Latest news with #HeritageAndTourism


Times of Oman
16 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
National Records, Archives Authority organises forum
Salalah: A forum titled 'Archival Experiences' kicked off on Monday at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate. More than 230 employees representing 110 government departments are taking part in the 3-day forum, which is organised by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA), in Salalah. Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA), said that document management represents a fundamental pillar of institutional operations. Document management assumes significance due to its role in preserving, organizing and retrieving information, said Al Dhoyani. He noted that the NRAA accords great attention to document management and has therefore established specialized departments and sections run by qualified personnel. Al Dhoyani pointed out that the forum fits within the framework of steps to consolidate institutional partnerships and exchange experiences among the authorities concerned. He explained that the overall objective is to keep pace with developments in archival practices and upgrade the standards of personnel operating in this field across various units of the State's Administrative Apparatus, government companies and private institutions. For his part, Ahmed Saif Al Kiyumi, Director of the Follow-up and Technical Support Department at the NRAA, said that the forum constitutes a step forward in fostering a culture of dialogue and exchange of expertise. He added that the forum provides a platform for providing lessons, exploring development prospects and promoting the Authority's role as a trusted national reference in the management of institutional knowledge. The forum's programme includes a session titled 'Electronic Systems and Digital Transition' that provides presentations on the use of modern technologies in document management. The programme presents the 'Excellence Award' (set for the best applications in document management and digital transition) and it showcases the experience of Omani platform 'Thiqa'. Other topics to be covered during the sessions of the forum deal with the development and implementation of document management systems, academic experiences in the field, document sorting mechanisms and digitisation efforts, in addition to linking digital documentation with physical documentation. They forum's sessions will also review local and international experiences and means of enhancing knowledge and efficiency in the field of documentation, besides seeking ways to expand future cooperation among institutions operating in the field of documentation.


Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Oman: Wakan Village attracts over 27,000 visitors
Wakan Village in Wadi Mistal, the Wilayat of Nakhal in South al Batinah Governorate, received 27,428 visitors from January to July 2025, compared to 24,093 visitors during the same period in 2024, according to official statistics. Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al-Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah Governorate, said that the village's diverse tourist attractions have established it as a year-round sustainable destination. He noted that summer tourism peaks due to the village's mild climate and seasonal fruit harvests, which begin with apricots in June, followed by peaches, then figs and pomegranates in July, and three varieties of local grapes (Al-Maqdmani, Al-Malasi, and sour grapes) in August. The recent opening of 'View Wakan' café, the village's third café, has further boosted visitor numbers, especially on weekends and official holidays. The village offers experiences such as mountain stays at its guesthouse and hiking along ancient agricultural and mountain trails, which have become popular among international adventurers. Wakan also features several historical landmarks, including an ancient mosque, old neighborhoods, and agricultural terraces dating back hundreds of years. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
‘Al-Baha Summer' extended for 2 more weeks
RIYADH: Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Al-Baha region, has directed the extension of 'Al-Baha Summer' activities and programs under the slogan 'Al-Baha ... Heritage and Tourism' for an additional two weeks. This is in response to the strong turnout from residents and visitors, and out of keenness to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the tourism and entertainment activities that the region abounds with during the season, SPA reported. It comes within the framework of the governor's support to enhance Al-Baha's position as a prominent tourist destination at the national level, due to its natural resources and diverse activities that combine tourism, heritage, culture and arts, in addition to programs targeting families and children. Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Swat, mayor of Al-Baha region and chairman of the executive committee of 'Al-Baha Summer,' said that the extension included all activities held in parks, heritage markets and tourist sites.


Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Bald Sayt village: A hub for tourism, adventure enthusiasts
A'Rustaq: Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Bald Sayt village in the Wilayat of A'Rustaq in South Al Batinah Governorate, has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along the famed Wadi (valley) of Bani Auf trail, known as 'Snake Canyon' for its challenging terrain. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognized among Oman's mountain trails, linking Bald Sayt to the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village boasts five tourist facilities with 42 rooms, attracting numerous daily visitors. Its natural and heritage diversity, coupled with unique experiences, makes it particularly popular in winter (September to April) when temperatures drop and tourism peaks. Summer tourism (May to August) also thrives due to the village's moderate climate. Bald Sayt lies along an active tourist route promoted by travel companies for its historical landmarks, natural springs, and traditional markets. T These attractions complement the adventure offerings of Wadi Bani Auf and extend toward Al Hamra in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The canyon, a dramatic rock fissure in Bani Auf Valley, earns its name from its serpentine twists. Adventurers can tackle three rappelling points—the highest at 23 meters—and navigate 13 natural water pools across a 3-kilometre stretch. A shorter trail, 'Baseer Al-Zama,' features a 4-meter rappel and opportunities for swimming and cliff-jumping amid striking rock formations. Bald Sayt's origins are deeply rooted in history, with landmarks like the fortified 'Al-Manie Tower,' the ancient 'Al-Madiq Mosque,' and the 400-year-old 'Great Falaj' irrigation system, now a UNESCO-listed architectural heritage site. The village also preserves intangible heritage, including traditional crafts like basket-weaving, rope-making, and palm-frond handicrafts. Funded by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and Al Zubair Institution, the 'Agri-Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems' project aims to revitalise rural areas. As Oman's first such initiative, it seeks to bolster economic sustainability and local community development.