Latest news with #FalajDaris
Times of Oman
05-06-2025
- 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
Observer
09-03-2025
- Observer
Have you started planning for the Eid al-Fitr holidays?
Muscat: The upcoming Eid al Fitr holidays are only a few weeks away, and it is time to get the best possible rates on airfares and hotel accommodations. For those travelling within Oman, suggestions include Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams, and the sands of South al Sharqiyah. While citizens and residents of Oman should look for visa-on-arrival and visa-free options, they must look at temperatures at destinations in Asia because of the high level of humidity and temperatures in some countries. Travel experts suggest booking accommodations early, special packages, and direct flight options, among others. For GCC residents, Oman offers a liberal tourist e-visa, visa-on-arrival, or visa-free schemes. Most GCC residents can enter the Sultanate of Oman using Visa Type 29A (Resident Tourist Visa). Some categories of travelers may not need any type of visa for a short stay of less than 14 days. Travelers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia have the option to arrive in the country directly by road. For GCC citizens and residents, the options in Oman are: South Batinah Governorate: The attractions include Al Sawadi Beach in Barka and Mussanah Beach. It has 105 tourist establishments, including hotels, hotel apartments, guest houses, green lodges, tourist camps, heritage lodges, and rest houses. Places such as the Al Sawadi Beach offer sea trips, fishing, and diving trips, while the wadis and springs provide options for recreation, including hiking. Al-Dakhiliya Governorate: T he tourist places include the Nizwa Castle, Bahla Fort, Jibreen Fort, Oman Across Ages Museum Fanja Market, Samail Fort, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Falaj Daris, Nizwa Souq, Jabal Shams, Misfat Al Abriyeen, Birkat al Mouz, Al-Hoota Caves, Al-Aqr Wall, Wadi Tanuf, Jibreen Fort, Adam Fort, Wadi al Nakhr in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, and Wadi Fanja. Al Wusta Governorate : Activities in the Al Wusta Governorate include watching wildlife (the Arabian oryx, the Arabian gazelle, and others), bird watching on the beaches, camping on the beaches or expansive deserts, hiking in Duqm, fishing, diving, relaxing, stargazing, and visiting a rock garden.
