Quranic inscriptions and carvings. Inside, the main prayer hall rises about 14 meters, with the dome reaching approximately 40 meters in height. The interior is finished with decorative marble, ornamental plasterwork on walls, arched niches, and ceilings painted with specialized decorative pigments inspired by regional designs. The qibla wall is extensively decorated with marble, while the marble mihrab features intricate inlay and engraving work, including complex carvings, Quranic calligraphy, and geometric and floral patterns. The prayer hall's windows incorporate delicate layers of translucent marble and stained decorative glass. Sultan Qaboos Mosque Library in Nizwa stands as one of the mosque's most important facilities. Opened alongside the mosque under the supervision of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, the library spans 277.50 square meters, designed across two floors around a glass-covered central courtyard. Additionally, it includes three Quran memorization classrooms built around a dedicated courtyard and a multi-purpose hall covering 306 square meters, equipped with fixed seating and audiovisual systems for instructional use. —— Ends/AH
Times of Oman
20-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Museums tourism development conference recommends enhancing integrated management of cultural heritage
Manah: The International Conference 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" concluded its deliberations on Tuesday in the Wilayat of Manah, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, under the patronage of Nasr Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Oman Across Ages Museum. Regarding museum and heritage institutions, the conference recommended enhancing the integrated management of cultural heritage through digital documentation, oral narratives, and institutional partnerships. This aims to establish museums as living memories and drivers of sustainable tourism and cultural development. It also called for activating multilingual and multimedia museum programmes to enrich visitor experiences, expanding participation in national and international tourism routes linked to cultural identity, and integrating museums into tourism policies through models such as archaeological and heritage site museums and intangible museums. These efforts would bolster the community economy and preserve local cultural diversity. In a statement delivered by Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, concerning museum economy and tourism, the conference emphasised consolidating the role of museums in urban and tourism planning as interactive creative hubs capable of stimulating local economies and creating educational and experiential tourism pathways. It also recommended leveraging cultural entrepreneurship and digital transformation to develop smart museum models that generate sustainable income, support economic diversification within the cultural economy, and enhance participatory governance models and partnerships with the private sector and communities to improve museum investment efficiency and expand its tourism and social impact within the sustainable development agenda. As for the cultural and educational role of museums, the conference recommended repurposing museums as interactive educational spaces that promote cultural citizenship and integrate multiculturalism into educational programmes and local curricula within a comprehensive societal vision. It also advocated supporting mobile, scientific, and literary museums as alternative models to bridge learning gaps, connect visitors with knowledge and tourism experiences in marginalised environments and multicultural communities, and develop institutional partnerships between museums, educational institutions, and professional bodies to build technical capacities and produce quality cultural content that fosters integration between education and tourism. As far as digital technologies in museum exhibitions and their tourism role are concerned, the conference recommended adopting integrated digital strategies based on artificial intelligence and other modern technologies to deepen visitor experiences and amplify the cultural and tourism impact of museum content. It also called for using non-invasive analysis and documentation tools, such as multispectral imaging and digital modeling, to preserve collections and enhance museums' research and educational appeal. Additionally, it emphasised integrating interactive digital storytelling into museum marketing, transforming historical figures into digital symbols that bridge memory and innovation while engaging the global digital-native audience. Dr. Mohammed Ismail Al Nasrat, in his address on behalf of participants, highlighted Oman's ancient history spanning thousands of years and its vibrant cultural treasures embodied in every museum, fort, and city. He noted that these institutions have proven not only to be guardians of memory but also key players in shaping the future of cultural tourism in the region and the world. He emphasised Oman's profound commitment to heritage and its relentless efforts to link heritage with development, serving as a model for transforming culture into an economic, social, and humanitarian asset. The conference's third theme, 'The Cultural and Educational Role of Museums," featured several working papers discussing the educational and interactive experiences of contemporary museums. Meanwhile, the fourth theme, 'Digital Technologies in Museum Exhibitions and Their Role in Tourism," explored digital imaging, interactive guidance in museums, and artificial intelligence innovations. Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group and the keynote speaker on the final day of the conference, delivered a lecture titled 'Museums as Strategic Drivers of Tourism Growth." He highlighted museums as one of the most important attractions for cultural and knowledge-seeking tourists, their role in boosting the tourism sector, and their connection to economic, social, and cultural development. He underscored their importance in attracting culturally oriented tourists, supporting local economies, and strengthening national identity, as well as their contribution to sustainable tourism development and the diversification of tourism products and experiences. He also examined their role in reshaping cities as prime destinations, extending visitor stays, and stimulating year-round tourism spending.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Times of Oman
International conference in Oman addresses role of museums in tourism development
Manah: The deliberations of the international conference titled 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" began on Sunday at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The event, held under the patronage of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brings together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. Organised by the Oman Across Ages Museum in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference seeks to highlight the role of museums and heritage institutions in tourism development and cultural preservation. It also aims to promote museum tourism, cultural economy, and related investment opportunities, explore the educational and knowledge-based role of museums through academic partnerships, and leverage modern digital technologies to enrich visitor experiences. Additionally, the conference facilitates the exchange of expertise at both local and international levels. Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, stated that this international conference coincides with International Museum Day and seeks to foster meaningful partnerships and communication between official and private institutions in Oman's museum sector, alongside international participants from around the world. The discussions will revolve around peer-reviewed research papers, and the event also features a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the role of museum institutions in Oman. He emphasised that organising this conference is a significant step toward future events that highlight collaborative efforts among institutions involved in cultural, scientific, intellectual, and museum-related fields. In his speech, Eng. Yaqdhan Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, affirmed that the conference underscores the museum's pivotal role in sustainable development as a mirror of identity and a driving force for cultural tourism. He noted that museums have become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, presenting history as an interactive experience that engages the senses and intellect, offering visitors opportunities for conscious participation. Museums also serve as a civilizational platform fostering intercultural dialogue, providing authentic knowledge experiences, and supporting the creative economy while diversifying income sources, he said. The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Dr. Sharqi Dahmali, President of the Arab Museums Organisation and member of the Advisory Council and Strategic Planning Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). He began by defining museums and their scientific, cultural, and touristic roles for nations, emphasising their services in conveying core messages and fulfilling their social and humanitarian roles, particularly in scientific marketing. He also outlined various methods for presenting museum exhibits and explored ideas connecting Omani and Moroccan museums, given their cultural ties. Dr. Dahmali reviewed ICOM's role in museum development and international cooperation, as well as its efforts in collections management and museum administration. He discussed ICOM's professional and ethical standards for museum activities, its recommendations on cultural heritage issues, and its initiatives to build professional capacities in protecting museums and movable cultural heritage during crises. The conference is accompanied by six specialised workshops focusing on museum work and providing a platform for knowledge and practical interaction among participants. The workshops cover diverse topics such as digital technologies, museum management, community experiences, and cultural content development, bridging theoretical and practical approaches. The event also includes a parallel exhibition featuring participation from various government and private institutions. The conference will address practical themes, with the first session titled 'Museum and Heritage Institutions" exploring the importance of museums and archaeological sites in tourism development, the role of archaeological missions in uncovering civilizational and historical depth, legislative frameworks for museums in safeguarding national heritage, and the role of international organizations in protecting museum and heritage components. It will also discuss development plans for preparing archaeological and museum sites for tourism. The second theme, 'Economy and Museum Tourism," will examine museums' contributions to tourism and economic development, the economic dimensions of tourism growth, financial and human resources in museum tourism, the role of travel agencies in promoting museums, and how museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions contribute to national and individual income. Discussions will also cover sustainable investment in museums, tourism seasons, and museum and archaeological promotion. The third theme focuses on the cultural and educational role of museums, addressing curricula that emphasise museums' importance in education, collaboration between museums and academic institutions, the cultural and touristic role of private museums, and their historical and social value in scientific research. It will also explore museums' role in promoting tourism culture, serving society, and producing educational and intellectual content. The fourth theme will delve into digital technologies and experiences in museum exhibitions, their impact on cultural tourism, and their role in enhancing knowledge and intellectual engagement. It will also address the use of artificial intelligence in museum displays. The conference aims to highlight the role of museums and archaeological sites in boosting tourism, raise public awareness of museums' importance in tourism development, examine the relationship between tourism-related institutions and their role in revitalising museum activity, and strengthen cooperation between Omani, Arab, and international museums. It will also showcase their experiences in promoting Oman's civilizational and cultural aspects, marketing the Sultanate of Oman as a cultural and historical hub in the Arab world, with a focus on archaeological tourism and the significance of modern digital technologies in museum exhibitions and tourism promotion.
Times of Oman
07-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Surouh Housing Complexes: A model for building modern urban communities in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning continues to implement the Surouh initiative, aimed at developing integrated residential neighborhoods with comprehensive services. Several projects under the initiative have already achieved high sales rates in their early phases, exceeding 80%, reflecting strong public and investor confidence in this holistic housing model. The Surouh initiative includes 18 integrated residential projects across Oman's governorates, covering over 6 million square meters and comprising more than 9,950 housing units, with an estimated investment value exceeding RO 500 million. The ministry highlighted that the initiative has engaged over 360 Omani employees in its execution while benefiting 145 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in construction works—reinforcing local economic empowerment. Additionally, integrated planning and service coordination have reduced infrastructure costs by more than 45%. Key ongoing projects include the following: -Al-Naseem Neighborhood (Barka, South Al Batinah): Spanning 355,000 sqm, it offers 1,051 diverse housing units, with 60% sales recorded and investments worth RO 80 million. - Al Laban Neighborhood (Nakhal): Features 1,442 units across 646,000 sqm, with RO 111 million investment and 26% sales to date. - Hisn Al Zain (Bidbid, A'Dakhiliyah): A standout project with 75% sales, comprising 639 units on 286,000 sqm and RO 30 million investment. - Majd Neighborhood (Sohar): Attracting significant interest, with 77% of its 1,057 units sold across 370,000 sqm (RO 50 million investment). - Al Shurooq (Salalah, Dhofar): A modern model with 558 units on 324,000 sqm (RO 35 million investment) and a 79% sales rate. The Ministry highlighted that in Musandam Governorate, the "Talal Al-Nakheel" (Palm Hills) project in Khasab stands out, comprising 650 residential units including detached and semi-detached villas, townhouses, and apartments across a 635,000 square meter area, complete with public facilities and commercial zones. Meanwhile, in Muscat Governorate, "Al Ahd Neighborhood" in Al Amerat features 965 residential units with modern architectural specifications and integrated amenities spanning 445,000 square meters. The private sector plays a pivotal role, with several projects developed in collaboration with local firms, including: - Nusmat Zain (Sur): 407 units on 268,000 sqm. - Al-Mazun (Sumail): 194 units. - Al-Nama (Izki): 182 units. - Al-Salam (Al Buraimi): 521 units on 78,000 sqm. In a strategic move, the ministry recently signed 24 agreements to expedite infrastructure development—including water, sewage, electricity, and telecom networks—for eight Surouh projects. These partnerships with Nama Water Services, Nama Electricity Distribution, and Oman Broadband Company enhance the readiness of these communities for residents, ensuring carefully planned, service-integrated environments. The Surouh initiative embodies Oman's vision for modern urban communities that prioritize citizen well-being, stable living conditions, and flexible planning models. By fostering public-private partnerships, it advances housing ownership opportunities, elevates quality of life, and aligns with the goals of Oman 2040.
